Exploring Partial Hospitalization for Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction requires a treatment program with access to medical resources. More so, cocaine changes how the brain works in a fundamental way. Recovering from those changes can be difficult or life-threatening without proper medical care. For this reason, it is best if patients participate in partial hospitalization programs for cocaine addiction.
What are Partial Cares?
Partial Care programs (Partial Care) for cocaine addiction provide round-the-clock supervision and support. The patients live at home in their own community, but have access to the hospital 24 hours a day. Patients also receive support from supervisors who specialize in addiction treatment. Partial Care programs address the issues involved in cocaine addiction. Treatment can be individual or group-based, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Counseling is the core because it helps patients learn from their mistakes and avoid relapse.
Why Cocaine Addiction Requires Medical Treatment
Cocaine changes how the brain works in a fundamental way. For example, a single dose of cocaine affects the function of dopamine, a key chemical for brain function. Cocaine causes a surge in dopamine, which can permanently damage nerve cells. Overuse of cocaine can lead to a condition called anhedonia. It is a condition where the patient cannot feel pleasure. Anhedonia must be treated medically to try to repair the damage. This can take weeks, if not months, to fix. Dopamine can be lost for up to three weeks after cocaine use stops. Patients who start using cocaine early have more damage than those who wait until later in life.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine treatment often begins with a medically assisted detox. Withdrawal from cocaine addiction can be especially tough. The symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- Anhedonia (can’t feel pleasure)
- Physical pain
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration
- Depression
Partial Care Treatment Requirements
The basic requirement for Partial Care treatment is that the patient has access to medical care. In addition, Partial Care programs require patients to be stable. The patient does not require active medical attention but must be off of medications for a week or more before attempting treatment. Psychiatric stability is also a requirement for entrance into a Partial Care program. This means that the patient’s mental state must be stable enough to allow them to function normally at home and at work.
Partial Care Treatment Process
Pharmaceutical-grade medications are generally given to patients in Partial Care programs. These medications improve the patient’s chances of completing the program. The Partial Care program can also help provide an alternative to addictive drugs such as OxyContin and heroin addiction. The treatment process varies between programs, but most Partial Care programs require at least 30 days of participation. The Partial Care program monitors the patient after they leave, and may return if they begin abusing cocaine again.
Intake Process
To take part in an outpatient Partial Care program, the patient schedules an evaluation. After this evaluation, the patient then undergoes a physical exam. It verifies that the patient is healthy enough to begin treatment. To complete the intake process, you will need:
- A Photo ID or form of identification
- Information about your medical history
- Information about your family support
- Insurance information
Treatment Options
Physicians give patients with cocaine addiction treatment options based on their medical needs. For instance, the patient may be treated with medication-assisted therapies (MAT). Sometimes, doctors use Vivitrol and Methadone in treatment. Due to the safety of these medications, they can be replacements to cocaine and give the body time to wean off of the medications. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that is difficult to stop using by traditional rehab methods. Because it is highly addictive, it is difficult to stop using it alone.
Aftercare Planning
An outpatient Partial Care program is not the end of treatment, but the continuation of a lifelong process. A good aftercare plan includes:
- Referral information for support groups
- A relapse prevention plan
- A relapse plan
- Referrals for family support resources
If a patient relapses, he or she may return to Partial Care treatment after a certain amount of time and begin the process again. Studies show that patients who continue treatment in aftercare have higher rates of success.
Partial Hospitalization for Cocaine Addiction: What Happens Next?
The patient meets with the treatment coordinator to discuss his or her progress. They also determine how to handle any issues that may have arisen. The patient takes part in the planning stages of his or her aftercare plan. The coordinator then works to develop a smooth transition between Partial Care and outpatient programs. The patient may return to Partial Care treatment if they continue to have trouble remaining clean and sober. Programs may also recommend a transfer into a hospital-based program if needed.
A Health Care Provider’s Role
Hospitalization can be very dangerous for patients with cocaine addiction. For this reason, physicians play an essential role in helping patients safely transition out of their Partial Care programs. Physicians can help patients learn coping and relapse prevention skills. Cocaine addiction is not something to fight alone. Due to this truth, you should join a Partial Care for cocaine addiction to get the best chance at recovery. You can learn more about cocaine addiction treatment from Harmony Healing NJ when you contact our admissions center.