Immediate Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addicts often require intensive, long-term treatment in order to gain control of their lives again. However, immediate treatment for addiction is just as important, as cocaine is a very dangerous drug that can cause a number of serious side effects in the early stages of intoxication and withdrawal treatment.
Treatment for Cocaine Intoxication
People often begin their addiction treatment after abusing a high dose of the drug. Someone who is intoxicated in this way should be taken to the hospital immediately. According to the National Library of Medicine, “The health care provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.” Cocaine overdose is highly dangerous and can even be deadly, which is why it is important for someone who is intoxicated to be monitored closely for the first 48 hours for any issues they may experience.
In addition, a number of tests may be performed, including blood chemistries, cardiac enzymes, chest x-rays, an EKG, a urinalysis, toxicology screenings, and others. The individual will need to be stabilized as soon as possible, which can include:
- Breathing support
- IV fluids
- Medication to treat the symptoms of cocaine intoxication
- Emergency medications for any complications
The individual may be treated for high temperatures by being sedated and then submerged in ice water. If they experience psychotic symptoms, they will likely be given benzodiazepines or taken to a room with little stimulation to avoid them hurting themselves or others. The symptoms are handled as they arrive, and the main priority is keeping the patient stable.
Treatment for Cocaine Withdrawal
IV fluids may be given in order to stabilize the patient.
Sometimes, patients come straight into treatment already in the process of withdrawal from cocaine. This can be dangerous as well because the crash portion of the binge-crash cycle, especially when the patient is an addict, is intense and difficult to bear. Patients who are withdrawing from cocaine are often treated immediately with:
- Anticraving agents to minimize their severe cravings for cocaine (US Department of Veteran Affairs)
- Sedatives, hypnotics, or anti-anxiety medications to manage their symptoms (although these should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision and can be very dangerous for the addict otherwise)
- A physical examination to identify their current state and their needs
Immediate Treatment for Cocaine Addicts
While long-term treatment is incredibly important and contains most of the options that will truly help end an individual’s cocaine addiction (such as behavioral therapy), immediate treatment for cocaine addicts is incredibly necessary as well. Those who have binged, overdosed, or are withdrawing from the drug experience some of the most dangerous side effects of drug abuse, and the individual must be stabilized before they can begin long-term addiction treatment and recovery.
The medical professionals who begin treating an addict immediately are usually concerned with keeping the individual alive and stable, especially if the patient is going through overdose or withdrawal. Once these immediate effects have minimized somewhat, a patient can then begin their long-term recovery from cocaine addiction.
If you need treatment for cocaine addiction, call 800-934-3781(Who Answers?) We will help you find a program in your area that fits your needs. However, if you are experiencing an overdose or severe withdrawal situation currently, call 911 right away.