The first requirement for successful cocaine abuse treatment is for the patient to recognize that there is a drug problem and to ask for help to deal with it. Cocaine is a seductive drug and it can be very difficult to give it up alone.
Professional help is available.
Treatment can be on either an inpatient or outpatient basis in a hospital or specialized treatment center. People can usually go through detoxification safely without having to be admitted to a hospital, but some need medically supervised detoxification, especially if they are suicidal or have addictions to other drugs such as alcohol or tranquilizers. Treatment focuses on counseling and rehabilitation and the goal is drug-free living. Even after long periods of abstinence, people need support to remain drug-free. Self-help groups such as Cocaine or Narcotics Anonymous help people make lifestyle changes necessary to remain drug free, changes such as establishing friends who do not use drugs and enjoying activities without drugs.