Cocaine drug treatment - How do you help a cocaine addict help themselves?

Published 30/03/2009

Because of the way cocaine works on the brains reward system, it can gain a powerful hold on a person very quickly.

If you are faced with a family member with cocaine problems, you don't have to wait until they hit rock bottom before getting help.  There are strategies that can be put in place that will help someone struggling with cocaine dependency to accept that they have a problem and need specialist help to overcome it.It is often incredibly difficult to convince a person that their use of cocaine has moved from a lifestyle choice to an addiction.  However, this stage of realisation is vital if any progress is to be made in taking the next step of seeking cocaine drug treatment.   If any of the following statements apply to a family member, then it is likely that they have developed a potentially life-threatening cocaine dependency and need to seek professional help:

• Cocaine is creating a financial strain or undermining their financial stability
• They are beginning to lie about the amount of cocaine they ingest
• The thought of using cocaine fills them with excitement
• Cocaine use is beginning to interfere with necessary parts of daily life (such as family life, school or work)
• They are beginning to experience the physical symptoms of cocaine addiction such as a rapid heartbeat, chest irritation or a runny nose Etc.

Treatment and loving support are the key weapons in the fight against cocaine dependency.  However, getting a loved one to seek treatment in the first place can be difficult.  Confronting a family member about their cocaine dependency has to be done sensitively.  Sue Allchurch, research director at alcohol and drug dependency treatment specialist Linwood Group, says: "A person struggling with cocaine dependency issues has to seek treatment because they want to change.  They can only come to this realisation, when they see that their habit is costing them more than just money.  There is no point in trying to make them feel ashamed of their behaviour, as this will only be met with resentment.  They are more likely to respond if family members take the approach of showing them just how loved they are, how damaging their drug dependency has become, and inspiring them to seek help to regain control of their lives." Once a person begins to see how their behaviour is impacting both them and the people around them, there needs to be a treatment programme lined up, ready to assist them in working towards a positive lifestyle change. 

If you would like more advice on how to help a loved one confront cocaine dependency, seek help and advice from qualified experts. Appropriate cocaine dependency help can offer you and those you love hope and support and a future free from the worry and pain of addiction.

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