Overcoming a crack cocaine addiction is difficult. Prolonged use of this addictive substance leaves the brain irreversibly altered, resulting in occasional cravings for the individual’s drug of choice. Crack cocaine is among the most addictive, illicit substances due to its stimulating qualities and short-lived high. According to the United States Department of Justice, approximately 6,222,000 Americans have reported using crack cocaine at least once in their lifetime.
Crack abuse can cause financial hardship, the deterioration of personal relationships, heart damage, liver failure, or death when left untreated. Whether an individual is in recovery, self-treating, or has not yet begun practicing abstinence, applying the following coping skills can help you or a loved one combat crack cravings and start living a healthy, drug-free life.
Coping Skills to Combat Crack Cravings
Avoid Triggers
Once an individual begins practicing abstinence, it is important to actively avoid triggers as much as possible. Although triggers are unique to every individual, common ones include establishments where crack use took place, individuals who enable addiction or incite negative emotions, and areas where past traumas took place. By avoiding these triggers, cravings are less likely to appear.
Join a 12-Step Community
It is often recommended that individuals in the recovery phase join a 12-step community. These groups offer support, accountability, and a sense of solidarity for those who are struggling to control their cravings.
Participate in Therapy
Therapy sessions are highly beneficial towards maintaining sobriety. Therapists can provide understanding as to the root cause of an individual’s addiction and reinforce an individual’s motivation to stay sober. With this professional help, coping strategies are developed and strengthened so that potential triggers are minimized.
Find a New Hobby
Once crack cocaine no longer consumes time and energy, an individual may find themselves having ample free-time. In order to evade cravings in these moments, starting a new hobby can be a very effective abstinence tool. Whether it’s painting, reading, cooking, or building a garden gnome collection, let new interests replace the old.
Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Crack cocaine is highly addictive and life-threatening when abused; therefore, it is extremely important to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling with this addiction. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction. Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions. During this time, clients are also encouraged to become involved in local twelve-step fellowships, to find sponsors, and to begin working the steps of recovery through participation in these groups. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with crack cocaine abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)383-0784 and speak with an addiction expert today.
