Sweet Addiction – What is it?
“Sweet Addiction” by Dr. William Pelham and Dr. John Pelham is a popular book in the treatment of cocaine abuse. Cocaine has been known to be a highly addictive drug and it affects the brain’s reward pathway. It can cause changes in your sleep, mood, thinking and body functions.
One of the problems with cocaine abuse is that cravings are triggered rapidly. People may start having cravings for cocaine immediately after using it or days before. Cravings for cocaine are often very intense and people may feel as if they cannot control them. The cravings may even last longer than the drug itself. If you are one of those people who experience cravings for cocaine, you need help to get through the cravings.
Cravings for cocaine are often triggered by the same chemicals that are released when you eat or have a beverage that contains caffeine. When you consume stimulants such as cocaine you release dopamine in your brain which makes you feel good and gives you a euphoric feeling.
Dopamine is involved in the reward pathway in the brain. Dopamine produces feelings of happiness and enjoyment and it is the part of the brain that is responsible for the craving for cocaine. The chemicals that are released when you consume cocaine contain high amounts of dopamine.
The physical addiction to cocaine is also very important. People who abuse cocaine often do so to improve their mood, to feel good and to get high. Cocaine use creates a physical addiction. This means that the body’s natural defenses will react in a negative way to repeated use of cocaine. If you abuse cocaine, your body’s defense mechanism will change and the result is that you can become physically dependent on cocaine.
The cravings for cocaine can sometimes affect the body’s natural balance. In some cases, your body’s natural defenses may react so strongly that the body will produce more adrenaline to fight off cravings for cocaine. This can lead to a build up of cortisol which is a stress hormone. If your body has too much cortisol, it can trigger symptoms such as depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Other physical problems that may occur when you have cravings for cocaine are problems with sleeping and weight loss. The side effects of cravings for cocaine can cause serious complications in these areas of your life.
Cravings for cocaine are not easy to control. People who abuse cocaine need help to overcome cravings.
Treatment for drug addiction can vary depending on what type of addiction you suffer from. With cocaine, the most common type of drug addiction treatment is residential drug rehab. Residential rehab programs allow patients to go to treatment centers where they can continue living at home while in an outpatient rehab setting.
Residential drug rehab programs can be very expensive, but they provide long term treatment. They also usually offer support services and community groups.
Outpatient drug rehab programs are much less expensive, but offer shorter periods of treatment because they are less intensive. Most outpatient programs last only for a few weeks to several months.
An outpatient program for cocaine abuse may allow you to return to your home each day to work, school or socialize with your friends. In outpatient rehab, you will typically go through one or two therapy sessions, participate in individual counseling and participate in group activities such as sports, theater, games and exercise.
In many cases, you can quit your cocaine addiction with outpatient treatment without any type of detoxification process. There are a number of ways to quit cocaine, including prescription medications, herbal supplements, psychotherapy and self-help programs. The most effective treatments for cocaine addiction can be accomplished in outpatient settings.