Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment Options

If you or a loved one is addicted to crack cocaine, there is nothing more important than getting immediate help. There are treatment options available, with some being more effective than others. For this reason, it is important to know what has the best chance of working, what has been proven as ineffective, and how to get started.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “in 2007, cocaine accounted for about 13 percent of all admissions to drug abuse treatment programs.”

That alone shows just how big of a problem crack cocaine abuse has become.

Due to the fact that treating an addiction must account for both the physical and psychological changes to the body, it is important for a comprehensive, targeted plan to be implemented.

Note: many people who abuse crack cocaine also experiment with other types of drugs, such as marijuana and heroin. This can make it even more challenging to decide on a treatment strategy.

Detoxification

Behavioral therapies and counseling are the main crack addiction treatments used today.

One of the primary addiction treatment options is detoxification. During this time, the addicted person will learn to live without crack cocaine. As a result, his or her body will face a variety of withdrawal symptoms.

Although this can be an uncomfortable process, it helps the person overcome the addiction while also protecting against relapse.

Behavioral Treatments

Behavioral treatments have a long history of success, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. This gives the person access to medical professionals who can help them better understand their addiction and how to deal with cravings.

Therapy and counseling alone may not be enough to beat a crack cocaine addiction, but it should definitely be considered.

Pharmacological Treatment

Although there are no FDA-approved medications for treating crack cocaine addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, among others, are working to test new ideas in an attempt to find fresh ways to treat substance abuse in a safe and efficient manner.

Some clinical trials have been promising, with the following drugs proving, to a certain degree, to reduce cocaine use: vigabatrin, topiramate, tiagabine, modafinil, and disulfiram.

There are many types of crack cocaine addiction treatment options, but it is best to seek the guidance of a rehab facility to ensure that you are considering all the most effective strategies. Additionally, a professional medical staff can answer your questions and help you understand what you need to do to put your addiction in the past for good.