Treatment for individuals with addiction or abuse of cocaine and crack

The cocaine addiction/dependence is a likely disorder treatment , contrary to what many people think . But it is certain that no model can be considered effective treatment for all patients . Individuals who develop cocaine addiction have different characteristics and needs . Studies show a cost- benefit ratio of treatment , the most common result of various treatments is to reduce consumption in later years , as well as the decrease in illegal activities and criminal behaviors dependent. Treatment, however , needs to be understood as a continuous process , as well as medical models used in chronic diseases , like diabetes and hypertension.

Not all users need treatment , many permanently discontinue use after the emergence of the first damage . Others, however, continue to use cocaine despite the obvious consequences start to present . The need for treatment is often determined by the subject's obsessive involvement with the drug passing harming other aspects of your life .

The therapeutic process begins with measures to bring the patient care services . The addict does not seek treatment because you think you 're using drugs too , but always facing " crisis situations " , usually involving work, family , financial situation , legal problems , medical emergencies and breakup of romantic relationship. One way to promote the access of the individual to treatment is to stop the " Facilitation " family. At the time of admission to treatment , the patient almost always has the illusion of being able to return to controlled use of cocaine ( " take a break " ) . This occurrence is impossible, because once crossed the invisible line of dependence , the ability to return to occasional use or controlled is definitely lost ( Washton , 1991) . The patient often takes months or years , with numerous relapses and increasing damage until they become aware of this fact .

Any model of treatment for cocaine dependence should include some basic , fundamental to achieving positive results aspects . Abstinence should be not only cocaine , but of all drugs of abuse , first and foremost goal of the therapeutic process . Both alcohol and other drugs trigger " cracks " , even months ( or years ) after cessation of cocaine , as quoted above, the consumer has a desinibitório effect on the consumption of other drugs ( reduces the ability to avoid consumption ) , increasing yet the patient's impulsivity .

Psycho- educational aspects , both on cocaine , alcohol and other drugs , as on the dependence itself should always be included in any therapeutic modality employed . This component helps the patient to understand and accept the addiction itself. Should include pharmacological aspects , basics of the disease , signs of relapse and ways to prevent them , the bio - psycho-social consequences of addiction , family issues , training and co - dependency ( eg spouse 's dependent) . Family involvement is critical . Other measures that are often included in the process are individual and family therapy, participation in self-help groups , search for alternatives to psychoactive substances activities , medical , nutritional and dental care , toxicology analysis , prescribed pharmacological intervention wont professional characteristics dependence and treatment in inpatient ( hospital and therapeutic communities ) . The more comprehensive and complete the treatment program , the better the chance of recovery.

Hospitalization dependent , contrary to what was previously believed , is not a solution for all patients . In contrast, scientific studies in recent decades not show any advantage of a method versus hospital clinic for the entire population of addicts who seek or are taken for treatment. Rather, the hospital is best understood as a method of promoting abstinence, only part of the individual's recovery and should ALWAYS be associated with subsequent follow-up. The outpatient treatment actually has some advantages over hospitalization , being less costly ( service allows the treatment of a larger number of dependents ) , cause less disruption in the individual's life ( very dependent on seeking treatment , for example, still maintain important social and occupational activities , assisting in maintaining your entire family ) . The hospital also carries a major social stigma , which is delegated to the individual.

Dependent easier to accept outpatient treatment and this model seeks the patient deal with his compulsion in their "real world " ( which will return often unprepared after hospital stay ) . On the other hand , there are some important indications for hospitalization , presented  below :

Indications for hospitalization for dependents

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS OF DETENTION FOR DEPENDENTS


1.Risk of suicide , major physical aggression , psychosis
2.Medical or psychiatric illnesses associated indicating hospitalization ( myocardial infarction , seizures , etc.).
3.Severe dysfunction of life dependent or inability to handle basic tasks of their own routine ( personal care , food, etc. . )
4.Associated with substance dependence requiring inpatient treatment ( abstinence from alcohol or opioids )
5.Failure of attempts to outpatient approach dependent