America came to know cocaine addiction and abuse intimately in the 1980s. While there are limited medical uses for cocaine, it was portrayed in popular media as a party drug or as a means of staying productive for long hours in competitive industries. It was equally popular with women and men, and that popularity contributed to the national “War on Drugs.” After the 80s, the hype surrounding cocaine began to be replaced by other drugs, like marijuana or opioids. Prescription opioids and opiates were becoming more and more easily accessible. However, in recent years, cocaine has been making a huge comeback. In fact, it is one of the most commonly abused substances among women in Colorado, necessitating options for professional cocaine rehab for women. It’s often used among college students and party-goers. After all, it is considered a party drug. This narcotic is just as dangerous as before, which is why Women’s Recovery offers a women’s cocaine addiction treatment program to help you or a loved one break the cycle of cocaine addiction. Call 833.754.0554 to learn more or get started today.
The Dangers of Abusing Cocaine
Cocaine is a killer. Although it may seem like the means to be the life of the party, it dramatically increases the risk of health complications, including death. This narcotic does a tremendous amount of damage to the body. It strains the heart, the mind, and many other essential organs. It’s easy to develop tolerance to the drug, requiring individuals to take larger and larger doses to achieve the same results. This increases the risk of overdoses, which can easily become fatal.
Regular and heavy use can lead to long-term side effects. Some of these side effects are psychological and affect one’s mental health. The others are physical and can permanently damage the body and mind. How the drug is taken will influence the type of damage done. Some of the most common long-term side effects include:
- A higher risk of contracting blood-borne diseases if the drug is injected
- Bowel decay due to reduced blood flow
- Damage to the kidney, heart, liver and lungs
- Development of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other co-occurring disorders
- Loss of appetite leading to malnourishment
- Loss of smell, nosebleeds, and nasal perforation if the drug is snorted
- Psychosis or delirium
A professional women’s cocaine addiction program like that offered at Women’s Recovery in Colorado can help restore a life of well-being and purpose. Detox helps cleanse the body and remove all traces of the drug and its metabolites. Over time, the body and mind will heal to some extent. For those who use the drug recreationally, it’s possible for the damage to the body to heal. For chronic and heavy users, getting sober will, at the very least, stop the damage from worsening.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction in Women
More and more women are abusing cocaine. It’s a trend witnessed by many addiction treatment centers. The addiction tends to appear among a younger crowd, and many can hide their addiction well. They go about their daily routines to avoid suspicion. If a woman close to you is using an illicit substance, it can sometimes be hard to tell. Many people don’t realize that their loved ones are affected. With that said, there are some signs of abuse that you can look for. They might not give you a conclusive answer, but they can give you an idea. These signs include:
- Constant financial problems. Cocaine is a costly drug to be hooked on. Women tend to use it in greater quantities, between $500 to $1,000 worth of product each week.
- Odd sleeping patterns. Since the drug is a stimulant, it keeps users up for long periods of time. Binge users may be up for days at a time.
- An inability to breathe out of one nostril due to nasal perforation. This happens to those who snort the drug.
- Jaw clenching. Regular users are constantly grinding their teeth. They may complain that their jaws hurt.
- Sexual dysfunction. Regular cocaine use often makes it hard to maintain arousal.
- An inability to concentrate. This happens both when the person is on the drug and coming off of it. If the person is high, they have a hyperactive mind. When coming off of the drug, they can only concentrate on when they will get their next fix.
The most significant signs of cocaine dependence are behavioral changes such as engaging in riskier and more erratic behavior.
What Can Cocaine Rehab for Women Achieve?
Gender-specific treatment programs can help expedite recovery. It can also help make the transition much smoother and more comfortable. These treatment options can improve care for women. Behavioral therapies and counseling are geared toward problems and issues that affect women more than men. Both genders deal with stress differently. Knowing how to get through to a woman struggling with substance use disorder is half the battle. It’s also often one of the most difficult parts.
Gender-specific treatment also addresses female-specific risk factors of addiction. It also addresses hormonal fluctuations and body changes that can make a difference during recovery. These changes are responsible for the different ways that women experience drugs. For cocaine abuse, this is important. The narcotic affects women in a completely different way than it affects men. In addition, most gender-specific rehab centers allow only one gender. Many women find that it is easier for them to open up to other women. They may feel judged or may have a more difficult time relating to men when it comes to addiction.
A Women’s Cocaine Addiction Program Is Available in Colorado
Women’s Recovery offers a variety of programs and services for women residing in Colorado. We can help you or a loved one break the cycle of cocaine addiction. We provide outpatient treatment that uses a trauma-informed approach. Our compassionate staff offers individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Treatment can lead to recovery and, ultimately, to living your best life. Call 833.754.0554 today or reach out online to get started.
