Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, California

The Neuroscience of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain, producing a surge of these neurotransmitters. With repeated use, the brain's dopamine system becomes dysregulated — producing less dopamine naturally and requiring cocaine to feel normal. This neuroadaptation is the biological basis of cocaine addiction and explains the profound depression and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) that characterizes cocaine withdrawal.

Cocaine vs. Crack Cocaine

Cocaine hydrochloride (powder cocaine) is typically snorted or dissolved and injected. Crack cocaine is the freebase form, produced by converting powder cocaine with baking soda and water. Crack is smoked, producing a faster and more intense high — and a correspondingly faster and more severe crash. Both forms produce the same addiction, but crack cocaine's faster onset and shorter duration make it particularly compulsive.

Evidence-Based Treatment

The most effective treatments for cocaine use disorder are behavioral: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (which uses positive reinforcement to reward abstinence), and motivational interviewing. There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, though our psychiatrists may use medications to manage co-occurring depression, anxiety, or ADHD.

Cocaine and Mental Health

Cocaine use is strongly associated with co-occurring mental health conditions — particularly depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Our dual-diagnosis approach ensures that these conditions are assessed and treated alongside cocaine addiction from the beginning of treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of Addiction

Our Treatment Approach