Pharmacological Treatments for Cocaine Craving: What Is the Way Forward? A Systematic Review

People using cocaine for a long time might find their minds are not as sharp as before because it affects how well they can think or remember things. Cocaine is a drug that sparks a lot of energy and happy feelings in users. People use it in different ways, including snorting through the nose, eating it, smoking it, or injecting it into their veins. Confidential help for employees and alcoholism their families to resolve substance misuse and drug testing issues.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

Acute administration of serotonergic (5HT) agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CCP) 39 led to a substantial reduction (20%) in craving. The 5HT agonist lorcaserin in a single dose showed mixed results; it had anti-craving effect only after placebo IV doses, but not after IV cocaine doses 58. Characteristics and main findings of the studies included in the systematic review–Psychostimulants. Combined, the studies included had 8137 participants; the smallest study had eight participants, whereas the largest had 358 participants. Men comprised the majority (75%) of the sample and 21 studies had only male participants. Two authors, D.L.S.L. and J.M.C.M. independently assessed the risks of bias in each study included, using the Study Quality Guide from the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group 18.

Group Therapy and Peer Support #

These plans will include coping strategies that work for you, accountability contracts, and contingency contracts. MI is an approach that uses powerful questioning to help an ambivalent or hesitant patient fully engage in the recovery process. It’s an important part of the beginning cocaine addiction treatment stages in certain programs like the Matrix Model’s 16 week treatment curriculum because it helps increase the individual’s motivation towards change.

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• A SUD is diagnosed when someone cannot stop using a drug despite it harming their life.
• Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they’re not a diagnostic test for addiction.
• In at least one trial, the poor retention rate was due, not to poor tolerability of the medication, but rather to the stringent retention criteria used in these preliminary proof-of-concept trials.
• A time comes when we must bring it to an end, when the most potent antidote no longer hides the pain, when the flight no longer outran the shame, and you finally ask yourself, “What is the way out of this?
• In a relaxed party setting where people openly use cocaine it’s easy to forget that it’s dangerous, addictive and illegal.

There are several different pathways for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Treatment typically involves a period of detox followed by various therapies and then some form of aftercare. A meta-analysis of studies shows that patients receiving these evidence based treatments had roughly a three times higher continuous abstinence rate than those who tried to quit on their own. Relapse when dealing with a chronic health or mental health issue is not a sign of failure; it is just part of the treatment process and should be considered when making long term treatment plans. While treatment can help you overcome cocaine addiction, it’s important to note that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. When someone suffers from cocaine withdrawal symptoms, they often have a strong urge to use more cocaine to alleviate these symptoms.

The most promising drugs for such chronic purposes came from the longer randomized controlled trials included in this review. The class of psychostimulants had several options such as amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, lorcaserin and methamphetamine for chronic cocaine craving. Our findings are in line with a review 150 of 9 clinical trials, of which 4 evaluated craving and one showed a significant anti- craving effect of dexamphetamine. Progesterone was shown to be effective for treating craving in two out of three studies, in cocaine-dependent men and women who used the drug for 7 consecutive days. The antidepressant mirtazapine also showed a significant reduction in craving in 1 of 2 studies with it. Carbamazepine, biperiden and pioglitazone also presented significant anti-craving effects in long term treatments, although each one was evaluated once.

Continued therapy, alumni support programs, support groups (such as Cocaine Anonymous or SMART Recovery), and sober living can all help maintain long-term sobriety. Caron provides relapse prevention strategies and aftercare resources to support ongoing recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, you may have questions about treatment options, recovery success rates, and what to expect during rehab. Just minutes from Delray Beach, Caron’s Florida Outpatient Program offers flexible, evidence-based treatment for adults managing benzodiazepine addiction. The program provides a clinical structure without requiring a break from daily routines. Early intervention strategies, such as screening for substance abuse in healthcare settings, can identify at-risk individuals and provide them with the necessary resources and support before addiction takes hold.

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

To be accredited means that the program meets their standards for quality, effectiveness, and person-centered care. Our insurance verification team will quickly verify your insurance benefits, ensuring your placement into one of our facilities as soon as possible. Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered. It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF | 12 KB)Assures teens with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs that, “It’s not your fault!” and that they are not alone. Encourages teens to seek emotional support from other adults, school counselors, and youth support groups such as Alateen, and provides a resource list.

Staff members take the time to get to know each person undergoing care and evaluate their needs from every angle. By delivering evidence-based therapeutic methods in a supportive setting, The Recovery Village helps foster growth and healing. Cocaine physically alters the chemical makeup of the brain to the point that those who use it regularly will eventually require the drug to experience feelings of happiness and excitement. What may begin as casual cocaine use can quickly spiral into addiction and dependence. While cocaine overdose treatment can bring some individuals back from the brink of death, others aren’t as lucky. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder involving cocaine, the best thing you can do is seek out cocaine rehab.

• It may be efficacious for CUD either by increasing dopamine transmission or by ameliorating the glutamate depletion seen in chronic cocaine users (35).
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse supports research and provides resources for effective treatment, emphasizing approaches that address both the physical and mental health aspects of addiction.
• Characteristics and main findings of the studies included in the systematic review–Antidepressants.

As with any medication regimen, a trial and error process may be necessary to determine which drug best meets a person’s specific needs. The Advisory outlines the principles and components of low barrier care, and how low barrier care may be leveraged to overcome substantial gaps in access, while also engaging individuals in treatment. Another example would be to no longer maintain friendships with people who trigger you, used to participate in drug use with you, or who do not support your recovery. Avoid any social situations and places where you used to use that may be triggering for you. Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock monitoring while you live in a medical facility, such as a hospital or a residential treatment facility. Call an admissions navigator at American Addiction Centers (AAC) to verify your insurance and start treatment today.