It is common for people who are in recovery following cocaine addiction and dependency to experience several triggers and cravings that can lead to a return to cocaine use. This often happens in stages and can be preceded by many warning signs. This guide provides information on preventing and managing cocaine relapse.
- Cocaine addiction recovery can be a challenging process with a high relapse rate. Maintaining abstinence and recovery involves consistently using professional and social support.
- Understanding the warning signs of relapse and identifying personal triggers can help with implementing early prevention and coping strategies.
- Several treatment options are available to help you manage and recover from cocaine relapse.
Relapsing into cocaine use
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that causes a fast and short-lived ‘high’. This effect can contribute to repeated and increased use, potentially leading to the development of dependence and addiction, classified by the DSM-5 as cocaine use disorder (CUD). [1][2]
Cocaine alters brain chemistry in users, especially with prolonged and excessive use. In particular, cocaine impacts the levels and activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This impact can contribute to difficulties in abstinence and recovery following cocaine dependence. [1]
Cocaine relapse occurs when an individual has been abstinent from cocaine use for some time and then returns to cocaine use. It is common for relapse to occur several times during addiction recovery, with reports suggesting that 40-60% of individuals experience a relapse within a year of completing treatment for any substance use disorder. [3]
Cocaine can be particularly challenging for maintaining abstinence, as it can cause intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and individuals may experience several triggers during their recovery. [4]
Research suggests that those with a more severe cocaine dependence are more likely to relapse within a shorter time of abstinence. Additionally, relapse rates tend to be higher for those who are very impulsive, do not utilize coping strategies, and do not engage in professional or group support. [5][6][7]
Avoiding cocaine relapse may be possible if effective treatment is utilized initially and is continued during the recovery process. This can involve rehab treatment, psychiatric support, attending 12-step program meetings, and implementing effective relapse prevention techniques. [1][3]
Identify your triggers
Triggers can vary from person to person so it can be helpful to try and identify triggers that are specific to you. This might include people and places associated with your prior cocaine use. For example, did you commonly use cocaine when you were bored at home alone, at a bar with friends, or after a stressful day at work?
Understanding the thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that preceded your past use can help you identify situations that might be triggering for you during your recovery.
Common triggers for cocaine relapse can include: [4][5][6]
- Negative emotions such as anxiety and sadness
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Celebrations
- Attending parties or bars
- Exposure to cocaine use
- Places that are associated with past use
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Other substance use such as alcohol consumption
- Stressful situations
- Having cash
Warning signs of a cocaine relapse
Cocaine relapse doesn’t occur suddenly. Individuals who experience a relapse of cocaine use are likely to experience several warning signs long before returning to substance use.
As with any substance relapse, individuals experiencing cocaine relapse will typically go through three stages; emotional, mental, and physical relapse. During the first two stages, it is possible to prevent a full relapse if warning signs are spotted and prevention strategies are utilized. [8]
Stage 1: Emotional Relapse
Emotional relapse is the first stage of warning signs that may indicate a potential cocaine relapse. Despite having no intention of relapsing, experiences and triggers may cause negative emotions that increase the individual’s vulnerability to relapse.
Some potential signs of an emotional relapse include: [6][8]
- Declining self-care
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Mood swings
- Feelings of stress, anger, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness
- Ruminating on distressing or stressful situations
- Increasing isolation
- Reduced attendance at group meetings or therapy sessions
How to take care of your emotions
Managing your emotions and recognizing warning signs during this stage can help prevent relapse. This might involve: [8]
- Engaging in healthy behaviors such as exercise, socializing with sober friends, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation exercises
- Taking care of general well-being, such as managing sleep patterns and nutritional intake
- Attending therapy and utilizing coping strategies
- Talking to friends and family
- Checking in with emotions and behaviors using the acronym HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) and noticing any changes that need managing
Stage 2: Mental relapse
Mental relapse is the second stage that occurs before a cocaine relapse. During this stage, the individual begins thinking about using cocaine again. They will likely want to continue with their recovery process but will begin rationalizing and bargaining with themselves about potential cocaine use.
Signs of a mental relapse can include: [5][8]
- Thinking about past cocaine use in a positive light, forgetting or choosing to ignore negative aspects
- Making plans to buy cocaine and how or where to use it
- Thinking about seeing friends who use cocaine
- Lying to friends, sponsors, or professionals about their thoughts on using
How to manage your thoughts
Recognizing the signs of mental relapse can help you implement prevention strategies to avoid relapse. This could include: [8]
- Accepting that cravings will occur and letting these thoughts pass
- Attending meetings or talking with a sponsor about these thoughts
- Checking your prevention plan and utilizing coping strategies to distract from these thoughts
- Thinking about what might have triggered these thoughts and using techniques to regulate negative emotions that might have contributed
Stage 3: Physical relapse
Physical relapse is the final stage and involves a return to substance-using behaviors. This is likely to include buying cocaine, using cocaine, and spending time with people using cocaine. This stage might occur many weeks or months after the initial warning signs have begun and is more likely if prevention strategies have not been utilized. [5][6]
Some people experience a ‘lapse’, in which they use cocaine on one occasion or for a short period and then return to their recovery process. This can cause feelings of guilt and shame and may lead to a full relapse in which regular cocaine use occurs. [8]
How to get back on recovery
Relapse can cause negative emotions to arise and it can be challenging to get back to recovery. To return to recovery, you may find it helpful to: [1][8]
- Accept any negative emotions that occur, such as guilt or disappointment, and forgive yourself for this setback
- Seek professional help, such as therapy, to learn or improve upon coping strategies and to examine the circumstances leading to your relapse
- Consider what triggered this relapse and alter your prevention strategies so that you are better equipped to manage these triggers in the future
- If necessary, utilize inpatient rehab facilities to help with withdrawal and returning to abstinence
- Bring healthy habits back into your routine, including improvements in sleep, diet, and exercise
Signs that a loved one is relapsing to cocaine use
If you know someone currently going through cocaine addiction recovery, you may find it helpful to be aware of signs of relapse. This might include: [1][5]
- Noticeable changes in behavior and mood
- Irritability, agitation, or mood swings
- Declining self-care, such as poor hygiene or neglecting dietary intake
- Erratic or dangerous behavior
- Paranoia
- Runny or bloody nose
- Spending time with different groups of people or in different places
- Being secretive or withholding information about their activity
- Changes in the way they speak about their addiction or recovery
- Avoiding people associated with their recovery, such as sober friends, professionals, or meetings
Helping someone in cocaine recovery
| In the event of an emergency, such as a cocaine overdose, call 911 or seek medical assistance immediately. |
Supporting someone during or following a cocaine relapse can help them return to their recovery. Some tips that you may find helpful during this time include:
- Engage in open conversations with them, giving them the opportunity to speak about their relapse without fear of judgment.
- Allow them to express their emotions regarding their relapse. This might include feelings of guilt and shame, or other negative emotions that have contributed to their return to cocaine use.
- Be reassuring and positive, letting them know they have not failed and can learn from this setback to improve their coping skills.
- Be available for them so they can reach out to talk or spend time socializing away from people associated with cocaine use.
- During cocaine relapse or withdrawal, you may notice extreme changes in mood and behavior. It is important to maintain your own safety and not put yourself at any risk if they become violent or aggressive.
Treatment providers
During or following a cocaine relapse, professional advice and treatment can be crucial to returning to the recovery process. This can include: [1][3]
- Utilizing inpatient treatment for withdrawal and rehabilitation
- Attending therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn or adapt coping strategies and improve emotional regulation
- Attending meetings with 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Recovered provides a directory of treatment options that can be used to treat cocaine dependence and provide relapse prevention strategies.
FAQs
Do cocaine addicts recover?
Recovery may be a long and challenging process involving many triggers and relapses. However, it is possible for people with cocaine addiction and dependency to recover. Better outcomes are seen in those who utilize long-term inpatient treatment, professional support, friend and family support systems, and emotion regulation coping strategies. [9][10]
What is the rehab success rate for cocaine?
Relapse rates for cocaine-dependent individuals are known to be high.[9][10]
One study found that only around a quarter of people who utilized hospital withdrawal treatment were able to maintain cocaine abstinence in the year following treatment.[11]
Rehab for cocaine addiction can provide many benefits and help people learn new ways to manage their addiction and cravings and boost their chances of maintaining abstinence.
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