If you have already gone through detox and rehabilitation, you may be surprised to find that you are still having cocaine cravings. Understand that this is completely normal. Eliminating a cocaine habit is something that is easier said than done, for some. Or, maybe you are reading this because you are considering checking yourself into rehab, and you want to know what to expect later on.
The truth is that within you is the courage to conquer your addiction, including your cocaine cravings when they arise. We at Asheville Detox are ready to talk with you about cocaine cravings and what to do about them when they emerge.
Dealing With Cocaine Cravings
Most people are aware of the intense cocaine cravings that happen as a normal part of withdrawals during the detox process. Logically, you may be wondering how long these cravings continue after the initial detox period has been completed. We wish that we could tell you that you would never want to pick up cocaine again. However, this is simply not the case.
Many former cocaine addicts, particularly if they smoked cocaine as crack experience cocaine cravings long after rehab is over. Being around certain people or places can trigger a desire, or even something as seemingly insignificant as certain songs on the radio may even become a trigger. For some, these triggers may lead them to relapse, even if they have been sober for a long period of time.
Preventing Cocaine Cravings With Medication
Some medications are helpful during the detox period, while others are used on a long-term basis to help avoid a relapse in the months ahead. Here are a few medications that may be a part of your treatment plan.
- Modafinil promotes healthy nighttime sleep by encouraging dopamine production.
- Topiramate calms the mind during recovery by slowing down activity in the central nervous system.
- Vigabatrin helps reduce cocaine cravings by increasing the production of GABA.
- Gabapentin promotes an overall feeling of wellbeing by releasing GABA.
- Baclofen also increases the release of GABA.
Alternate Ways to Deal With Cocaine Cravings
Medication isn’t the only way to handle your cocaine cravings. Try some natural ways to rid yourself of your unhealthy desire.
When you feel yourself craving cocaine, you must do whatever you can to distract yourself away from these feelings you are having. Shift your focus and participate in an activity that you really enjoy doing. If you can do something relaxing at the same time, that is a bonus. For example, do yoga, or meditate and focus on your breath. Move through the craving and let it go.
Find a project to do and work on it until it is complete. Clean out your closet, or clean your entire house if you have to. Keep busy, or do something to keep your mind busy so it is not thinking about doing drugs.
Another option is to find a trusted friend or support group to talk to about your cocaine cravings. When you open up and are honest about wanting to use, it makes you accountable to others and therefore less likely to relapse.
Receive Support from Asheville Detox
We at Asheville Detox understand the daily struggles you face when you decide to quit using cocaine. Giving it up means that you are making a commitment to do your best to live a better life for yourself and for those that you love. Do you need help dealing with your cocaine cravings and avoiding a relapse? We at Asheville Detox are right here to help you when you need us the most. Call us today to learn more about the services we provide. You do not have to struggle with cocaine addiction alone.
