It’s a common desire in people to want to help their family members. However, what can you do for someone you love who has a cocaine addiction? Drug abuse affects more than the person with a substance abuse problem. So, make sure you also take care of yourself while trying to help your friend or relative. At Oceanfront Recovery, our cocaine rehab program addresses addiction challenges and includes a family therapy element to help loved ones support clients in recovery.
Tips on Supporting a Loved One with Cocaine Addiction
Friends and family often play a big role in getting someone with cocaine addiction to seek professional treatment. By encouraging someone with a cocaine use disorder to consider a rehab program, you plant the seed that may lead to active participation in evidence-based therapy. For example, in cognitive-behavioral therapy, clients battling addiction learn to overcome negative thinking and destructive behavior patterns.
Ultimately, your friend or relative has to decide to seek help on their own. However, here are some things you can do to encourage them to get help:
- Educate yourself. Learn how cocaine affects those who abuse it. Once someone becomes addicted to a substance, they no longer have control over their actions. Cocaine use will change your loved one physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your job is not to make it easier for your loved one to continue using cocaine. However, you can treat them with empathy and compassion while encouraging them to get help.
- Join a support group. If you need someone to talk to who understands your pain, join a support group for family and friends of those with a substance use disorder. Sharing your stories and listening to others’ experiences can help you better understand what you’re dealing with.
- Be persistent. You may find yourself having the same conversation with the person struggling with addiction. Make it clear that you don’t support their cocaine use but that you’re here to help when they’re ready to attend a cocaine rehab program.
- Set boundaries. Don’t make excuses for the behavior of an addict or give them money they can use to support their habit. Your loved one needs to experience the consequences of addiction and seek help on their own.
How Cocaine Affects Users?
If your loved one abuses cocaine, you will notice behavior and personality changes. Typically, cocaine also creates significant physical differences. Cocaine has a significant impact on brain chemistry and warps the brain’s pleasure centers, making it hard to experience pleasure when not using the drug. So, this drug literally robs your loved one of natural joy. The high brought on by cocaine use pushes users to take more and more. Physically, brain damage can affect the organs, cause seizures, or result in the loss of brain cells and gray matter.
Is Your Loved One Addicted to Cocaine?
Without getting them to admit cocaine use, it may be hard to spot the specific signs of cocaine addiction. When not using cocaine, you may notice the following signs in your friend or relative:
- Agitated
- Sensitive to light and sound
- Sleepiness
- Prone to nightmares
- Depression and withdrawal
Cocaine addiction treatment starts with a certified drug detox program. Once a client finishes detox, they can begin a customized rehab program that teaches them to control cravings and avoid triggers.
Discover How Oceanfront Recovery’s Cocaine Addiction Treatment Can Help
The cocaine addiction detox and recovery processes are intense. However, Oceanfront Recovery’s caring therapists and medical staff can help your loved ones reclaim their life. With a customized treatment plan, your friend or relative can access the tools they need to avoid relapse. Our aftercare program provides continuing support long after recovery. Contact us at 877.296.7477 today to speak to an admissions counselor.
