Many people begin using cocaine for its stimulating, invigorating effects but do not realize its impact on their mental health. Cocaine and mental health disorders go hand in hand, with cocaine use either triggering or exacerbating mental illness. Overcoming cocaine use is challenging enough, but adding in co-occurring disorders presents an even further challenge. These conditions can make it more difficult for you to trust those who are trying to help you. With the assistance of dual diagnosis treatment at a professional addiction treatment center, you can overcome cocaine addiction and co-occurring disorders.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that cocaine can make people feel more outgoing and energized, which can be enticing. However, we have seen how cocaine and mental health conditions can interfere with a person’s health and happiness. When you need help quitting cocaine and managing mental illness, you can trust our team of caring professionals. Give us a call at 866.516.8356 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment at our Houston-based detox center.
Cocaine and Mental Health Conditions Is a Vicious Cycle
People often start using cocaine out of a need to increase their energy and focus or to feel more extroverted and friendly. You may find that people using cocaine tend to fall into one of two categories – those looking to increase their mental performance for work or school and those looking to party for extended periods.
Unfortunately, most people use cocaine to manage feelings of inadequacy. They do not feel confident in their ability to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle. Rather than taking a step back and looking at healthy changes they can make in their lives, they use cocaine to help them keep up.
As you can imagine, these feelings about not measuring up and the resulting stress may stem from or lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Using cocaine to self-medicate will only intensify the symptoms of these conditions so that you feel even more of a need to self-medicate. This, in turn, becomes a vicious cycle of cocaine use and worsening mental health issues.
Cocaine Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
If you are not already struggling with a mental health condition, cocaine use can quickly lead to one. In fact, a person can become addicted to cocaine as soon as their very first use, which shows how potent this drug is. Cocaine can trigger mental health conditions or worsen the symptoms of already existing mental health issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic disorders
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Anger and aggression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Cocaine addiction can even lead to suicidal thoughts, especially during the subsequent crash from the rapid, exhilarating high. While the resulting paranoia may cause you to distrust anyone trying to help you overcome your addiction, it is vital that you realize this is a result of the drug. Getting help from a dual diagnosis treatment program is what you need to help you overcome cocaine and co-occurring disorders.
Seek Support from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Once you are in the grip of cocaine addiction, it can feel impossible to break free. If you or someone you love is feeling stuck in a vicious cycle of cocaine and mental health disorders, reach out to the professionals at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment programs can address your needs for cocaine detox and the management of mental health conditions so that you can get your life back. Our programs treat the whole person with a combination of medication, behavioral therapies, and holistic therapies to ensure that you are set up for a successful recovery. Give us a call today at 866.516.8356 to start feeling like yourself again.