The Midwest is often described as one big cornfield. Many from the area will tell you that there isn’t a lot to do besides go to Subway or Walmart. While this is a slight exaggeration, it is true that some teenagers and young adults in rural communities don’t have a lot of social options. When traveling to bigger cities, this opens the door to new and exciting opportunities. But it can also open the door to the world of substance use.
In a report from 2019, Columbus residents reported that cocaine and crack cocaine is a 10 when it comes to accessibility. This means that both substances are widely popular and easy to get. Even with the quality ranking between 4 and 5, participants stated that because of the ease of access, they will use cocaine first even if it is not their drug of choice. Law enforcement officers who participated in the report also confirmed that more residents in the Columbus area are using cocaine because it is laced with fentanyl, a highly powerful and addictive opioid. This can alleviate withdrawal symptoms for those dependent on opioids, even though cocaine itself is not in that classification.
At SUN Behavioral Columbus, we understand the concerns with cocaine use. Our goal is to provide safe and effective treatments for those managing a cocaine use disorder and give them the best options for successful recovery.
The thing about addiction is that it will look different for everyone. Some will say that using cocaine once a week makes them dependent, while others say you need to use it all day every day to be classified as dependent. To be properly diagnosed with a cocaine use disorder, one of our medical professionals or behavioral therapists will complete a thorough assessment and create a plan for your treatment path.
Cocaine can change the way the brain sees rewards to the point that nothing seems exciting anymore. At SUN Columbus, we understand how difficult this can be and work together with you to heal your body, mind, and spirit. Our program consists of:
A full medical detox is not required for cocaine. The staff at SUN Columbus understands the difficulties of withdrawal and will work with each patient to provide comfort and safety. Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
SUN Columbus offers mental and physical stability in a safe environment during this time. An assessment will be completed to decide the best course of treatment for each patient individually.
Our inpatient treatment consists of daily therapy and mental health assessments to find out the root causes of cocaine use disorder. The main therapy used at SUN Columbus is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT addresses the thought patterns and beliefs that lead to behaviors and how to modify them. We also use group psychotherapy, which allows patients to realize they aren’t alone while getting support, a sense of community, and recovery tips from others going through similar situations. Recreational therapy allows patients to express themselves in creative ways and ease symptoms of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This treatment provides 24/7 care onsite in our 144-bed facility.
The journey through a dual diagnosis can be riddled with turmoil. Together, we can do it. Call SUN Columbus today.
PHP at our facility is for those who come for the day and receive treatment, therapy, and medication management then return home for the night. Outpatient offers the same but only for a few hours a day, five days a week. Both treatment programs are designed to build on progress made during inpatient stay and continue the path of recovery from cocaine use disorder. Therapies provided are usually in a group setting and consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), coping skills training, and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). WRAP is an evidence-based system to help people understand wellness techniques for relapse prevention. Our team of psychiatrists also provides comprehensive medication oversight management.
Seeking treatment for cocaine use disorder is a great step in the right direction. At SUN Columbus, we give you a safe space to rest and heal while recovering from the tolls of cocaine. In our cocaine addiction rehab program, you can expect to learn from your peers, therapists, and professionals about how cocaine works and how dependence begins. You will also learn coping skills and how to address stressful situations without cocaine. While in treatment, many of our patients have learned strengths and passions that have been lost along the road of addiction.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant. It can come in a whitish powder or a rock-like formation known as crack. Most commonly used by snorting, cocaine can also be injected, swallowed, or smoked. Common side effects of cocaine use include:
Cocaine works in the brain by activating the dopamine pathway. Dopamine is the brain’s reward system and it responds to enjoyable activities such as eating or sex. Cocaine stimulates this system providing an intense rush of pleasure.
As cocaine use progresses, the brain begins to change to its presence. The dopamine receptors in the brain become used to having cocaine and will require more to achieve the same results. This tolerance leads to an increase in cocaine use, which can potentially lead to an overdose.
A cocaine overdose cannot be reversed by medication. An overdose causes strokes, heart attacks, and seizures. Medical professionals can only treat these conditions, but they cannot reduce the amount of cocaine within the body.
Some of the common side effects of cocaine include:
Over time, the nasal passageway can be damaged and collapse on itself. Heart and kidney damage are also possible and can be irreversible.
Besides the damage to the body, cocaine can cause many mental and environmental stresses. Cocaine is one of the more expensive substances, costing between $180-$375 for 1/8th of an ounce. This can affect the person financially, leading to arguments with family and loved ones. If cocaine is no longer affordable and withdrawal symptoms set in, mental health begins to deteriorate. Increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings can cause intrusive thoughts that can lead to self-harm or harming others. The good news is that SUN Columbus has a crisis care unit that can admit patients any time of day. Rather than spend hours in the emergency room, the team at SUN can get you admitted within 30 minutes and begin the stabilization process.
In 2022, 5.1% of Ohioans reported using illicit substances excluding opioids and marijuana. While data on strictly cocaine use is limited, Franklin County has been working with the public to provide resources to help protect Columbus area residents. Almost 1 million clean needles were distributed in 2022 to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
In Franklin County, 752 deaths were caused by a drug overdose in 2020. Of those overdoses, 42.8% were caused by cocaine alone. However, more and more overdoses are from polysubstance use, such as cocaine and fentanyl. Fentanyl has been finding its way into many illicit substances. Those who do not know that fentanyl is present can experience an accidental overdose.
Anyone can be at risk for addiction. However, some factors can increase the likelihood of addiction:
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant native to South America.
Cocaine can be used by snorting, injecting, smoking, or swallowing.
Cocaine is typically imported from South America into port cities and airports where it is transferred to dealers to sell.
If you or someone you love is managing a cocaine use disorder, know that it does not have to be permanent. At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we have the tools and resources you need to find freedom from cocaine and reach your potential in life. We specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions that are often seen with cocaine use disorder, and can adjust your treatment path as needed in these cases. Call us today at 614-706-2786 to learn more about our treatment program.
Skip the emergency room and come to SUN for all of your behavioral health and substance use disorder needs
For a medical emergency, including a drug or medication overdose, call 911 immediately.