Are There Specific Treatments for Cocaine Addiction?

If you are suffering from a stimulant addiction, you may be having a hard time finding information about the treatment offered specifically for your situation. This is due to a couple of factors. For one thing there are currently no medications that are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating stimulant addiction.

Because of this the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is funding research in this area.  In addition, many of the treatment methods used are borrowed from other disciplines. That can make the treatment models feel blurry and disconnected from stimulant abuse, but they aren’t really.

In general, treatment will include a detox period, where you taper off your drug use and deal with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Usually, behavioral therapy follows. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common approach. In addition, support groups are typically recommended.

One treatment method specifically designed to combat stimulant addiction is the Matrix Models and, yes, it borrows heavily from effective methods of drug and alcohol addiction treatment used in other circumstances. It is, however, completely developed to treat addiction to stimulants, like cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall and Concerta.

If the Matrix Method sounds appealing and you are interested in pursuing it as a component of your recovery from stimulant addiction, you can get more information by calling Centers.com. The experts at Centers.com can connect you with resources, answer questions, and direct you to treatment programs that meet your unique needs. For more information, call 800-256-3490 and speak with someone today.

Background

Individual counseling sessions are used within the Matrix Model.

Dating back to the 1980s, the Matrix Model originated as a response to the growing number of stimulant users entering treatment. Traditionally, the bulk of patients in drug and alcohol treatment were seeking help with an alcohol addiction. The methodologies used for alcoholics didn’t work as effectively with stimulant addicts and the treatment wasn’t proving effective.

As a solution, the addiction specialists at the matrix Institute began borrowing from a variety of treatment methods. They isolated the components that could effectively be used to treat stimulant addiction and melded them into a cohesive program. For example, they borrowed “elements of relapse prevention, cognitive–behavioral, psychoeducation, and family approaches, as well as 12-Step program support.”

The Fundamentals

This is a highly structured methodology, or treatment approach. There are a lot of components, but clients can expect to get a lot of information, get assistance in creating a substance-free life, and get the backing they need to create and keep themselves free of drugs and alcohol.

A huge component of the Matrix model treatment approach will be your therapist, who will work as both coach and teacher. Their focus will be on using direct, authentic communication to form a relationship with you. They won’t be parental or authoritative. Instead, they will develop a positive, loving bond that they will use to help you to make positive changes in your life. Expect to have your dignity and self-esteem supported and nurtured.

Counselling Sessions

You will be required to attend several intensive counselling sessions per week. This will continue for 16 weeks. The sessions tend to be opened ended and you drop in when you begin and transition out when you have completed them. You will not be required to live in a treatment facility because all sessions are done on an outpatient basis.

There Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists 5 different types of session:

• Individual/Conjoint family sessions (3 sessions)
• Early Recovery Skills group sessions (8 sessions)
• Relapse Prevention group sessions (32 sessions)
• Family Education group sessions (12 sessions)
• Social Support group sessions (36 sessions)

In addition to the lessons emphasized in these sessions, you will receive information about support groups—for example, 12 step groups. You will also learn about scheduling and time management. Do be prepared to be regularly tested for drugs and alcohol using urine analysis.

The Matrix Method has been empirically tested and proven to be an effective form of treatment for stimulant addiction.  Both the NIDA and SAMHSA have conducted research and their findings were positive about this form of treatment.

If you feel like this is a method that may work for you, contact Centers.com at 800-256-3490 and speak with someone right now.

Crack Cocaine Addiction, Treatment & Recovery