Understanding Cocaine Addiction

Despite the fact that most people recognize cocaine as a highly addictive drug, it is still used by many. It is an illegal white powdery substance that produces excess energy and euphoria. Cocaine is usually snorted, but it can also be smoked or injected. Some slang terms for cocaine include blow, coke, snow, and powder.

When cocaine is abused habitually, it can be habit-forming. Cocaine addiction can be extremely difficult to overcome, as it affects nearly every part of the body. If you are concerned that you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine, here’s everything you need to know about cocaine addiction.

Cocaine

What Happens When You Do Cocaine

Cocaine produces psychoactive and addictive effects on the regions of the brain that regulate motivation and pleasure. When taken, the brain produces dopamine – a neurochemical that causes euphoria and feelings of well-being. Due to the drug’s ability to increase pleasure and euphoria, a person may begin to use the drug habitually.[1]

The short term effects of cocaine include:[2]

Intense feelings of happiness
Decreased appetite
Dilated pupils
Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
Increased energy and alertness
Anger/irritability
Paranoid thoughts
Restlessness
Abnormal heart rhythms
Insomnia
Low blood pressure

The immediate effects of cocaine are short-lived. Sometimes, they last as little as 20-30 minutes. However, when taken in large doses, cocaine is extremely dangerous. In very rare cases, cocaine can cause death due to cardiac arrest or seizures. If cocaine is abused regularly, a person may become addicted and display certain signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

The signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction vary from person to person. In addition, the severity of symptoms can vary depending on how long cocaine has been abused, how much is used, and how often cocaine is used. If a person is addicted to cocaine, you may notice the following behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms.

Behavioral Symptoms:

Lying about using cocaine
Failing to meet obligations and responsibilities
Strained personal relationships
Legal problems
Money problems
High levels of excitement and energy
Rapid speech
Increased agitation and hostility
Engaging in risky behaviors (i.e. unprotected sex, sharing needles, intoxicated driving)

Emotional/Psychological Symptoms:

Restlessness
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Delusions
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Violent behaviors
Psychosis

Physical Symptoms:

Nosebleeds
Stomach problems
Loss of smell
Dilated pupils
Runny nose
Hoarse voice
Difficulty swallowing

If you or a loved one is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, you may have a problem with cocaine. In most cases, the best treatment for cocaine addiction is a comprehensive substance abuse program.

Stimulant Use Disorder

Cocaine addiction is formally classified as a stimulant use disorder. Stimulant use disorder is a diagnosis that is outlined and defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A stimulant use disorder can be diagnosed if a person has experienced a problematic use of stimulant drugs. In addition, the person must have experienced two or more of the following symptoms within a one-year period.[3]

DSM-5 diagnosis guidelines for stimulant use disorder:

Taking more stimulants than a person intended to take
Inability to cut down or control stimulant use
Intense urges and cravings for stimulants
Failure to meet obligations at work, home, or school
Continuing to take stimulants despite negative consequences
Avoiding important social or work-related activities to get high
Using stimulants in a dangerous way
Continuing to take stimulants regardless of negative mental or physical health problems
Increasing tolerance to stimulants
Withdrawal from stimulants when not taken

If a person has a stimulant use disorder, he or say may be more susceptible to the long term health effects of cocaine abuse.

Long Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine abuse can have various negative health effects on the body. Not only does cocaine affect the brain, but it affects nearly every major functioning part of the human body. Some long term effects of cocaine abuse include:[2][4]

Headaches
Seizures or convulsions
Heart disease
Stroke
Mood swings
Low sex drive

Damaged sense of smell
Reduced cognitive abilities
Nasal inflammation
Lung damage
Increased risk for central nervous system disorders

The best way to prevent and heal from the long-term effects of cocaine use is to abstain completely. While it isn’t easy, an addiction treatment center in Palm Beach can help.

Addiction Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder

Cocaine addiction can be difficult to overcome alone. After all, after quitting cocaine, the mind and body will need the drug to feel normal. This can make early recovery particularly difficult for people with stimulant use disorders. However, drug rehab in Palm Beach can increase your chances of quitting successfully.

“Our customized approach to partial hospitalization helps you or your loved one continue to break their dependence on drugs and alcohol and address the true underlying causes of their disease – all while considering your unique and specific needs. Our customized treatment plans empower each patient to successfully cope with their individual triggers, allowing them to live their healthiest, most fulfilling lives.”

Substance abuse counseling can help people cope with withdrawal symptoms, mitigate cravings and urges to use, and establish a drug-free life. If you or a loved one is suffering from cocaine addiction, contact our addiction specialists today.

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