 Cocaine is a very addictive drug, a stimulant, which increases one's alertness, attention, and energy while having a myriad of side effects. It comes from the coca plant, native to South America, having other names such as coke, crack, rock, snow, among others, coming in different forms, including a fine, white powder or solid rock crystal. It is illegal in the United States Cocaine Side Effects There are different ways to take cocaine. One can snort the fine, white powder into their nose, rubbing it into the gums, or dissolving it in water to inject the liquid using a needle. Other times, the rock crystal is heated to breathe the smoke. After inhaling or consuming cocaine, the drug will then send very high levels of dopamine, which is a natural chemical messenger in the body, into the parts of your brain controlling your pleasure. This is what would cause intense feelings of alertness and energy, also known as feeling high. Cocaine effects people differently. Some report feeling a high, such as feelings of intense euphoria. Others report feeling anxiety or pain, even experiencing hallucinations. Either way, the buildup of dopamine is the reason why people misuse cocaine to the point of abuse and/or dependence. The body is wired to fulfill the craving for that dopamine. Cocaine changes the neurochemistry, which leads to a substance use disorder. Satisfying this craving only increases the risk of the long term effects of cocaine abuse. That is why cocaine is very addictive and illegal. So while you might think the higher levels of dopamine is a great feeling, this is only a short-term effect. The "high" feeling is intense yet short-lived, and once you are "back to normal", you may end up feeling the exact opposite. One may experience intense depression, lack of sleep and appetite, increased heart rate, convulsions, and muscle spasms. Cocaine users might also feel angry, anxious, hostile, and/or paranoid, even when they aren't using the drug at that time. It leaves them wanting more of the drug as an attempt to evade such negative feelings and emotions Short-term Cocaine Side Effects
Long-term Cocaine Side Effects
This is just the start to list all of the side effects. Continual usage and increasing to higher doses of cocaine can lead to a cocaine overdose, heart attack or other life-threatening medical emergencies. If you or someone know you exhibits these side effects and are high dose cocaine users, they should seek treatment immediately. Wrapping It Up Cocaine has very serious side effects, especially when taking it in large amounts and for a long time. It may even cause death from overdosing on the drug. If you or someone you know struggles with a cocaine addiction, then do reach out to a medical professional for help and intervention immediately.
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 Inspiration can come from a number of sources. As a motivation during the struggle against addiction, it can help to think of these sayings from different perspectives or to meditate on some of them that seem particularly pertinent.  1. The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. – Ernest Hemingway When battling addiction it is important to remind yourself that our world is complicated and can wear on you. Keep focusing on rebuilding to gain new strength. 2. If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh 3. People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar 4. Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’– Audrey Hepburn 5. Believe you can and you are halfway there. – Theodore Roosevelt  6. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. – Mark Twain 7. My recovery must come first so that everything I love in life doesn’t have to come last. 8. No matter what the situation is, remind yourself “I have a choice.” 9. I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. – Charlotte Brontë  10. An over-indulgence of anything, even something as pure as water, can intoxicate. – Criss Jami 11. The goal isn’t to be sober. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don’t need to drink. 12. People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them. – George Bernard Shaw 13. I am not defined by my relapses, but by my decision to remain in recovery despite them 14. Great acts are made up of small deeds. – Lao Tzu  15. If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. – Zen proverb 16. Recovery is about progression not perfection. 17. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius 18. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford  19. If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else. – Yogi Berra 20. Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 21. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. – Mahatma Gandhi 22. The best way out is always through. – Robert Frost  23. Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength. – Napoléon Bonaparte 24. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein 25. Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them – every day, begin the task anew. – Saint Francis de Sales  26. No other road, no other way, no day but today. – Jonathan Larson 27. Recovery is not a race. You don’t have to feel guilty if it takes you longer than you thought it would. 28. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 29. It always seems impossible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela   Could You Be Struggling With Binge Eating?
Do you ever feel like you’ve lost control around food, eating much more than you intended and feeling ashamed afterward? If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). You’re not alone. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, and it’s a condition that is treatable with the right help. This short quiz can help you decide whether it’s time to talk with a psychiatrist about your symptoms. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can give you a better idea if professional support may be needed. Take the Quiz Answer yes or no to each question:
What Your Answers Might Mean
Why See a Psychiatrist? Binge Eating Disorder is more than just “eating too much.” It’s a mental health condition that can have serious emotional and physical consequences, including:
A psychiatrist can help you understand what’s going on, rule out other conditions, and offer a treatment plan that fits your needs. This might include therapy, nutritional guidance, or medications like Vyvanse, which is FDA-approved to treat BED in adults. You don’t have to go through this alone. Getting help is a strong and important step forward. If you’re ready to take control of your eating habits and feel better emotionally, request your appointment online today.  Patients who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a higher risk of losing control over when or how much you drink. They may also feel restless and irritable when they are not able to drink alcohol and have a tendency to continue using alcohol even when it begins to affect their health adversely.
Hence, there is a need for an alcohol assessment so that appropriate medical intervention can be recommended to the patient. What is an alcohol assessment? The first step to receiving proper treatment for alcoholism is to recognize and accept that you have an alcohol use disorder. Most people find it difficult to escape the addiction as they are in denial about the true nature and extent of their alcohol intake. However, if you want to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life, gaining independence from alcohol addiction is vital. An alcohol assessment could be the first step towards this goal. Here are some symptoms that indicate a higher intensity of alcohol addiction and the need for prompt medical treatment. Waking up at night If you wake up at night frequently to pass urine, it could be due to the increased consumption of alcohol. Our body produces an anti-diuretic hormone that induces the kidneys to produce less volume of urine at night so that you do not have to go to the toilet frequently. However, alcohol can suppress the secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone, making your kidneys produce more urine due to which you have to get up at night frequently. [1] Dryness Alcohol can dehydrate the body causing dryness of the skin and eyes. If you experience dry patches over your eyes the next morning, it could be a sign of excessive consumption. [2] Poor sleep patterns Alcohol can interfere with the quality and duration of your sleep. It may prevent you from falling asleep causing an increase in the sleep latency period. It can also prevent you from entering the deep phase of sleep called the REM phase. As a result, you will wake up feeling unrefreshed and drowsy. [3] Impaired memory Alcohol can impact the cognitive functions of the brain. When consumed in excess, it may also affect your ability to recall any information or new skills you have learned. It can reduce your short-term memory to a great extent. [4] Blackouts are also a common phenomenon linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Most heavy drinkers tend to lose track of what happened the previous night once they sober up. If you experience these symptoms frequently, there is a need to undergo proper medical treatment and counseling for alcohol addiction. [5] Conclusion An Alcohol assessment by a doctor can help you determine the extent of alcohol addiction or dependence. This will give you an idea of the amount or frequency of alcohol you consume, its adverse impact on your life, and how it has affected your personal life, career, and general well-being. It will help you take the right steps toward alcohol treatment and improve the chances of successful outcomes. Call us at 281-849-4080 to schedule an alcohol assessment with one of our board certified psychiatrists. References:
 When Sarah first realized her drinking had spiraled beyond her control, she typed “addiction treatment near me” into her phone. Dozens of options appeared with some local, some out-of-state, but none gave her confidence or clarity. Ads promised luxury, success, and fast results, but the more she clicked, the more overwhelmed she felt. If you're like Sarah, you’ve likely asked yourself: Which addiction treatment program is right for me or my loved one? You're not alone. And you're not wrong to be cautious because real recovery starts with personalized, high-quality care. As a psychiatrist who has worked with addiction patients for years here in Houston, I’ve seen what works and what fails. Addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not a product to buy or a single decision to make. It’s a journey that requires thoughtful planning, customized support, and providers who understand that healing is as much about connection as it is about clinical care. Why Personalized Addiction Treatment Matters The most successful addiction recovery programs focus on the individual. That sounds simple, but unfortunately, many addiction centers advertise personalized care while delivering the same treatment plan to everyone. Real customization starts with building a team around your specific needs including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support staff who listen first and treat second. Therapists: More Than Just a Good Listener Therapy is the heart of any strong addiction treatment program, but not all therapists are equal. The most effective ones form a therapeutic bond, a relationship built on trust, respect, and understanding. The American Psychological Association has shown that this bond or “therapeutic alliance,” is one of the most important factors in recovery. Yet many inpatient centers randomly assign therapists to patients and don’t allow changes, even if the connection isn’t working. That’s not right. In outpatient programs in Houston, you often have the freedom to choose or change your therapist to find the right fit. Beyond connection, therapists need the right training. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC’s) are helpful, especially for teaching practical sobriety skills, but they shouldn’t work alone. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC’s) and psychologists (PhD-level therapists) are trained to treat not only addiction but also the depression, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that often go hand-in-hand with substance use. In fact, studies show that 30% to 60% of people struggling with addiction also face a serious mental illness. At Your Family Psychiatrist, we believe patients in the Tomball area deserve access to therapists who can address the full spectrum of mental health concerns, not just addiction alone. For most, outpatient therapy should start with 2–3 sessions per week to build a strong foundation. Relapses or setbacks shouldn't be considered failures but instead signals that more support is needed. Medication and Medical Detox: Why a Psychiatrist Makes a Difference Detox is often the first step in addiction recovery. If done poorly, it can be painful and dangerous. But when managed properly by a physician, especially a psychiatrist trained in addiction medicine, it can be safe, structured, and even empowering. Many outpatient programs in Houston, TX offer safe, physician-supervised detox, allowing you to remain at home while getting the medical support you need. However, some patients may need inpatient detox, especially if they’ve had seizures or severe withdrawals in the past. Either way, a thorough psychiatric evaluation is essential, but insurance companies rarely pay for more than one provider to complete both detox and mental health assessments. That’s why many programs cut corners. Imagine trying to evaluate someone’s mental health while they’re vomiting from withdrawal. It’s unrealistic. A psychiatrist should see patients after detox to explore underlying depression, trauma, or bipolar disorder which often fuel addiction but go untreated in rushed systems.  Group Therapy and Individual Counseling: One Is Not Enough Group therapy is often overused in addiction treatment centers. While it can offer valuable peer support, it’s not a substitute for one-on-one therapy. Unfortunately, insurance companies reimburse group therapy more easily, and many programs lean on it too heavily. In fact, some inpatient centers provide only one individual therapy session per 1-2 weeks which is far too little for someone battling addiction and mental health symptoms. The quality of group therapy also depends on who leads it. Disruptive peers, ineffective facilitators, or unclear boundaries can leave patients feeling worse, not better. Every group should be led by an experienced therapist who can create a safe, structured environment and facilities should have the staff and flexibility to group patients appropriately. The Role of Amenities, Environment, and Energy Recovery is hard work. Whether you're in a 30-day residential program or attending outpatient therapy while juggling work and family, you need ways to recharge. That’s where amenities like access to exercise equipment, creative outlets, or calming spaces come in. Sadly, many treatment centers overlook this. They offer bleak, institutional environments that sap motivation and energy. In contrast, outpatient treatment in Houston lets you stay rooted in your daily life while building routines that support recovery. You can continue working, caring for your family, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy all while receiving top-tier addiction treatment. Levels of Care: Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, or Outpatient? Inpatient Addiction Treatment Inpatient programs offer 24/7 supervision and structured living environments. They’re ideal for high-risk situations like severe withdrawals or unsafe home environments. Inpatient centers also prevent easy access to drugs or alcohol and provide a buffer from enabling influences. Inpatient care comes with downsides. Treatment options are limited to what’s offered on-site, and it’s hard to make changes once admitted. Sales staff may push facilities they’ve never even visited. And despite the intensity, many centers still underdeliver on therapy and psychiatry. Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs These “middle-ground” programs offer more flexibility. Patients might attend treatment five days a week while living at home or in transitional housing. Few include detox services. The quality of care and the amount of support varies widely. It’s important to ask questions like:
Outpatient care gives you the most control. You can choose your psychiatrist, LPC, or support group in your local area. You can adjust treatment frequency based on your progress and even extend detox at a slower pace for comfort. It allows you to rebuild relationships, return to work, and integrate recovery into your life. Outpatient care does require more internal motivation. There’s no one watching 24/7. You’ll need to be proactive in scheduling appointments, attending groups, and avoiding old triggers. For many, this responsibility becomes a source of pride and long-term success. For others, it isn't possible. What Really Makes Addiction Treatment Work? Ultimately, the most important ingredient in addiction recovery is your own readiness and motivation. Even the most skilled doctors, therapists, and treatment centers can’t force recovery on someone who isn’t willing to engage. That’s why techniques like motivational interviewing are so valuable. If you're in Houston, TX or a nearby community and looking for a team that treats you as a person, not just a diagnosis, Your Family Psychiatrist is here to help. We specialize in customized outpatient addiction treatment, combining medication management, therapy, and emotional support designed around your life. Actionable Questions to Ask Before Starting Addiction Treatment:
You deserve treatment that is built around you. Recovery is possible, and it starts with asking the right questions and finding the right support in your local community. Call Your Family Psychiatrist in Tomball, TX today at 281-849-4080 to take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free future.  |
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