Treatment for cocaine addiction is not something that can be easily accomplished at home. The first step of quitting cocaine can result in several complications which may require psychiatric treatment. Some of the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawals include anxiety, agitation, depression, irritability, headaches and panic attacks. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the degree to which you have used cocaine and the length of your addiction to the drug.
Mild symptoms can be treated at home but the more severe kind may require medications.
For the milder symptoms such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion and a runny nose, you can try using a humidifier in your room. Steam inhalation too will help with nasal congestion. For a nosebleed, apply direct pressure to the nostrils for about 10 minutes. You can use a topical ointment such as petroleum jelly to help with any crusts that may form.
If you develop a chronic cough or begin to cough up blackish phlegm you can try an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains guaifenesin and drink plenty of water. Stopping smoking will also help with the cough.
Do not try to treat the more severe psychiatric symptoms by substitution with other drugs as this may result in you developing a new habit. Consult with a psychiatrist who can help you overcome your cocaine addiction. Your psychiatrist may recommend that you get admitted into a psychiatric clinic where you can be treated. Alternatively, you may be treated on an out-patient basis.
Some of the medications that may be prescribed include:
- Anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety
- Sedatives to help with any insomnia
- Anti-depressants to treat depression
- Anti-psychotics if you are having a psychotic episode
- Anti-epileptics in case of seizures
- Antibiotics in case of any infection
- Abstain completely from drinking alcohol as it can have adverse interactions with the medications you are taking
- Drink plenty of fluids so as to flush out all the toxins from your body
- Eat healthy balanced meals that will help your to regain your physical health
- Join a support group such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
answered by A S