Treating cocaine addiction

Estimates assume approximately 100'000 occasional and 11'000 addicted cocaine consumers in Switzerland. Although there is no established «standard treatment», helpful pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment strategies for cocaine addiction and its consequences exist. A selection of the most relevant treatment options is presented in this review. Their application should be embedded within an individualized treatment plan, which usually includes several of the therapeutic elements presented hereafter, depending on the patient's current situation. The treatment of patients with cocaine dependence might encompass longer periods and multiple sequences of treatment in out- or inpatient setting, yet it is promising.