Cocaine is already the most widely used stimulant drug in Europe, with Spain being the country with the highest consumption. Psychological and pharmacological treatments do not have all the efficiency required to treat this problem but thanks to the evolution of new technologies, addiction treatments have been innovated.
Currently, the Newline center is a pioneer in the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment, which has already shown amazing results. This procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain affected by addiction. This activates neurons in the areas that control cocaine craving, restoring their original functionality. It is a treatment that acts in the most biological way possible to reduce and completely eliminate cocaine consumption.
Dr. Sambola, an expert in drug addiction and co-founder and coordinator of the CAP in Mental Health of Hospitalet de Llobregat, explains the profile of the cocaine addict and the procedure to follow with this new treatment.
How do drugs act in our body?
On a psychological level, cocaine stimulates the area of the brain that provokes pleasure. On a chemical level, this drug produces a blockage of the elimination of dopamine, which is responsible for generating euphoria when cocaine is consumed.
At the beginning, euphoria is produced with a higher level of activity. In addition, it decreases appetite and sleep, produces anxiety and irritability and at a physical level there is vasoconstriction with tachycardia and increased temperature.
What is the profile of a patient addicted to cocaine?
It has a very marked profile, they are usually businessmen between 30 and 40 years old who like the night and drug use has been common in the group of friends. In addition, they have a rather impulsive personality.
How is the problem approached?
Treatment is always approached in such a way that there is relapse prevention. It is true that there are drugs that can reduce impulsivity and help to achieve emotional stability. By reducing risks and modifying habits, the psychological mechanisms that lead to consumption can be modified. It is a psychological work at individual and group level.
Transcranial stimulation treatment is aimed at reducing the intense desire to consume and the results speak for themselves. In addition, it is important to have the tools that the patient needs and to carry out the necessary protocols on an individual basis.
What does the treatment consist of?
It is important to note that the treatment has to be done on an individual basis. There are patients who need to remain hospitalized, which in the case of Newline is 3 weeks, so that both the treatment in the center and the subsequent treatment can be planned. For patients who are not admitted to the center, treatment is performed daily for 5 days with the transcranial stimulation machine and then once a week for 11 weeks.
The treatment is supported by individual, cognitive-behavioral or motivational therapy. Group therapy, personality studies, pharmacological therapy… Families will be an important support and will be able to attend therapy with the patient.