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Cocaine Treatment – Hope Rehab Thailand

Cocaine Treatment at Hope Rehab

Welcome to Hope Rehab’s Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program: Cocaine addiction is a highly destructive and compulsive problem. It creates chaos and financial ruin for many people who started out taking it for recreation purposes. At Hope we regularly treat many people for this highly destructive form or addiction, with a high success rate.

The bipolar nature of cocaine creates low moods and depression. Hope’s program offers stability and a way to regulate mood with healthy activities. The rewarding nature of cocaine use means taking the time to readjust to normal healthy activities. Our program offers many healthy activities including weekend excursions and fitness that will help address this. Mindfulness and meditation will help regulate your moods and combat cravings when the hit you. Mindfulness is practices twice daily, morning and evenings with different approaches. The Hope group program and counselling will help address relapse prevention issues that are all important when returning home.

What is Cocaine and how is it used?

Cocaine belongs to a group of drugs known as stimulants sometimes referred to as uppers. It is a highly efficient substance, reaching the brain rapidly inducing euphoria and excitement as well as an enhanced sense of self or an ego boost; it is a truly hedonistic drug, often enhancing sexual feelings. Cocaine has the well-earned reputation for being highly addictive, illegal and moreish. It is widely and easily available these days and comes in various forms, e.g. as either rocky powder for sniffing, usually known as coke, or crack or freebase – which is a powder prepared for smoking, – a rock-like form which makes a cracking sound when smoked. Cocaine can also be injected.

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. It produces short-term euphoria, energy, with repeated use, cocaine can cause long-term changes in the brain’s reward system as well as other brain systems, which may lead to addiction. With repeated use, tolerance to cocaine also often develops; many cocaine abusers report that they seek but fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first exposure. Some users will increase their dose in an attempt to intensify and prolong their high, but this can also increase the risk of adverse psychological or physiological effects.

– NIDA

The Lows of Cocaine Use

Psychological effects and risks of Cocaine use:

Physical effects and risks of Cocaine use:

The Consequences of Cocaine

The intense euphoria that can be experienced when taking cocaine is due to the fact that it increases dopamine nerve-stimulation in the brain. However, the feeling is short-lived – usually between 5 and 20 minutes only. This means that cocaine, in any form, can become highly addictive in a short time, as the user tries to recreate or prolong that intensive feeling of well-being. In addition to this, as dopamine levels are depleted, the user is left with the feeling of depression or “crashing”. Cocaine users can become irritable, erratic, violent, depressed or paranoid, as a result of even relatively short-term cocaine use.

Overstimulation Effects

You know you are addicted when you cannot stop doing something that is hurting you. Robin Williams famously said: ‘Cocaine is God’s way of saying ‘You’re making too much money.’ Well I crossed many lines against my own value-system while in active addiction to cocaine. I did many bad things: I hurt people, I stole, I was selfish, however, as Vincent Van Gogh said ‘Conscience is a man’s compass’, so I new it was wrong. I believe we all know what is wrong and right, it’s the one we choose today that makes the difference.

Cocaine and Alcohol Effects

Mixing cocaine use with drinking alcohol is extremely common and can be fatal. Cocaine users often drink or use other drugs to manage the distressing come downs after a binge. So, there’s a high risk then to develop a dual dependency. When mixed, alcohol and cocaine form cocaethylene, a highly toxic substance in its own right, while at the same time masking the levels of intoxication leading the user to believe they can use even more cocaine and alcohol. The repeated chasing of the cocaine ‘high’ can lead quickly from occasional ‘social’ using to full-fledged bingeing and addiction.

Neuroscience of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine can be a difficult drug to give up. It is a highly potent psychoactive substance that alters the functioning of the central nervous system and interferes with the production of certain hormones in the brain. Abuse of this drug alters our perception of the world around us. This means that when we try to break free of cocaine, it can feel as if our own body and mind is working against us. Cocaine latches onto to certain structures that are involved in regulating dopamine levels. It also produces changes in norepinephrine and glutamate, which are the sources of its stimulant effects, this leads to euphoria and a desire to repeat the experience again and again.

Hijacked Brain: The human reward system is designed for survival but hijacked by chemical payoffs provided by substances. The reward circuitry normally bookmarks important things: food, nurturing children, education, work and friendships. However, now it has been corrupted by the Cocaine.

A Cocaine craving is a neurological impulse: Addicts usually lose control over their cocaine addiction. This is commonly known as powerlessness or compulsive behaviour.

Impulse Control: STOP >>> GO Systems in the Brain

People with addictions are low on dopamine, causing addiction, depression, loss of satisfaction, poor focus and other symptoms. Low dopamine levels cause us to consciously and unconsciously seek out dopamine raising substances or behaviours. All substances stimulate dopamine release or increase its activity and produce the hedonic response “I like that.”

The dopamine pleasure pathway is the Go System, and the prefrontal cortex is the Stop System. When we anticipate and experience something good like food or sex, alcohol or drugs, our brain experiences a surge in the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Impulsiveness Effects of Cocaine

Long-term, heavy cocaine use is known to change the brain’s ability to control impulsiveness more than any other substance. Therefore, cravings can be hard to resist, and triggers may be felt more acutely for up to a year or more.

Why denial of Cocaine addiction is so common

The lack of tangible physical withdrawal symptoms may often lead users to believe they do not have a problem. Nonetheless, the psychological dependence on cocaine in any form can be extremely debilitating. If a user is unable to stop and remain sober, residential treatment for addiction and the associated psychological disorders may be desirable.

In addition to the physical and psychological problems, there are usually financial and relationship or familial problems too. The lengths someone may go to, to hide or deny a problem with cocaine are extreme in many cases. Theft, fraud and mounting credit card debt can all be synonymous with cocaine use spiralling out of control.

Why rehab treatment gives Cocaine addicts the best chance of recovery

If you have come to the conclusion that cocaine is causing too much trouble in your life, the obvious answer to this is to just give it up. Unfortunately, this is usually much easier said than done. You may be absolutely sincere in your determination to quit, yet within a few days, or possibly even in a few hours, you are back using cocaine again. You can console yourself with the thought ‘I can always try again tomorrow’, but deep down you are troubled by how easily the addiction has been able to reel you back in.

If you want to stop using cocaine and break the destructive cycle then going to rehab will give you the best chance. A proven treatment program and experts will help you stop and stay stopped. Once the primary cocaine addiction is treated, the underlying problems that originally made cocaine use seem desirable, such as anxiety, problems in relationships, lack of self-esteem, etc., will also need to be addressed. These issues do not disappear magically. Yet, with counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and a daily recovery routine, it is possible to live a fulfilling life without the use of cocaine or any other mind-altering substances. Also taking the time to get healthy and rest from the stress that addiction can create will increase your chances of success.

Why it might feel like there’s a war going on in your brain

The reason quitting cocaine is so hard is that your brain has become divided against itself. You have consciously made the decision to quit, but there are going to be parts of your brain that will resist this decision – e.g. your internal reward system now associates reward with cocaine and lack of it can temporarily trigger episodes of anhedonia. It can feel like there is a war going on in your brain with both sides evenly matched. The benefit of choosing an inpatient rehabilitation program is it tips the balance in favor of your desire to transform your life.

However, going to an inpatient treatment center or rehab for cocaine is a sacrifice. It means committing to following a program, and you will agree to follow certain rules (e.g. you are going to be expected to remain in the rehab for a certain amount of time). Most of us are only going to be willing to make this type of sacrifice once we feel sure the benefits make it worth it. So is going to rehab for cocaine addiction worth it?

I was in treatment at Hope and thankfully Simon was my counsellor. I am a lawyer that practices in finance in Canada and the US, which can be stressful. I was in a great deal of internal turmoil when I met Simon, not to mention denial. Simon helped me to see the level of my denial and how alcohol and cocaine was affecting all aspects of my life and we addressed the underlying reasons so that I could begin to heal, and helped create a plan for recovery. Alon was wonderful in showing me ways to still my mind through meditation in different forms such as sitting meditation and Tai Chi. It’s taken some time and work, but I have been able to let go much of the fear in me and am happy and calm like never before. I would highly recommend Hope Rehab for anyone that feels they may need help with cocaine addiction. I wish you luck and peace.

– KS Canada

Benefits of professional inpatient rehab treatment

There can be a sense of relief once we accept the need for cocaine addiction treatment, but there can also be confusion, doubt, and fear as to the best way to proceed. It has likely taken a great deal of suffering for you to reach this point of transition, and you will want to choose the path that gives you the best chance of recovery. At Hope Rehab Thailand we have already helped many clients transform their lives following cocaine addiction, and we would like to do the same for you.

There are some compelling reasons for why you would want to consider professional treatment to help you overcome your dependence on cocaine. For one thing, entering an inpatient rehab program means you will be in the perfect environment, far away from your usual triggers, where you will find it easier to begin transforming your life. You will also be surrounded by the resources you need to make this transformation possible. As the physical effects are not the whole problem you can start working on the underlying problems of your addiction. Like all good things in life it usually takes some work and in this case a daily recovery routine is necessary.

Neuroscience of Cocaine Addiction

A Cocaine craving is a neurological impulse: Addicts usually lose control over their cocaine addiction. This is commonly known as powerlessness or compulsive behaviour.

How to choose a rehab for Cocaine addiction

Deciding to go to rehab is likely to be a major turning point for you, but you are still left with the decision of where to actually go. It is vital that you do not delay too long before putting your decision into action because you could easily lose your motivation for change if you wait. Therefore, you need to find a suitable rehab as soon as possible. Here are a few tips to help you find something appropriate:

Choose an inpatient treatment program tailored towards cocaine addiction – e.g. if the facility is primarily for alcohol addiction, it might not be suitable for you.
Check the philosophy of the rehab to see if it fits in with your worldview – just keep in mind that recovery usually requires a significant shift in our worldview.
It is important that any facility you choose provides a solid aftercare program – otherwise all your hard work could be lost once you return home.
You will probably want to choose a facility that provides a reasonable level of comfort – e.g. if the rehab is overcrowded, you might not be able to settle in easily.
You will want there to be a decent client-to-therapist ratio – otherwise you might not get sufficient time with the therapist.

Why choose Hope Rehab for Cocaine addiction treatment?

The chances are that you are reading this in a country that is a long way away from Thailand. Most of our clients come from Australia, Europe, and North America. Why would you want to travel so far for cocaine addiction treatment?

Well, a common reason for why clients first consider coming to us is they can’t find a suitable residential treatment center at home. It is getting harder to qualify for state-funded rehab in places like the UK, and the cost of private rehabilitation in most western countries is astronomical – at Hope, we offer an affordable solution. There can also be a lack of treatment options in places like Australia and some parts of Europe where the emphasis seems to be on a psychiatric/pharmaceutical approach to recovery.

Small community and treatment based around your individual needs

Another complaint we commonly hear from clients from the West is that treatment centers tend to be overcrowded (e.g. The Priory in London has 107 beds). This usually means the client-to-therapist ratio in the facility is not so favourable and clients may not have adequate access to the resources they need to really build a strong foundation for their new life. Here at Hope Rehab Thailand, we deliberately keep our community small (we currently have 32 beds), and this ensures that you will get all the attention you need to begin rebuilding your life.

The most important reasons for why we think you should choose Hope Rehab Thailand is our cocaine addiction treatment program contains everything you need to succeed. When you first arrive here, you will be fully assessed, and the program you will then follow will be based around your exact needs. Our team has extensive experience with helping clients overcome cocaine addiction, and you will engage in a range of treatments such as CBT, mindfulness therapy, wellness therapy, and 12 Step work.

More benefits of inpatient cocaine rehab treatment in Thailand:

One of the reasons for why Hope rehab has been so successful at helping clients break free of drugs and alcohol is the environment into which we welcome clients. We are located in a truly beautiful part of Thailand – our treatment center is surrounded by jungle on a hill overlooking the Sea of Siam. You will get to visit some of the local attraction during your stay. Our community is going to provide you with the support, encouragement, and friendship you need as you begin to transform your life. Contact us right away for more information about our cocaine addiction treatment program.

Our Cocaine Treatment Program

Detox

For some clients, there is a withdrawal process. Coming down – loss of sleep or sleep disruption due to unhealthy life patterns. Psychologically, Cocaine cessation can be painful for a period of time.

Counselling

You will build a healthy relationship with your counsellor and explore your life history – unearthing reasons why you use or why you can’t stop using.

Group Therapy

Here we share our painful experiences and help each other find solutions.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – short-term therapy with long-term results – helps with positive thinking.

Mindfulness

Sessions and practice help calm your thinking and relax the mind.

Fitness

We get up early and go for 40 minutes exercise to help restore health and ingrain a healthy behaviour pattern. I say “get up before your addiction wakes up”.