Cocaine addiction, like any drug addiction, is not as simple as it may appear. To the non-addict, it seems strange that the addict just can't stop using. To the addict, it appears that they can stop their drug use any time they want. The truth is that chemical dependency goes beyond the overly simplified "habit" that has been promoted by the medical and psychiatric communities. What is it that makes an addict commit crimes, destroy their lives, empty their bank accounts, abandon their families and loved ones and risk long term incarceration only to continue to use drugs? This 'grip' that drug use has upon the addict has not been fully addressed by the various mainstream counseling and rehab programs. However, this 'grip' is so obvious and clearly evident that any success at helping a drug addict must address it.



It is not a matter of will power. Some cocaine addicts can and do simply stop using. But for the vast majority, their 'casual use' escalates over time into a full blown addiction. The only question is how long it takes them to arrive at addiction. The observation that a drug user escalates their use over time is evident. The reasons for this vary greatly and are actually quite confusing to the average person. The truth is actually very simple. Part of the addiction can be attributed to 'cravings' sourced to the biochemistry of the body and part of the addiction is sourced to the individual.

An individual may try cocaine to simply go along with the crowed, out of simple curiosity or just as an experiment. This same individual will have very different reasons to continue drug use. When one experiences the emotional 'euphoria' provided by all illegal drugs, there develops the need to escape the pressures and failures of life through drug use. This is how the individual emotionally becomes an addict.

Much like the body will develop food cravings when it is hungry, the body also develops drug cravings when it is denied the continued use of the drug. It is not well known exactly how this occurs in the body, however, ask anyone trying to simply quit smoking and the reality of this system is all too real. What is known is that the body quickly becomes accustomed to having the drug (cocaine, nicotine, etc) in the system. When the level of drug residuals in the body begins to drop below some minimum level, it produces cravings that, in combination with the emotional cravings, literally take control of the person's life and drive them to do whatever is necessary to provide more of the drug. The physical or the emotional aspects of addiction are individually very hard to overcome and in combination nearly impossible.

Therefore, the key to helping your loved one with their cocaine use is to address both sources of their addiction. Counseling alone only somewhat addresses the emotional aspect. A chemical cocaine detoxification only addresses the biochemical aspect. These singular approaches to helping the addict are why so many treated addicts relapse. In order to honestly not expect a relapse, both the emotional and chemical aspects must be addressed simultaneously. This is the key to effective rehab and the successful path to saving your loved one.