Cocaine addiction. Assessment and intervention.

Assessment and intervention of cocaine addiction is still an evolving science. There do exist pioneering efforts that allow for the appropriate assessment of this disease. As with other chemical addictions relapse remains a crucial treatment issue. Paramount to the treatment of cocaine addiction are the issues of early intervention and the management of drug hunger or "craving." The ability of health care professionals assisted by the legal profession, industry, and others to intervene early in the disease progression is critical. Early intervention yields a less guarded treatment prognosis. Accurate assessment of medical, behavioral, and psychosocial variables is crucial. Medical science has used existing strategies and new regimens to assist in the management of cocaine "craving." These strategies alone will not be effective without the time-tested delivery of rehabilitative services synergistically applied with self-help programs.