When it comes to medical detox, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is often very beneficial. MAT refers to a treatment method that involves a prescription medication, which is administered in a medical setting and geared towards helping alleviate the more grueling physical symptoms of withdrawal. While Medication-Assisted Treatment is highly effective, it is widely misunderstood. Some mistakenly believe that utilizing medication to help reduce cravings is simply replacing one addiction with another.
The truth is that when taken as prescribed, medications like Suboxone, methadone, and buprenorphine are highly effective in alleviating painful symptoms of withdrawal and making the early recovery process more successful. It is also true that the MAT is not an effective method of treating all symptoms of withdrawal – the benefits of this methodology will depend heavily on the chemical substance that was being abused. Is there a medication-assisted treatment for those who have been abusing cocaine?
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Cocaine Addiction
Most MAT programs are utilized for the treatment of symptoms associated with opioid narcotics, like heroin and prescription painkillers. To a lesser degree, Medication-Assisted Treatment is utilized for treating symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. All of the medications that are used as part of a comprehensive treatment program have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
These FDA-approved prescriptions work to regulate brain chemistry and central nervous system functioning, replacing the chemical substance with a less dangerous substance that essentially performs the same internal functions (without resulting in a high). MAT is a short-term solution, and should never be attempted without professional medical guidance. But what about individuals who have been abusing drugs like cocaine, drugs for which there is no replacement medication? Let’s dive into Medication-Assisted Treatment and cocaine addiction, along with the best methods for treating cocaine dependency.
Treating Cocaine Addiction Effectively
Fortunately, cocaine addiction can be adequately treated, and cocaine detox does not have to be a painful experience. Although there are no FDA-approved medications that have proven effective in the alleviation of cocaine withdrawal symptoms, these symptoms can still be effectively treated; additionally, researchers are studying certain medications, and progress is being made – so this is not to say that there will never be MAT for cocaine.
Currently, the best detox method is the administration of strong over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When it comes to long-term treatment, individuals who have suffered from cocaine addiction benefit from a specifically designed treatment model – one that we at Recreate Life Counseling commonly utilize. Of course, every recovery experience will be different and no two treatment programs will be identical. However, when it comes to treating cocaine addiction, there are some proven modalities that we generally employ.
Evidence-based cocaine addiction treatment programs include:
- Intensive psychotherapy geared towards reducing cravings and helping clients develop relapse prevention skills.
- An in-depth cocaine education group, which explains the disease model of cocaine addiction and the unique dangers involved in cocaine abuse.
- Encouraged participation in 12 step programs.
- Regular drug testing, which will help clients remain accountable.
- A family therapy program and additional family-based services, which will help the family members of the client understand the ins and outs of cocaine addiction, and will allow them to offer constructive support to their loved one whenever necessary.
Recreate Life Counseling: Our Cocaine Addiction Treatment Model
At Recreate Life Counseling, we treat cocaine addiction in a proven and effective manner – with a combination of traditional therapeutic care and holistic methodologies. If you or someone close to you has been suffering from untreated cocaine addiction, help is available. While medication-assisted treatment is not an option when it comes to cocaine abuse, effective clinical care is not just an option – it is a necessity. To learn more about our cocaine abuse recovery program, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking to you about all of your potential treatment options.