Cocaine is one of the most widely trafficked and abused drugs in the world. In 2014 alone, over 600,000 people aged 12 and over in the U.S. used cocaine for the first time, which is around 1,600 new people every day. Worse, these numbers are eerily similar to statistics from 2008 to 2012, when they ranged from 623,000 to 724,000 new users.
If you're trying to help someone struggling with cocaine addiction, it's important to do so carefully and properly. In parts one and two of our series, we suggested you do the following: understand what cocaine addiction is, carefully approach the person struggling, contact professionals and address withdrawal symptoms.
In the final part we'll explore two more ways an addict is typically treated:
1. Using the dual diagnosis approach
When using the dual diagnosis approach, a doctor looks to identify the concurrent conditions that lead to abusive drug behavior. This means it's important to not only treat the drug abuse but the environment or physical or psychological condition that caused a person to become addicted in the first place.
One such treatment center is Fairwinds Treatment Center. Founded 25 years ago by Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef, our staff of full-time psychiatrist, nursing professionals and licensed therapists uses a Dual Diagnosis method to treat patients with alcoholism and other addictions.
2. Preventing relapse
Treatment centers should also outline a strategy to prevent an addict from relapsing. Some of these include making sure he or she avoids tempting situations, developing a strong support network and creating a schedule to stay on track.
Treatment and recovery is a long journey an addict can get lost on without the proper guidance. Make sure he or she is taking the right steps to becoming free of addiction by calling Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
