Damián Ruiz
What is the fundamental principle I apply in treating cocaine addiction?
That the patient comes to reject it — that they feel repulsion toward the substance.
How is that achieved?
Through a change in lifestyle and a process of raising consciousness so that they understand not only that they don’t need it, but that they’re missing many real opportunities to improve their life.
And how is that done?
Through analysis of the person’s history and current circumstances. By bringing to awareness the positive aspects that have not been developed and the negative ones that generate counterproductive attitudes and behaviors.
And what about willpower?
As a therapist, I don’t place much faith in it. I’m not saying it’s unnecessary — especially in the early stages — but I also don’t ask for miracles. What I seek is steady, gradual work that strengthens this virtue over time. But it’s not the core of the therapy.
What are the fundamental pillars of therapy to stop using cocaine?
A change in lifestyle and the development of a firmer, more determined, even ambitious attitude — not necessarily financially, although it could be, depending on the person, but in terms of fulfillment.
And that fulfillment is understood differently by each person: some link it to the “American way of life,” others to spirituality, depth, or even creative processes. The therapist must simply work together with the patient on where they want to go.
Is it easy to quit cocaine?
No, it’s not easy — but it’s also not “impossible.”
Progress is gradual, and occasional relapse may happen. As long as the patient doesn’t minimize its significance, such relapses can be accepted in the beginning.
But in order to consolidate the goal, one must progressively restructure — again — both lifestyle and the person’s perception, beliefs, and emotions around it.
It’s not about falling into empty positivity, the “you can do it” type, but about delving into the unconscious to activate all that could lead to a fuller life and deactivate everything that — perhaps without clearly realizing it — has been blocking it.
Quitting cocaine is a meticulous process, but it is achievable.
This treatment is for low to moderate levels of use — at most once or twice per week, and in small amounts.
It is not intended for heavy addicts — for them, clinical admission to specialized public or private centers is more appropriate.
But it is possible to completely quit using this substance — cocaine.
Damián Ruiz
www.damianruiz.eu
Barcelona, August 2025