How Can Contingency Management Help Treat Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance. Therefore, cocaine addiction can be extremely difficult for an individual to overcome without professional care. This can be due to the potency of the drug. Prolonged misuse of the drug can lead to intense dependency making it very difficult for one to discontinue using the dangerous substance. This can be due to the increased tolerance one may develop. Participating in contingency management services can help one effectively overcome the challenges associated with cocaine addiction. The team at Restoration Recovery prides itself on helping individuals effectively regain control of their lives daily by taking the steps needed to successfully achieve recovery.
What Is Cocaine?
According to NYC.gov, cocaine is an extremely addictive substance that negatively interferes with an individual’s psyche. Coca leaves have been consumed for over a thousand years. Cocaine can be either ingested, chewed, smoked, or snorted. Some individuals have been known to mix the drug with other substances for a more intensified effect. The drug can be recognized as cocaine, crack cocaine, or powder cocaine. Different street names may include:
- Blow
- Coke
- Snow
- Flake
- Nose candy
- White horse
- Moon rock
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Based on the aforementioned NYC.gov publication, when the drug is used it can affect deep structures of the brain, which results in highly pleasurable effects following the first use. Even after a long period of discontinuing the use of the drug, even the slightest exposure to the drug can trigger intense cravings which often lead to a substance relapse. This can be due to the heightened memory of euphoria related to using the drug. Cocaine use can potentially lead to both short- and long-term effects.
Short-term symptoms of cocaine abuse may include:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased energy levels
- Sinus tachycardia
- Elevated blood pressure
- Mental alertness
- High body temperature
- Dilated pupils
- Overdose
The long-term symptoms of cocaine abuse may consist of:
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- Extreme shifts in one’s mood
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Auditory hallucinations
What Is Contingency Management?
Based on a study in the journal The Psychiatrist, contingency management is a therapeutic treatment option that has been found to be extremely effective in treating SUD and co-occurring health conditions. Clinical studies and ongoing research have proven the efficacy of the treatment. Contingency management is a popular behavioral treatment where individuals facing challenges with a dual diagnosis are rewarded for changing negative behaviors.
For instance, positive reinforcers may consist of vouchers that can be exchanged for goods or services. Depending on the contingency management program that the individual enters one may have the option to win prizes when progress has been acknowledged. Behavioral principles related to positive rewards are commonly applied to everyday and clinical settings.
Value of Contingency Management
Furthermore, many individuals have experienced improvement in participating in contingency management interventions. The response to treatment affects everyone differently as not everyone’s level of cocaine addiction is the same. Benefits of contingency management commonly include:
- Increased abstinence
- Light encouragement
- Improved compliance with psychiatric medications
- Healthy weight
- Enhanced ability to stay active
Moving Forward With Contingency Management Services at Restoration Recovery
Cocaine addiction is a prevalent issue worldwide. Choosing to move forward with addiction treatment can bring a whirlwind of emotions. Discussing the possibilities with family, friends, and loved ones may offer the right guidance needed to pursue professional care. Restoration Recovery understands the effects of cocaine use disorder can be detrimental to an individual’s well-being. Contingency management intervention has been shown to improve addiction and mental health recovery outcomes for many individuals facing problems with dependency. Additionally, many individuals are not aware that the drugs they are using are combined with other harmful substances.
Complementary Treatment Options With Contingency Management
In addition, if an individual takes time to reflect on their signs and symptoms and communicate them to their specialists they can map out an individualized treatment plan for a more successful outcome. Although the FDA has not approved prescription medications for treating cocaine use disorder, holistic treatment services can be a complementary approach to behavioral therapies to increase the efficacy of treatment. Different types of holistic treatments that may be helpful in treating cocaine addiction may consist of:
- Art therapy
- Nutrition lessons
- Vocational services
- Yoga and meditation
- Spiritual growth and development
- Recreational and leisure activities
- Cultural awareness
Alternative Treatment Options to Contingency Management
Moreover, contingency management therapy may not be for everyone. Exploring other types of therapies that may be helpful in treating cocaine use disorder may be a wise choice. Communicating specific concerns and goals can help a chosen provider at Restoration Recovery develop the best plan moving forward. Different types of treatment options that can be helpful in treating cocaine use disorder also include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Therapeutic communities
- Community-based recovery groups
- Equine therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Christian therapy
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness but wholeness. Our mission is to help people struggling with substance abuse disorder, mental health disorders, or dual-diagnosis disorders achieve long-term sobriety by offering treatment options that heal the mind, body, and spirit. Our team offers a cocaine addiction treatment program in California that helps individuals stop using cocaine once and for all. Restoration Recovery offers multiple types of cocaine addiction treatment programs in California including contingency management. If you or a loved one are facing challenges with cocaine use disorder, call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.
