COCAINE INTERVENTION

National Intervention Services

COCAINE INTERVENTION

National Intervention Services

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Cocaine Intervnetion

Cocaine addiction is one of the most common types of interventions conducted. After using cocaine, one’s heart rate increases and the individual begins to experience a high sensation that can create intense euphoria and feelings of pleasure. Following this extremely brief high, the user then experiences a serious low or crash. Given the stark contrast between how good one felt during the high and how bad they feel on the low, there is a built-in urgent craving to ingest more cocaine in order to return to the high, resulting in a vicious cycle of continuous use and abuse.

In addition to being extremely powerful, cocaine is an extremely addictive drug, though it has the mistaken reputation of not being an addictive substance – due to lack of physical dependence. While cocaine is not as physically addictive as other drugs like heroin, cocaine can create an incredibly intense psychological dependency, so often they are unable to stop using/ abusing the drug and will go to any lengths to get it.

At AR Intervention, we understand how difficult it can be to watch your loved ones hurting themselves or others while struggling with their addiction. No matter how difficult it may be to watch it, imagine what it’s like to live through it. If someone you know requires an intervention, contact our office today at (312) 625-0024. Our intervention counselors are ready to listen, provide support, and answer any questions you have.

How Do I Know if an Intervention is Necessary?

One of the most commonly asked questions by families who are considering a cocaine intervention is, “Is an intervention necessary?” It is natural to want to believe that your loved one is able to make the change to stop abusing cocaine by themselves, but a good rule of thumb when determining whether or not your loved one has a cocaine addiction is, “Is their use of cocaine causing this individual to have problems at home or at work?” If the answer is yes, then they likely have an issue with cocaine that needs to be addressed sooner than later in order to avoid negative consequences for your loved one and everyone who cares about them. Following an intervention, we often here families say, “We wish we would have done this sooner”, but have never heard them say, “We’re glad we waited.”

How Do I Know if My Loved One is Abusing Cocaine?

In addition to financially, common indications that your loved one may be abusing cocaine include:

Nosebleeds

Difficulty Sleeping

Sweating

Nausea

Confusion

Headaches

Seizures

Types of Cocaine Interventions

There are generally two types of addicts who require a cocaine intervention: binge users and daily users. While there is some overlap in intervention methodologies, there are subtle differences in the type of intervention supports provided.A binge user is someone who may not use or abuse cocaine every day, and in fact may go days, weeks, months, or even years without abusing drugs, but once they do, they do so with reckless abandon. Because people are often more willing to give binge users multiple second chances because of the extended periods of abstinence, binge users are often at greater risk of doing harm to themselves or others compared to daily abusers. This is why it is important to stage an intervention with a binge abuser within a short time after an activating event. When staging a successful intervention, timing is everything.

Oftentimes, use continues until drastic consequences, including but limited to: legal, physical, financial or emotional repercussions. It is at that time, when your message of sobriety and changing life for the better, has the best chance to be heard.

If your loved one is a daily user or abuser of cocaine, they have come to depend on cocaine “to feel normal”, and likely suffer from psychological is not physical dependence. If their abuse has to impact their financial, physical and mental health, the importance of timing can come down to minutes or hours. For example, if an intervention is staged first thing in the morning before your loved one has begun to use, they may be too agitated and distracted to truly engage with the intervention. On the other hand, if the intervention occurs too late in the day, your loved one may be too intoxicated to engage properly during the intervention. Our clinically trained and fully licensed professionals will work collaboratively to determine an optimal time with you and your loved ones to maximize the likelihood of a successful intervention.

The Intervention Process

The intervention process will vary contingent on the drug of choice, though most drug interventions consist of a 2-3-day process. First the clinically trained interventionist speaks with the concerned party to gather information. After initial call, should both parties agree to move forward a customized intervention plan will develop, including but not limited to: who should be involved, where and when the intervention should occur.

Time will be dedicated to prepare the family for the intervention, providing education on the predictable, progressive, chronic disease of addiction. We will also discuss how to practice setting clear boundaries, to support your loved one – though no longer support the addiction.

If the intervention is successful and the addict agrees to accept treatment, they will be transported to the predetermined treatment center as soon as possible. If your loved one refuses to seek treatment, those involved will have no choice but to accept their refusal, and follow through on boundaries established during the intervention process.

Withdrawal Symptoms Following the Cocaine Intervention

Although the ultimate goal of a cocaine intervention is to safely detoxify and stabilize the person abusing cocaine, it is likely they will suffer withdrawal symptoms, which may include but not limited to:

Intense physical craving

Tremors, chills, and muscle aches

Irritability

Exhaustion

Slowed thinking

Restlessness

Increased appetite

Difficulty concentrating

Inability to feel pleasure

Suicidal thoughts or actions

Because of the intense withdrawal effects that can occur following cessation of cocaine use, an essential part of the intervention process is to have a system in place to support your loved one during this period and ensure medical care is available if necessary.

Help is Just a Phone Call Away

Staging a cocaine intervention for your loved one can be a difficult decision to make, but it is important to remember that this intervention can mean the difference between life and death. It is also important to remember that a cocaine intervention is not just for the wellbeing of the addict, it is also for the wellbeing of you and everyone in your loved one’s life.

Whether you are struggling cocaine addiction or seeking guidance and support for someone you know, we are committed to providing you and your loved one with the care and support you need. For additional information about support for overcoming cocaine addiction, please contact us today at (312) 625-0024. Help is just a phone call away.

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Regardless of the type of intervention services you are seeking, our team is ready to provide a highly structured, comprehensive intervention approach. We pride ourselves on designing interventions that help families start the journey towards healing. Whether you or a loved one are suffering, we are here to support you. 

Our approach is aimed at helping clients and their families understand the impact that their condition has on their lives. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our care receives the support and compassion needed to make changes in their lives. 

If you are in need of counseling services, our team of professionals is ready to provide a safe, supportive environment to help you address your substance use or mental health disorder. At AR Intervention, we are committed to ensuring you receive the care and support to begin your recovery journey. We understand that recovery may seem impossible at times. However, there is always hope for a brighter future free of addiction. Our counselors are ready to listen, provide support, and answer any questions you may have. Start your journey with us today!