Cocaine & Stimulant Addiction
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Breaking the Cycle of Stimulant Dependency
Cocaine, Crack, and Crystal Methamphetamine addiction create a unique and powerful psychological dependency. Unlike other substances that may cause physical sickness during withdrawal, stimulant addiction hijacks the brain’s “reward system,” making it feel impossible to experience pleasure without the drug.
At Addiction Recovery Center (ARC), we specialize in breaking this cycle. We understand that willpower alone cannot fix a brain that has been chemically altered to crave stimulation.
The "Crash" and Withdrawal
The first hurdle in recovery is managing the acute withdrawal phase, often called “The Crash.” Symptoms can be intense and include:
Severe Exhaustion: Sleeping for 24-48 hours as the body attempts to repair.
Anhedonia: A complete inability to feel joy or motivation (due to dopamine depletion).
Paranoia & Anxiety: Intense psychological distress.
Our Treatment Protocol: Dopamine Repair
Because there are no Health Canada-approved medications to block stimulant cravings (unlike opioids), our treatment focuses on restoring brain health and cognitive control:
Nutritional Restoration: High-protein, nutrient-dense protocols to provide the building blocks for natural dopamine production.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): We help you identify “Euphoric Recall”—the trick your brain plays by remembering only the high and ignoring the crash.
Trigger Management: Learning to navigate high-risk environments without relapsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a medication to stop cocaine cravings?
Currently, there are no FDA or Health Canada approved medications specifically for blocking cocaine or stimulant cravings (unlike Methadone for opioids). Instead, we use evidence-based psychological therapies like CBT to identify triggers and holistic methods to restore the brain's natural dopamine production.
Why is the depression so bad when I stop?
Stimulants like cocaine and crack artificially flood the brain with dopamine. When you stop, the brain's natural supply is depleted, leading to a condition called 'anhedonia' (inability to feel pleasure). This is a temporary, biological withdrawal symptom that our medical team helps you manage through nutrition, rest, and therapy.
I only use on weekends. Do I really need rehab?
This is a common justification known as 'binge use.' However, if your weekend use leads to negative consequences (financial loss, relationship strain, anxiety) and you find yourself unable to stop despite promising you will, it indicates a dependency that requires professional treatment.
How long does the 'crash' last?
The acute withdrawal phase (the 'crash') typically lasts 3 to 7 days, involving extreme fatigue and sleep. However, the psychological cravings can persist for weeks. Our residential program provides the safe, drug-free environment needed to get past this vulnerable window.
Do you treat crystal meth addiction?
Yes. Methamphetamine addiction is treated similarly to other stimulants but often requires a longer period of stabilization due to the severe impact on sleep and cognitive function. Our medical team monitors you closely to ensure your physical safety during this restoration phase.
Addiction is a medical condition, not a life sentence. Our Canadian clinical team is ready to listen without judgment. Get confidential answers about Medical Detox, Therapy, and Insurance Coverage today.
