Overcoming Co-Occurring Cocaine Addiction

We Level Up FL is a primary mental health center offering co-occurring treatments. We treat the entirety of behavioral health disorders including their secondary corresponding illnesses to improve long-term recovery outcomes. Get a free mental health assessment and find out what treatment options are most suitable for you.


Inpatient medical detox and residential primary addiction treatment may be available at our affiliated facility at Level Up Rehab Center West Palm Beach. For some primary behavioral health treatment clients, medical detox and or addiction rehab may be required first.  If you have a co-occurring severe substance abuse diagnosis, please contact us prior to beginning inpatient mental health therapy. Treatment services may vary. Please call us to learn which treatment options are most suited for your individual needs.

Co-occurring Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine addiction accounted for almost six percent of all admissions to drug abuse treatment programs. The majority of cases (68% in 2013) smoke crack and likely use cocaine with other substances. When discussing cocaine treatment, it is important to keep in mind that drug addiction is a complex disease involving changes in the brain as well as a wide range of social, familial, and other environmental factors. Hence, treatment for cocaine should tackle this broad range of factors as well as any other co-occurring mental disorders that require additional behavioral or pharmacological interventions[1].

cocaine addiction

Cocaine abuse in the United States is considered a serious problem. A 2019 survey found that an estimated 671,000 people over 12 years old used cocaine for the first time last year. Cocaine is considered highly addictive and is associated with numerous mental and physical health problems. However, with the right treatment, many people are able to overcome their cocaine addiction.

Cocaine (also known as coke, C, flake, snow, crack, and blow) is a drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant which is native to South America. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 15% of people in the United States have tried cocaine. It’s highly addictive and is illegal.

Cocaine is a stimulant, meaning it increases your body’s alertness and energy. It works by stimulating the neuropathways in your brain, making you feel talkative, energetic, and euphoric. Cocaine is highly addictive. You can get hooked to it even if you only tried it once.

When it comes to mental health disorders, co-occurring cocaine addiction may be a secondary disorder used to cover up for the emotional toll from behavioral problems.

Co-occurring Cocaine Addiction and Denial

Denial is a common trait of individuals with addiction to certain substances. Many convince themselves that they do not suffer from substance addiction as they do not fit the usual profile of an addict. However, not all suffering from addiction act and look the same.  

The effects of co-occurring addiction vary differently from person to person. You may still be able to manage your life casually but addiction is a progressive illness, meaning you may be functioning perfectly right now, but this will likely regress as you continue your addiction.

Behavioral secondary Co-occurring Cocaine Treatment

Co-occurring Cocaine addiction if not addressed immediately and appropriately will definitely have a detrimental effect on your everyday life. Secondary Cocaine addiction disorder will have negative effects on your health, your well-being, and your relationships with those around you. Your finances will also be affected as you become less productive at work. Hence, it is crucial to get help sooner rather than later.

Continued use of cocaine will definitely make your life even more disrupted than it is now. Continued use will have detrimental effects on your body, brain, as well as your relationships with the people around you.

Co-occurring Cocaine Treatment Programs

Inpatient Treatment

Co-occurring inpatient treatment is the most recommended option for those suffering from primary behavioral and secondary cocaine addiction disorder because it takes place in an environment that is free of any distractions or temptations. Eliminating distractions, allows you to focus your time and energy on getting better.

Inpatient programs normally last from between 4 to 6 weeks, although this may vary depending on the underlying mental or physical health complications together with your cocaine addiction. Inpatient rehab provides you with constant access to care and support from a team of fully trained professionals.

Advantages of choosing Inpatient Treatment:

  1. You are in a safe and nurturing environment
  2. Medical detox with 24/7 care & support
  3. Overcome the root causes of addiction
  4. You have an experienced team of doctors & therapists to assist you
  5. Personalised rehabilitation programme
  6. Look, feel, sleep better & regain confidence
  7. Learn techniques for relapse prevention
  8. Aftercare support

Outpatient Cocaine rehab

The inpatient program is the preferred or most effective approach in overcoming your addiction to cocaine. However, this is not your only option. An outpatient rehab program is likewise given especially if a residential program does not suit you and your needs.

Outpatient rehab programs allow you to attend your counseling or therapy regularly and then return home after your session. It is more of a long-term solution to address cocaine addiction.

The number of hours you spend in treatment each week varies from each clinic and affecting the length of the program. Some outpatient rehab programs may continue for a number of months, while others last for more than a year or more.

Overcoming Cocaine Addiction

Treatment for cocaine addiction is a comprehensive process that starts with the detox phase which addresses the harmful effects of cocaine on your body. Medications may be prescribed during detox to treat any discomfort. Psychological treatment may also be recommended after undergoing detox.

Once you have undergone detox, the rehabilitation process can commence. Various treatments may be advised to help you achieve a substance-free life. The medical team supervising your treatment will create a plan that is specific to your needs. It will utilize both individual and group therapy sessions to help you address issues on your personality and behavior in relation to your addiction.

Many rehab programs use a combination of the usual behavior and talking therapies with holistic treatments. This helps provide a holistic approach to recovery and ensures that your mind, body, and spirit are restored and healed.

Various medications may be instituted to counter the effect of cocaine addiction on your brain. Cocaine addiction has been linked to the development of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, hence, medications are useful in restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain.

Committing to a Treatment Plan

Effectively treating cocaine addiction is very challenging due to the intense craving for the drug. Treatment should be viewed as a healing process that will take time. One should be prepared to change his/her way of life to overcome this addiction. Treatment should be viewed as a lifestyle change and not a quick fix.

You must be prepared to change your way of life if you are to overcome this illness. This will mean that your entire way of life will need to revolve around your sobriety. Thinking that you can simply go back to the way things were before treatment is a recipe for disaster.

Committing to a treatment program can definitely help you start the process of rebuilding your life and having accountability for any damage that your addiction may have caused.

Cocaine addiction may be fatal, or it can cause irreparable damage to your health, your life, even those around you. Do not wait for you to hit rock bottom before you seek help. Deciding to seek help to find treatment for your addiction is the first step towards recovery, and having a happier and healthier life with your loved ones.

If you are scared, uncomfortable, or unsure what treatment works for you, WeLevelUp FL can assist you in taking that next step. Our group of dedicated and well-trained mental health professionals will evaluate your situation and provide you with an appropriate behavioral treatment plan to ensure effective recovery from primary mental health disorders and secondary disorders like cocaine addiction.

Do not let your disorders control your life and cause further damage. Call us today and start your road to recovery and health.


[1] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-treatments-are-effective-cocaine-abusers