About Cocaine Addiction
Do you believe you or someone you know is struggling with a cocaine addiction? If so, you have come to the right place. While a very troubling disorder, cocaine addiction can be treated. Through the appropriate medical and clinical care, you can find freedom from your disease and begin your new life…recovered.
Before taking the necessary steps to get help, you and your loved ones should understand the background on cocaine, what warning signs to look for, and the negative effects caused by this disorder. As an advocate for recovery, Brookdale looks to be a resource for anyone in need of help. This page serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding cocaine addiction, but more importantly, as a tool to get the treatment you need. For more information or to speak with a Brookdale specialist, call 855-575-1292 today.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction
While cocaine was once used for medicinal purposes such as controlling nosebleeds during and after surgery, it is best known as a drug that can be taken to obtain a feeling of high or increased stimulation. Cocaine abuse is defined as an individual who persistently uses cocaine for its effects, regardless of adverse consequences. It is a highly addictive illegal drug and most users that abuse the drug will develop an addiction. The euphoric feeling created by cocaine is so strong, addiction can result even after a few uses.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is estimated that roughly 913,000 Americans can be diagnosed with a cocaine use disorder, although many of these will never seek help. Though not exclusive to them, cocaine is often labeled as a drug associated with parties, typically a place where active addiction begins for many.
What is Cocaine?
Derived from the leaves of the coca plant, Cocaine is a stimulant, a substance designed to enhance a body’s natural functions. Stimulants do this by prompting the body’s nervous system to release natural chemicals for alertness, attention and energy. A person under the influence can expect their blood pressure and heart rate to rise rapidly. For these reasons, stimulant drugs like cocaine are referred to as “uppers.”
The natural chemical that cocaine specifically affects is called dopamine, an endorphin which is normally released during periods of excitement or achievement. By flooding the body with dopamine, cocaine creates an artificial high that makes users feel good and encourages them to continue using. Over time, repeated use rewires the brain to make it crave and rely on those increased levels to function.
While the initial feelings of cocaine are enjoyable, the drug has a long list of negative side effects that can easily cause permanent damage to the body, even in early stages of use. It can be identified by its white, flaky appearance, and may be taken through IV injection, smoking, intranasal use (snorting), or oral use.
Common Cocaine Nicknames
Cocaine has many different nicknames and street names, often derived from its appearance. Some of these include:
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Coke
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Crack
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Powder
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Snow
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Snow White
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Blow
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Sugar
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Flake
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Toot
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Happy Trails
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Yeyo
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Johnny
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Charlie
How Addictive is Cocaine and Why?
According to Merck, reports reveal that at least 25% of users develop a dependence to cocaine and become addicted. It has addictive properties so powerful that many users will refuse to accept they have a problem, either through simply not realizing it, or entering a state of denial despite how desperate they may become for the drug. Since cocaine is illegal and unregulated, it is often combined with various filler ingredients that can increase the likelihood of addiction, as well as prompt additional health risks. Considering these unknown substances, no one supply of cocaine is ever identical, making treatment coordination more complex and overdose a more likely threat.
Addiction to cocaine occurs on a physical and psychological level. Oftentimes, cocaine use begins to fill a void or mask a problem. In other words, it may become a coping mechanism for different parts of life that are challenging such as dealing with social situations, stress, depression, or feelings of inadequacy. While there are numerous reasons why a person may use cocaine to cope, a key factor for recognizing an addiction is that it fills a psychological need. Overtime, the addiction will worsen as the user comes to rely on the drug and a dependence to the substance will develop.
Physically, habitual users develop a dependence to the drug. At this stage, the user’s body has adapted to the effects of cocaine and without a consistent dopamine rush, loses its ability to function normally. This causes severe cravings that encourage a person to continue taking the drug. Once this point has been reached, the person is likely to face withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop using cocaine. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms vary but can include exhaustion, irritability, tremors and high anxiety.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is extremely dangerous, even from the initial use. While side effects may be subtle at first, they typically worsen overtime. Adverse effects to cocaine use can include weakened immune systems, respiratory disease and Hepatitis. Cocaine can also impact other aspects of a person’s life including their behavior, ability to hold a job, financial troubles, legal repercussions and an inability to maintain daily responsibilities.
Physical symptoms can be mild or severe and vary among people. Common physical symptoms of cocaine use include:
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Darkened circles around the eyes
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Dilated pupils
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Headaches and migraines
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Hoarseness
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Impotence
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Increased body temperature
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Nausea
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Increased heart-rate
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Runny nose or nosebleeds
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Stomach pain
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Twitching or involuntary shaking
Psychological symptoms are where permanent damage is more common and may include:
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Heightened anxiety
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Bursts of elevated moods and euphoria
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Emotional swings
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High energy levels
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Hypersomnia
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Insomnia
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Irritability
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Loss of appetite
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Sluggishness
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Paranoia
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Decreased attention spans
Long-term users can also expect more severe damage in the form of:
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Cardiovascular damage (heart damage)
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Chronic nosebleeds
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Extreme weight loss and malnourishment
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Gastronomical problems and bowel decay
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Infertility
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Kidney damage
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Lung damage
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Seizures and convulsions
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Chronic impotence and sexual dysfunction
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Loss of smell
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Difficulty breathing and swallowing
Diagnosis of Cocaine Addiction
Addiction can be diagnosed by a physician using several different criteria. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a patient must meet at least two of the following criteria within a 12-month period to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD):
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Hazardous use of the drug
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Social or interpersonal problems related to the use
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Neglected major responsibilities to use the drug
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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
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Developing a tolerance
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Using larger amounts
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Repeated attempts to quit or control use
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Excessive time spent using the drug
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Physical or psychological problems related to use
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Activities replaced by drug use
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Cravings
Since every individual is different, a patient may experience all or only a few of these criteria. Thus, it is imperative that a treatment professional or physician be contacted to help with the diagnosis.
Cocaine Addiction Therapy and Treatment
When a person is admitted to a drug and alcohol rehab center for cocaine addiction, they must first be evaluated to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. In most scenarios, treatment often begins with cocaine detoxification, a process which involves removing harmful and addictive substances from the body. During this process, physicians and nurses supervise and manage the symptoms of withdrawal, cravings, and other health conditions in a medical setting, ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort.
When a patient has been medically cleared and has successfully completed detoxification, they begin the transition into residential treatment. During residential care, clinicians work closely with the patient to address the core aspects of their disease, develop healthy coping mechanisms and confront other areas of their life that have been impacted by addiction. Some common therapeutic techniques utilized during this phase of treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and 12-Step Integration.
Due to cocaine’s addictive nature, aftercare or extended treatment is essential for long-term success. Recovery has no end date; it is a daily process that requires commitment and consistency. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 50% of users will experience a setback even with treatment and therapy. These numbers are much worse without proper care. Statistics of this nature stress how crucial it is to seek help. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Additional Facts and Statistics
One of the most troubling facts about cocaine addiction is the age of initial use, as many studies now report on individuals 12 years and older. Some of the most notable statistics from these surveys are:
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5 million people aged 12 and up currently use cocaine
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The 18-25 age group has the highest usage rate
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40% of emergency department visits for drug misuse or abuse are cocaine related
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4,000-6,000 people have died each year
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25-60% of recreational users will develop an addiction
Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction Today
If you or someone you love is currently battling an addiction to cocaine, there is no time to waste. Addiction is an insidious disease that ultimately wants to control you. Do not allow your addiction to turn you into another statistic, you are worth more.
Get the help you need today by calling Brookdale at 855-575-1292.