ARC, West Los Angeles  California

Cocaine addiction is a complex condition, both clinically and physiologically. The dangers of cocaine addiction are grave and can result in fatality. ARC treats cocaine addiction through a comprehensive clinical program coupled with the safety of onsite medical services that ensure the safety of clients beginning the road to cocaine recovery. If you or someone you know is suffering from cocaine addiction call 877 415 HOPE for help today. Our credentialed staff will conduct a free assessment and answer any questions that you might have.

History of Cocaine Addiction in the United States

Cocaine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is one of the most addictive substance known to man and its possession, manufacture, and distribution is illegal for non-medicinal and non-government sanctioned purposes in most of the world. Cocaine is produced from the coca leaf and although the coca was utilized by the indigenous people of South America since the time of the Peruvian empire, it was not until 1855 that the cocaine alkaloid was first isolated by the German chemist Friedrich Gaedcke. Cocaine was initially used as an anesthetic. A close associate of Sigmund Freud first introduced him to the substance and Freud condoned its use as a “non-addictive” treatment for such conditions as morphine addiction. By late 1855 cocaine had reached such praise by the world wide medical community that it was acceptably distributed in the United States by manufacturing companies like Parke-Davis. Parke-Davis sold cocaine in various forms, including cigarettes, powder, and even a cocaine mixture that could be injected directly into the user’s veins with the included needle. The company promised that its cocaine products would “Make the coward brave, the silent eloquent and... render the sufferer insensitive to pain.”

As the turn of the twentieth century dawned, the addictive qualities of cocaine had become abundantly clear and the personal, inter-relational and social ramifications of cocaine addiction began to capture public attention in the United States. Soon the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act outlawed the use of cocaine within the U.S. and all its sovereign possessions. This lead to the public’s perception that cocaine is a narcotic which is in fact a misclassification since it is a stimulant drug.

As with the typical philosophical problems that develop from prohibition, which are to identify that the drug is the problem versus the reasons that lead to its abuse, the American public soon became the largest illicit national consumer of cocaine due to a large section of the population still being addicted.

A criminal culture sprang-up to meet the still existing demand of cocaine addicts and numerous religious, social and government prevention measures have still been inadequate in addressing the powerful addictive effects experienced in active cocaine addiction. In 2003 approximately 33.7 million Americans had tried cocaine at least once in their lifetimes, representing 13.8% of the population. (The estimated U.S. cocaine market exceeded $35 billion in 2003, at street value)

Cocaine Addiction Directly Impacts the Brain

The pharmacodynamics of cocaine is complex. One significant effect of cocaine on the central nervous system (CNS) is the blockage of the dopamine transporter protein (DAT); hence cocaine is considered a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Cocaine binds tightly at the DAT forming a complex that blocks the transporter's function; this also blocks the reuptake of the transmitter. Once released into the extracellular space dopamine accumulates there, because the recycling mechanism is inhibited by the cocaine. This results in an enhanced and prolonged sense of euphoria because of the dopaminergic signaling at dopamine receptors on the receiving neuron. Prolonged exposure to cocaine, as occurs with cocaine addiction, inhibits the normal recycling process of naturally occurring dopamine. The physical effects of a lack of reuptake of dopamine results in feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue. Despite the negative consequences experienced by the cocaine addict the intensity of these withdrawal feelings promote such powerful craving sensations that often cocaine addicts relapse against all better “judgment’, family or social pressures.

Cocaine Addiction can be Fatal

Cocaine addiction can be fatal. Cocaine consumption, in its various forms can lead to fatality stemming from:

• Stroke
• Heart-failure
• Renal failure
• Respiratory failure
• Cerebral hemorrhage

Cocaine Addiction Treatment with ARC is Comprehensive and Effective

Today cocaine addiction can be treated. We know more than ever before about the biochemistry associated with the neurology of cocaine’s effect on the brain. The treatment for cocaine addiction is directly related to the drug treatments centers capability to combat the post-acute withdrawal symptoms experienced by those suffering from cocaine addiction. One of the armaments in the ARC arsenal for treating cocaine addiction is recognition and education of the powerful euphoric effects produced by cocaine consumption. Some of these effects are:

• Euphoria
• Sexual stimulation
• Sense of exhilaration
• Alertness, sense of clarity
• Sense of positive well-being
• Perceived sense of self-control
• Sense of enhanced performance

In beginning successful cocaine addiction treatment education must include the short and long-term negative effects of its use. Some of these negative effects include:

• Cravings
• Impotence
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Feelings of discomfort
• Hyperactivity, compulsivity
• Paranoia, paranoid delusions
• Tachycardia (abnormal rapid beating of the heart)
• Twitching, itching, formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infected sores)

ARC is well versed in treating cocaine addiction. One of the most powerful elements in our successful treatment of clients suffering from cocaine addiction is the fact that many of our staff has recovered from their own addiction issues associated with cocaine. These added assets of empathy and personal recovery success are often heralded as the singular qualities that have proven most helpful to our clients experiencing cocaine addiction as they begin their own journey into cocaine addiction recovery.

Cocaine abusers have a high propensity for relapse even after enrollment in a drug treatment center. This is primarily due to the post-acute withdrawal symptoms that surface after cocaine consumption stops.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms from Cocaine Abuse:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Cravings
• Depression
• Stress sensitivity
• Memory problems
• Inability to think clearly
• Coordination problems

ARC medically and clinically treats these post-acute withdrawal characteristics of cocaine abuse which can persist for weeks or even months. Our caring, compassionate clinical approach helps clients alleviate the global ramifications of these symptoms on their emotional well-being, while our physicians and nurses intervene medically on the physical symptoms wherever possible.

ARC focuses on creating personalized treatment plans designed to address the underlying issues that have contributed to cocaine addiction. Our comprehensive individualized treatment approaches include onsite medical detoxification services, education and experiential therapy. A strong family program supports each clients loved ones as the effects of cocaine addiction are often most evident in the fractured hearts of those who love us. Our center offers each client well-appointed living arrangements and private counseling rooms. The ARC treatment philosophy is unique in that it allows each client the opportunity to eliminate negative forms of self-expression, such as cocaine addiction, while nurturing and revitalizing their personal strengths.

Cocaine addiction is complex and safe reintegration can be challenging. ARC offers transitional services including Aftercare, Continuing Care and Extended Care. A lifetime of free alumni and family services are included for all clients who complete residential care and this often makes the difference in determining sustained cocaine recovery success.

If you or someone you know needs help combating cocaine addiction call 877 415 HOPE and our credentialed staff will conduct a free assessment and provide you with the resources you need.