Cocaine Abuse & Addiction Treatment
Contents
- Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
- Program Philosophy and Benefits
- Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
- Continuing Care
Many individuals, including both past and current athletes, abuse cocaine for a variety of different reasons. Since cocaine is easily found on the streets, many athletes may use cocaine with the hopes of improving athletic performance time. While cocaine is not usually a drug that comes to mind when we think of performance enhancers, an athlete’s performance can be enhanced on a short-term basis with the use of this substance. When used, cocaine provides an individual with a sudden burst of energy, increased confidence, increased concentration, and loss of inhibitions, all of which can be attributed to a temporary improvement in performance on the field or other sporting arena. Due to the short lasting effects of cocaine, many times an athlete with have to use the drug multiple times throughout a game. After prolonged abuse, an athlete will become dependent upon cocaine, believing that they will not be able to perform to the best of their ability without it. Retired athletes also have the risk of becoming addicted to cocaine. If they used cocaine during their career days, they may have become so dependent upon the rush of energy and euphoric feelings associated with this drug that they have continued to abuse it long into retirement. Additionally, some athletes have a hard time coping at the end of a long athletic career and may have begun to abuse substance like cocaine in order to self-medicate the painful emotions.
Athletes Recovery is a mental health recovery center that is dedicated to providing athletes a private, confidential treatment approach for cocaine abuse, which is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of professional and collegiate athletes, both active and retired. The treatment provided at Athletes Recovery is rooted in the principles of recovery, placing extra emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Our goal is to transform the lives of those we treat as they begin their journey toward recovery.
Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
While cocaine may be able to provide athletes with the boost of energy and confidence that they feel they need in order to succeed, these temporary results come with significant consequences. If the cocaine abuse continues, it can ultimately end an athlete’s career. Prolonged cocaine abuse can cause a large number of negative health problems such as irregular heartbeat, respiratory problems, strokes, seizures, headaches, infections, bleeding in the brain, unpredictable behavior, and mood disturbances. In addition to the physical consequences, both retired and current athletes may be facing significant financial difficulties as more and more money is spent on the drug. Finally, family relationships can be ruined as the individual’s mood swings and erratic behavior becomes too much to handle.
When an athlete has become addicted to cocaine, without proper treatment, it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to stop abusing this extremely dangerous substance. Researchers have shown that inpatient treatment programs can be extremely effective for many athletes who are trying to kick their addiction to cocaine. In addition to a number of different therapeutic approaches, an inpatient program can provide an athlete with the support system that they can lean on when they need it the most. Through an inpatient program, an individual can learn better coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention. Each patient is provided with the time needed to work through any emotional pain they may be struggling with and identify other underlying causes for the development of his or her addiction. When you enter into a rehab program, you will be able to get away from the pressure of everyday life and place all of your energy into your recovery.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Athletes Recovery is a private, confidential program that is specifically custom-made to treat current and retired athletes who are struggling with the challenges of their unique career. Our culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment staff works hard to provide each client with an individualized treatment plan that meets the personal needs of each athlete we treat. Our treatment places a strong emphasis on strength and accountability of team, and our services are based upon the mental and physical regimes our athletes are inherently familiar with. We want each patient to leave our program knowing that they have had the best experience imaginable.
Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
Before starting the treatment process, each athlete will complete a comprehensive assessment with one of our treatment specialists, which will allow us to identify the client’s exact needs. Once this process is complete, a treatment plan will be developed based upon the results of your assessment that will lay out the plan of care for your stay. Throughout this entire process we welcome your input and make sure to address any concerns or questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include some of the following therapeutic approaches:
Detoxification: If you have arrived at our program physically dependent upon substances then you will need to first complete our detoxification program. Our medical team will provide medically-monitored detox, which will allow us to effectively remove any drugs in your system as we monitor you for safety and comfort. Once this process is complete you will be able to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Individual therapy: This is a time spent one-on-one with one of our therapists that is specifically designed to focus on your presenting concerns. Individual counseling is held in a safe space where you can discuss the challenges you are facing as a result of your cocaine addiction and learn some better coping skills.
Group therapy: This is the main treatment that we use at Athletes Recovery because it can be very beneficial to connect with other athletes who will understand some of the difficulties you are going through. As a team, you will build off of one another to develop better coping skills, identify triggers, and learn how to prevent relapse.
Family therapy: When an addiction is present, family support is one of the factors that helps an addict continue to remain successful with their recovery. Additionally, a drug addiction affects the whole family, not just the individual. Some athletes may have spent a majority of their time on the road or may be newly retired and need to once again learn how to integrate back into family life. Family therapy can open lines of communication and let everyone express how they are feeling about the addiction. Additionally, we will help family members understand the disease of addiction and how they can best be of help to you during your time of need.
Along with traditional therapy, Athletes Recovery provides a number of additional treatment approaches designed for our athletes. These may include:
- Exercise and weights
- Prayer and meditation
- Physical therapy
- Educational therapy
- A.A. and N.A.
- Yoga
- Massage therapy
Continuing Care
When your stay in our inpatient program comes to an end, you will work with your treatment team to determine what your next step of treatment will be and what needs to be included in your aftercare plan. Some of our athletes find that they would do best in a sober living facility, where they will be able to practice their newfound sobriety skills, while slowly adapting to life without drugs. Others may feel that they have made enough progress to continue their recovery in a less restrictive environment in either a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP programs allow our athletes the opportunity to work on their therapy during the day while slowly reintegrating back into their community in the evenings. Finally, others may discharge home with a sober coach, referrals to traditional outpatient therapy, and references for community resources. Whatever you determine is the next best step for you, Athletes Recovery will be there to support you.