CBT and cocaine misuse
Cocaine is a stimulant that awakens your senses and provides a feeling of euphoria. It is an addictive and illegal drug that can cause a series of physical and mental health problems when used regularly.
The abuse of cocaine can result in the user needing more of the substance to get the same feelings of happiness as their tolerance to the drug increases.
Long-term cocaine use can cause physical health issues as well as mental health problems. Common issues seen in habitual cocaine users include mood disorders, problems with sleeping, paranoia and irrational thinking. These symptoms of regular cocaine use can disrupt the lives of addicts and have a detrimental effect on their relationships with family and friends, cause career issues and increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety and psychosis.
Seeking help for substance abuse can be difficult, many users feel a sense of shame or fear that they will be judged. Supportive professional help is available and individuals who take the first step to asking for help can go on to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
How CBT can help overcome cannabis misuse
A qualified cognitive behavioural therapist can teach habitual cocaine users to recognise their unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, with the aim of modifying and replacing them with more realistic or positive ways of thinking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on how a person’s thoughts and feeling impacts how they behave. By identifying negative thoughts and behaviours, an individual can start to understand the impact those feelings have on their life and begin to gradually develop techniques that allow clients to exchange them for more positive outcomes.
CBT can help to define disciplines to enhance self-control by anticipating the triggers that stimulate cocaine use and helping clients recognise them and develop effective coping strategies.
A trusted CBT therapist for cannabis abuse
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited CBT practitioner with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP).
He has successfully worked with a diverse range of different clients experiencing issues with cocaine misuse, providing the professional support they need to reduce their dependency on stimulants and illegal drugs, allowing them to move beyond their issues to feel more positive about living a productive, cocaine-free and fulfilling life.
