There has been an enormous increase in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction since the 1980s. Treatment providers in most areas of the country report that it is the second most commonly cited drug of abuse among their clients. The majority of individuals seeking treatment smoke crack, and are likely to be poly-drug users, or users of more than one substance.
The widespread abuse of crack cocaine has stimulated extensive efforts to develop treatment programs for this type of drug abuse. Cocaine abuse and addiction is a complex problem involving biological changes in the brain as well as a myriad of social, familial, and environmental factors. Therefore, treatment of cocaine addiction is complex, and must address a variety of problems. Like any good treatment plan, treatment strategies need to assess the psychobiological, social, and pharmacological aspects of the patient's drug abuse.
Through the use of sophisticated technology, scientists can actually see the dynamic changes that occur in the brain as an individual takes the drug. They can observe the different brain changes that occur as a person experiences the "rush and the high" and finally, the craving of cocaine. They can also identify parts of the brain that become active when a cocaine addict sees or hears environmental stimuli that trigger the craving for cocaine. Because these types of studies pinpoint specific brain regions, they are critical to identifying targets for developing medications and treatments to treat addiction.
Cocaine and Crack Availability
Cocaine is a principal drug threat to the United States. Both powder cocaine and crack are prevalent throughout the country, and overall availability is stable. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Field Divisions report that powder cocaine and crack are readily or widely available, and most describe cocaine as the greatest drug threat to their areas.
Obviously, many more residential and long-term affordable drug treatment resources are needed.
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