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Teen cocaine addiction treatment in Los Angeles

Teen cocaine use has increased since COVID-19 in the Los Angeles area. As the drug becomes more available to the younger generations, the dangers continue to rise because of what is being put (“cut”) into the cocaine, without the end buyer knowing. Cut drugs can lead to overdose and other severe side effects. Deaths from cocaine use have also risen to over 24,000. This is why it’s important to educate your teen about the dangers of cocaine and get your teen the help they need if they are abusing the drug.

Cocaine use can quickly take a serious toll on a teen’s physical and mental well-being. At Key Healthcare, we provide targeted treatment designed to help adolescents overcome addiction, rebuild trust, and develop the tools they need for lasting recovery.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

9 min read

Updated July 1, 2025

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. There are two primary forms of cocaine:

Crack: This type of cocaine is processed into a rock crystal.
Powder: This type of cocaine is a white powder. Drug dealers could mix it with other stimulants such as synthetic opioids and amphetamines to produce a highly effective substance.

The most common methods of cocaine use among adolescents are smoking, snorting, and injection.

What are the Effects of Cocaine on the Teen's Brain?

Given the stimulating effect of cocaine, it mainly affects the brain. When cocaine enters the bloodstream, it activates the production of dopamine. High dopamine levels increase the pleasure and reward effects in other parts of the body. The chemical components of cocaine also block the return of dopamine to the brain and prolong the duration of the high effects. Continued euphoria could impair the brain and make it tolerant of cocaine. Long-term teen cocaine use leads to addiction and dependence. The effects are fatal for adolescents, as their minds are still developing.

Help Your Teen Break Free from Cocaine Addiction

At Key Healthcare, we understand the unique challenges teens face when struggling with cocaine use. Our specialized treatment program combines evidence-based therapies, family involvement, and compassionate care to support lasting recovery. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing and a healthier future for your teen.

Signs and Side Effects of Teen Cocaine Use

Given the euphoric effect of cocaine, it is easy to identify the effects on the body. The intensity and duration of the effect depend on the potency of cocaine and the method of consumption. While these are the most common signs, it’s important to remember that every teen is different and other side effects may occur. If your child’s behavior is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, you might want to explore troubled teenager programs.

High Body Temperature

Teen cocaine users often experience an abnormally high body temperature and lowers the body’s ability to cool itself down.

Dilated Pupils

Cocaine abuse can cause the pupils to become larger than normal, even during periods of low lighting. Eyes may also appear red due to expansion of blood vessels.

Nosebleeds and Sniffles

Cocaine is typically snorted or inhaled, so prolonged use can cause nosebleeds and sniffles due to nose irritation.

Appetite and Weight Loss

The appetite of teen cocaine users may decrease, leading to rapid weight loss. Teens may also forget to eat due to hyperactivity and restlessness.

Hypertension and Increased Heart Rate

Cocaine increases blood pressure and heart rate due to a rush of adrenaline in the body, which can lead to chest pains and even a stroke.

Sensitivity to Sound, Touch and Sights

The senses of teen cocaine users may become heightened, causing excessive sensitivity due to interference with the central nervous system.

Our goal in developing Key Healthcare was to create programs that gave teens the guidance they needed to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Based on our own experiences, we believe that everyone has the ability to change if given the proper structure and connection

Ryan Blivas & Evan Powell

Founders of Key Healthcare

Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

There are many ways to help your teen stop using cocaine. A majority of the time, adolescents will use cocaine to cope with their mental health. This is why Key Healthcare provides dual diagnosis cocaine addiction treatment to treat both the mental health condition and substance abuse. We develop individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term recovery for your child. If you are interested in learning more about our teen cocaine addiction treatment options, contact us today.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our teen intensive outpatient program for cocaine addiction takes place 9 hours per week over the course of 4-12 weeks. Your teen will participate in therapy sessions that help them work through the reasons for their cocaine use.

Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)

Our teen partial hospitalization treatment for cocaine addiction takes place 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks. Teens will attend therapy sessions where they will develop the coping skills needed to stop using cocaine and treat underlying mental health issues.

Teen Residential Treatment Program

Key Healthcare’s teen residential treatment program is a 45-60 day program in Malibu, California, where adolescents receive the highest level of care, with 24/7 support.

Extended Care

Our male-only teen extended treatment for cocaine addiction is a combination of our partial hospitalization program and sober living. Your teen will have around the clock support to treat all mental health and substance abuse issues related to his cocaine use.

Individual and Group Therapy

We utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches for teens, including individual therapies for young adults and youth group counseling to treat mental health conditions and dual diagnosis cocaine addiction, including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. During sessions, teens will learn coping skills and how to process their emotions.

It might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here—you’re looking for a way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the purpose of the insurance verification form?

Our secure, HIPAA-compliant form helps you determine whether your health plan covers care at Key Healthcare. Once you submit it, our admissions team will review your benefits and personally walk you through your options—without sharing any information with your insurance provider.

What happens after I submit the form?

We’ll review your submission and contact you—typically within the hour—to go over your coverage details and the next steps in the process. Rest assured, we do not notify your insurance provider.

Why should I check my insurance?

Understanding your coverage makes planning easier. Most families find that their plan covers at least part of our programs. Even if it doesn’t, we’ll explore alternate options together.

How much will care cost with insurance?

Costs vary depending on your plan, the type of care needed, and treatment length. Our team will interpret your benefits for you and explain any potential out-of-pocket expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

Request a Call

Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance use challenges?

Request a confidential call today – our team will walk you through the admissions process, treatment options, costs, and what to expect. Reaching out is a powerful first step toward a healthier future for your teen and your family.

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Insurances we Accept

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.

Get in touch with Key Healthcare

Get in touch with Key Healthcare to learn how our teen-focused mental health and addiction treatment programs can support your family. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the admissions process, and help your teen take the first step toward lasting recovery.

If you are ready to get help for your child, we are here to help. Feel free to call us, email, or fill out our contact form to get started today. You can also verify your insurance to begin the process.

Check Insurance

Structure, support, and a path forward. See how programs at Key Healthcare help teens thrive.

Take the first step by verifying your insurance today and find out what coverage options are available for your family. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand how to access the care your teen needs.

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

As Executive Director, Dr. Mayeh is dedicated to maintaining Key Healthcare’s reputation as a premier adolescent treatment center, fostering a stable and supportive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership focuses on clinical integrity, staff development, and creating a culture of compassion and growth.