Cocaine Doesn't Have to Define Your Life. Recovery Is Possible.
Outpatient counseling and behavioral therapy for adults with cocaine and crack cocaine use disorder. Honest, evidence-based care across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia — without the judgment.
Outpatient Care
No residential stay required
Counseling-First
Evidence-based behavioral therapy
No Judgment
Faith-supported, never forced
Telehealth Available
Across TN & VA
⚠️ Critical: Cocaine Is Being Contaminated With Fentanyl
Across the United States, cocaine and crack cocaine are increasingly being contaminated with fentanyl — sometimes through cross-contamination, sometimes intentionally. According to the CDC, cocaine-involved overdose deaths have surged dramatically — driven largely by fentanyl contamination. People who use cocaine recreationally, sometimes for the first time, are dying of opioid overdoses they never saw coming.
If you or someone you love uses cocaine: Carry naloxone (Narcan). Use fentanyl test strips when available. Never use alone. If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately — Tennessee and Virginia Good Samaritan laws protect callers from prosecution.
However You Got Here, You're Welcome Here.
Most people don't start using cocaine planning to lose control. It might have started at a party, with friends, with a partner — recreationally, occasionally, "just on weekends." Maybe it was a way to keep up at work, push through long days, or feel something other than what you were feeling. For some people, it stayed casual. For others, it didn't.
Maybe you're spending money you don't have. Maybe you're hiding it from your partner, your family, your boss. Maybe you've watched a "weekend habit" turn into something else entirely. Maybe you've had a scare — chest pain, an arrest, a relationship ending. Or maybe nothing dramatic has happened yet, and you just know in your gut that something needs to change.
At Emmaus, you won't be judged for how much, how often, or how long. You'll be met where you are. Cocaine use disorder is a treatable medical condition — and treatment works. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they start feeling more like themselves again.
Signs You May Have a Problem With Cocaine
Cocaine use disorder doesn't always look the way you'd expect. Many people who appear to be "functioning" are actually struggling. Recognizing the patterns is the first step.
- Using more often or in larger amounts than intended
- Powerful cravings, especially in certain situations or with certain people
- Needing more to get the same high (tolerance)
- Spending significant money on cocaine — sometimes money you don't have
- Continuing to use despite financial, work, or relationship problems
- Binge use patterns followed by intense crashes
- Severe depression or anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) when not using
- Mixing cocaine with alcohol to manage the comedown
- Hiding use from family, friends, or coworkers
- Failed attempts to cut back or quit
- Health problems: nosebleeds, sinus issues, heart palpitations, chest pain
- Using cocaine to function rather than for recreation
The Real Health Risks of Cocaine
Cocaine doesn't just damage your life slowly — it can kill quickly, even in young, healthy people. Understanding the risks is part of why people choose to stop.
❤️ Heart Attack at Any Age
Cocaine is one of the leading causes of heart attacks in young adults. It dramatically increases heart rate and blood pressure while constricting blood vessels — sometimes fatally. This can happen on a first use, not just chronic use.
🧠 Stroke Risk
Cocaine sharply elevates the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, even in people with no other risk factors. This includes during use and in the hours after.
⚠️ Cocaethylene (With Alcohol)
When cocaine and alcohol mix, your liver produces cocaethylene — a metabolite that's more cardiotoxic than cocaine alone and stays in your system longer. Cocaine + alcohol is one of the deadliest substance combinations.
💉 Fentanyl Contamination
Increasingly, cocaine supply is contaminated with fentanyl. People with no opioid tolerance can overdose immediately. Carrying naloxone (Narcan) is essential if you use any street drugs.
🫁 Lung Damage (Crack)
Crack cocaine smoking can cause "crack lung" — severe lung inflammation, respiratory failure, and chronic damage. Long-term smoking is associated with increased pneumonia and chronic respiratory disease.
👃 Nose & Sinus Damage
Snorting cocaine can cause chronic nosebleeds, loss of smell, perforated nasal septum, and severe sinus problems. The damage can be permanent and require surgical repair.
What Cocaine Withdrawal Feels Like
Cocaine withdrawal isn't typically life-threatening like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal — but it's emotionally brutal, and many people relapse simply because the depression and cravings feel unbearable without support.
Cocaine withdrawal typically begins within hours of last use. The "crash" hits first — extreme exhaustion, increased appetite, profound depression. Acute symptoms gradually improve over 1-2 weeks, but cravings and emotional symptoms can persist for months as the brain's dopamine system slowly recovers. This is exactly why ongoing behavioral support during the first weeks and months matters so much. Quitting alone is one of the leading reasons people relapse.
😴 The Crash
First 24-72 hours: extreme exhaustion, hypersomnia (sleeping 12+ hours), increased appetite, complete physical and mental collapse after sustained use.
😔 Severe Depression
Cocaine artificially floods the brain with dopamine; withdrawal often feels like the opposite. Profound sadness, hopelessness, and emotional flatness are common.
🎯 Intense Cravings
Powerful, situation-triggered cravings (certain places, people, times of day, or after drinking alcohol). These respond well to behavioral therapy techniques.
🧠 Anhedonia
Inability to feel pleasure from normal activities. Things that used to be fun feel flat. This gradually improves as the brain recovers, but the timeline can be discouraging without support.
😰 Anxiety & Irritability
Restless, on-edge feelings. Some people experience panic. Counseling helps you build coping skills that don't require cocaine.
⚠️ Suicidal Thoughts
Severe depression during withdrawal can trigger suicidal thoughts in some people. If this happens, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
How We Treat Cocaine Use Disorder
Our approach combines behavioral therapy, accountability, and ongoing support — all in an outpatient setting so you can rebuild your life while you recover.
Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your use history, health, mental health, and goals to determine the right approach. We'll discuss cardiac risk, polysubstance use, and any health concerns honestly.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management are the most evidence-supported treatments for cocaine use disorder. Our therapists are trained in all three.
Co-Occurring Care
Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma are common alongside cocaine use. We address these in parallel with recovery — because treating one without the other rarely works.
Long-Term Support
Cocaine recovery is gradual. Brain dopamine pathways take months to rebalance. We stay with you through the whole process as life rebuilds.
📋 Important Note on Medication for Cocaine Use Disorder
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine use disorder — unlike opioid or alcohol use disorder where medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard. This means treatment for cocaine use disorder is primarily behavioral, with medication only used when clinically appropriate for co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
We won't promise you a "magic pill." We will offer evidence-based counseling, honest support, and a real path forward. Learn more from NIDA →
Who We Help
Cocaine use disorder affects every demographic. Here are the most common patient situations we see.
💼 Working Professionals
Started using to keep up at high-pressure jobs, push through long hours, or socialize after work. Often hidden from colleagues and family.
🍷 Polysubstance Users
Using cocaine alongside alcohol — the most dangerous combination. Often started as a way to "stay up" through drinking, now feels inseparable.
📈 Escalation From Social Use
Started recreationally on weekends. Use crept up. Now it's not just at parties — it's at home, alone, during the week.
🔄 Relapse Support
Tried to quit before. Maybe multiple times. Welcome here — relapse is information, not failure. We help you build something that works.
Why Choose Emmaus for Cocaine Recovery?
Most addiction treatment focuses on opioids and alcohol. Here's why Emmaus is well-positioned for cocaine recovery.
🏠 Outpatient Means Real Life
Keep your job, your home, your privacy. No 30-day residential stay. Rebuild your life while you recover, on your terms.
🤝 No Judgment, Ever
You won't be lectured or shamed. Whatever brought you here — including things you're ashamed of — you're welcome.
🧠 Co-Occurring Mental Health
Most cocaine patients also have depression, anxiety, or trauma. We address these together — because separately rarely works.
🙏 Faith-Supported, Not Forced
Faith informs our compassion, not our requirements. We respect every patient's background and beliefs.
💳 Affordable Care
Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, and most major insurance accepted. Free benefits verification available.
💻 Telehealth Available
Don't live near our clinics? Virtual visits across TN and VA — same care, no driving.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients walking the road of recovery with Emmaus.
I love this place — they're truly awesome! Everyone is amazing! They care about you and your recovery and will help you in any way possible. I would recommend this place to anyone serious about their recovery.
I absolutely love it here. They are so welcoming and make you feel important. They don't judge you for anything you share with them. They are very kind, caring, and understanding.
This place is a true life saver. Their professional advice has even saved me from myself. The staff will do anything they can for you, and the doctor and entire team sincerely cares about making your quality of life the best.
Cocaine Treatment Across the Tri-Cities Region
Our cocaine use disorder treatment is available at all three Emmaus clinic locations and via virtual telehealth — covering communities across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
📍 Johnson City, TN
Cocaine use disorder treatment available at our Johnson City clinic on Old Gray Station Road.
📍 Kingsport, TN
Most Kingsport patients access cocaine treatment at our Weber City clinic across the state line.
📍 Bristol, TN/VA
Bristol residents have two convenient options for cocaine treatment based on travel preference.
📍 Elizabethton, TN
Carter County residents access cocaine treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Greeneville, TN
Greene County residents use our Bulls Gap clinic on Highway 11E for cocaine care.
📍 Morristown, TN
Our Bulls Gap location serves many Hamblen County residents seeking cocaine recovery.
📍 Erwin, TN
Unicoi County residents access cocaine treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Gray, TN
Gray is one of our closest service areas — just minutes from our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Jonesborough, TN
Tennessee's oldest town is just minutes from our Johnson City cocaine treatment services.
📍 Rogersville, TN
Hawkins County residents in Rogersville find our Bulls Gap clinic conveniently located.
📍 Mosheim, TN
Mosheim residents have one of the shortest commutes to cocaine treatment in our area.
📍 Bloomingdale, TN
Sullivan County's Bloomingdale community is well-served by our Weber City clinic.
📍 Mt. Carmel, TN
Mt. Carmel patients have convenient access to our Weber City clinic for cocaine care.
📍 Weber City, VA
The heart of our Southwest Virginia cocaine treatment services — centrally located.
📍 Gate City, VA
Scott County residents in Gate City are minutes from our Weber City cocaine clinic.
📍 Big Stone Gap, VA
Wise County patients often combine in-person visits with telehealth for ongoing cocaine care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Treatment
If you don't see your question here, just contact us — we're happy to talk through anything.
What is cocaine use disorder?
Do you treat crack cocaine and powder cocaine the same?
Is there medication that treats cocaine addiction?
Is cocaine withdrawal dangerous?
How long does cocaine withdrawal last?
What about fentanyl-contaminated cocaine?
Why is mixing cocaine and alcohol so dangerous?
I've tried to quit and couldn't. Will this time be different?
What if I'm also using alcohol or opioids?
Will my insurance cover cocaine treatment?
How much does treatment cost without insurance?
Will my employer or family find out?
How quickly can I start?
Authoritative Resources on Cocaine Use Disorder
For deeper research from federal agencies and professional medical organizations, these are the trusted sources we reference in our clinical practice.
Cocaine Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse research on cocaine effects, prevalence, and treatment.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on stimulant use disorder treatment.
Stimulant Overdose Data
Centers for Disease Control data on rising cocaine-involved overdose deaths, including fentanyl contamination trends.
Cocaine Facts
Drug Enforcement Administration facts on cocaine, including supply trends and risks.
Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine — sets clinical guidelines our practice follows.
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we'll listen. No pressure, no judgment, no obligation.
You Don't Have to Have This All Figured Out Before You Call.
You don't have to know how you'll quit. You don't have to know what comes next. You just have to make the first call. We'll handle the rest — figuring out insurance, scheduling, what your treatment plan might look like — all without pressure.
Confidential • Evidence-Based • Outpatient • No Judgment