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When the Use of Cocaine Gets Out of Hand

Written by: Wendy Moelker, Psychologist in charge, tutor, Emergis center for mental health care, Goes, the Netherlands.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 22 Jul 2008.

Abstract:

The only good advice is to stop using cocaine. To succeed in stopping to use cocaine, you need to change your life style, too.

Question:

What can you do when you realize that the use of cocaine gets out of hand?

Answer:

The only good advice is to stop using cocaine. If you choose to do so, it is absolutely necessary to change your lifestyle with possibly radical consequences, for example, not going out with the same people anymore, or going out to other places. Maybe it is better to stop going out completely and find yourself some other activities. It is important to make a conscious choice; that you realize why you want things to be different. It can help to make up a balance. Make an inventory of what you like about using cocaine; for example, no worries, more self-confidence, a free feeling with others around, and the ability of keep on partying and drinking. Also make an inventory of the disadvantages of using cocaine: the money it costs you, the bad and unsatisfying feeling you have afterwards, the embarrassment.

You can also make a balance sheet of the expectations when you stop using cocaine. What do you think you will lose when you quit? What are you afraid of (losing friends, having a 'boring' life)? And what do you think are the advantages of quitting, what will it bring you? Once you have made these lists, the motives should be clear to stop or to continue. If you decide to stop, prepare yourself. Which things in life do you have to change to make it happen:

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