Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant and comes in a white, powdery substance or in an impure, rock-like substance  (known as crack cocaine).¹ Powder cocaine is usually snorted or injected, while crack cocaine tends to be smoked.^1,2  

Classified as a Schedule II substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, cocaine possesses high potential for misuse, which can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.¹ 

On this page, we will discuss the signs of cocaine addiction, how to talk to a loved one with a cocaine addiction, various levels of care and therapies for cocaine addiction, and how to get started on the road to recovery. 

Signs Someone May Be Addicted to Cocaine

Cocaine addiction (clinically known as a stimulant use disorder) is marked by a number of specific signs and symptoms. While you can educate yourself about these signs and symptoms and keep watch for them, it is important to remember that only a professional can provide an official diagnosis. 

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the criteria for stimulant use disorder include:³ 

• Taking stimulants in larger amounts or longer than intended.
• Challenges with cutting down or controlling stimulant use.
• Spending large amounts of time trying to acquire stimulants, use stimulants, or recover from the effects of stimulants.
• Intense cravings for stimulants or having a strong desire to use stimulants.
• Difficulty fulfilling obligations at home, work, or school as a result of stimulant use.
• Continuing to use stimulants despite the damage it causes to interpersonal relationships.
• Giving up important activities because of stimulant use.
• Using stimulants in situations where it is dangerous to do so.
• Continuing to use stimulants despite physical or psychological problems that may be caused or exacerbated by use.
• Developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.

If you start to see some or all of these signs and symptoms occurring in a loved one, reaching out to a qualified professional may be able to help. 

How to Approach a Loved One About Their Cocaine Use

If you are concerned about a loved one’s cocaine use and want to help a loved one quit drugs, there are ways you can share your concerns with them without judgment. When you know how to approach the conversation, expressing your care and concern is easier.

Things to keep in mind when you’re talking to someone about their cocaine use:⁴

• Learn and educate yourself on the signs of addiction. This can help you state what you’re noticing with your loved one.
• Approach the conversation in a kind and respectful manner. This can help you avoid adding to the stigma of living with an addiction.
• Avoid name-calling when talking to a loved one about addiction. Words like “junkie”, “addict”, or “user” can all add to negative stigma.
• Talk to trusted loved ones about your concerns. They can offer you support during this time.
• Practice active listening and try to listen more than you speak. This allows you to hear the other person out and understand their point of view and any challenges they may be having.
• Provide support. If they ask for help finding treatment, you can help them choose a treatment program that meets their needs.

While trying to figure out how to help someone stop using cocaine can be difficult, your loved one may be relieved to know that they have people willing to support them.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs & Rehab Options

Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; what works for you may not work for someone else. There are many different paths to recovery and finding the path that suits your needs by working with treatment professionals can help ensure you get what you need out of treatment.

There are many different recovery options. Reach out to American Addiction Centers at to get started today. Our team of talented admissions navigators and treatment professionals can help you determine what type of care may suit your needs best.

Inpatient or Residential Cocaine Treatment

In inpatient or residential treatment, you live at a treatment facility either for a short- or long-term stay, depending on your needs.⁵ For many, inpatient treatment is often the first stop after completing supervised medical detoxification.⁵ 

While in an inpatient program, you can expect to follow a personalized treatment schedule that involves individual, group, and family therapy, as well as other evidence-based therapies that your healthcare providers may feel you can benefit from most. You may also engage in recreational or social activities designed to encourage the formation of a strong support network among patients while in inpatient rehab.⁵ 

Short-term residential treatment for cocaine addiction usually lasts between 3 and 6 weeks, while long-term residential treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.⁵

Outpatient Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Outpatient treatment, which helps patients receive the care they need in order to recover from addiction, allows patients to continue residing at home for the duration of their involvement in the program. There are several types of outpatient treatment options for cocaine addiction, including:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). PHPs require patients to engage in therapy about 4-8 hours per day, each day of the week. These programs most often last for about 3 months.⁶
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). A step down in intensity from PHPs, IOPs have patients engage in anywhere from 9-20 hours per week of therapy.⁶ Depending on the needs of the patient, an IOP can last for a few months to a year.⁶ 
• Standard outpatient treatment. There are different requirements for standard outpatient programs, however those who participate often attend therapy daily, a few times a week, or even just once a week.⁶ 

Outpatient cocaine addiction treatment is ideal for individuals who have a safe, stable home environment to return to in between therapy. Additionally, outpatient programs work best for individuals who do not have a severe stimulant use disorder or who require 24/7 monitoring.⁶ 

Therapy for Cocaine Addiction

Therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of all types of addiction, including cocaine addiction. You can learn to cope with underlying factors that may lead to addiction when you participate in therapy.

Some standard therapies you may encounter while in treatment for cocaine addiction may include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is often used in substance use treatment to help people develop coping skills that aid in the prevention of relapse and address harmful behaviors associated with substance use.⁵
• Contingency Management: Contingency management is a rewards-based intervention commonly used in cocaine addiction treatment. It involves therapist-led reinforcement through rewards for positive behaviors.⁵
• Group Therapy: Group therapy can help patients in treatment by reinforcing peer discussion. Group therapy promotes a drug-free lifestyle and often has positive effects when combined with individualized drug counseling.⁵
• Family Therapy: This type of therapy can bring the patient additional support through the recovery process. Family therapy, as part of a treatment program, can enhance the benefits that someone gains from treatment, as well as improve upon the lives of the patients’ loved ones.⁵
• Motivational Interviewing: Motivational interviewing is used in substance use treatment programs to help clients resolve ambivalence to change. This modality shows clients what behaviors keep them from making the desired changes so they can modify those behaviors.⁷

Ongoing Recovery Support

When you have completed treatment, seeking ongoing cocaine addiction support in your recovery journey can be massively beneficial. Aftercare programs can help you find mentors and support that you can check in with to prevent relapse and help you continually utilize the skills you developed in treatment.

Some people choose to attend peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or other 12-Step groups that are peer-led. Additionally, sober living programs are also an option for those seeking support after treatment.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Yes, many health insurance plans cover treatment for cocaine addiction, however the amount insurance covers varies by plan. If you need help connecting to a treatment facility that accepts your insurance or have questions about your coverage, contact one of our admissions navigators at AAC right now by reaching out to . They can help you verify your insurance coverage and find a facility that accepts your insurance.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Without Insurance

If you don’t have health insurance, options are still available for you to obtain treatment. Some facilities may offer a sliding scale or scholarships for addiction treatment. Additionally, you may be able to pay out of pocket or get a loan to attend treatment.

How to Choose a Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program

When you’re considering cocaine rehab, it’s essential to identify what’s important to you as you start treatment. Cocaine addiction recovery is possible, but finding a treatment center that meets your needs can help you get more out of treatment.

If you’re struggling to find the right program for you, our admissions navigators can help. Call our admissions navigators at (866) 959-7239 to learn about our treatment offerings. They can help you find a treatment program for cocaine addiction that works for you.

Start Your Recovery

If you’re living with a cocaine addiction, there are many options available for treatment. You can make a call and get started on your journey today. Asking for help is difficult, but treatment professionals can help you figure out where to start and help you explore your options.