Cocaine Addiction

What’s on this page

• What is Cocaine?

• Is Cocaine Addictive?

• The Effects of Cocaine

• Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

• Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

• Treatment Options For Cocaine Addiction

• Cocaine stats and facts

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an illegal Class A drug under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Cocaine commonly comes in a white powdered form which can be snorted, swallowed, or diluted into a liquid and injected directly into the bloodstream. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. When in concentrated form, it reacts with the body’s central nervous system, producing energy and euphoria.

It is a stimulant that affects the brain by accelerating high levels of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward. The high, however, does not last that long. The euphoric effects of powder cocaine wear off within a couple of hours, and once the high subsides, many cocaine users are eager to recapture that feeling, which can lead to a cycle of abuse and addiction.

Is Cocaine Addictive?

Yes!

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can be highly addictive due to the short but intense high that it creates.

The reality is that anyone can become addicted to cocaine. Through frequent use, users will develop a dependence on it, meaning they need to have it to feel normal. Once dependence has developed, a tolerance will develop, and withdrawal symptoms will occur when stopping use.

The Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine has very sought-after effects. While some can take this drug recreationally and leave it at that, there are those that cannot and go on to develop a cocaine addiction.

Sought-after effects produced by cocaine include:

• Euphoria

• Heightened senses

• Increased sexual desire

• Confidence

• Feeling of invincibility

• Increased concentration and alertness

• Increased energy

• Reduced appetite

Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

The signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction will vary from person to person; however, there are several psychological, physical, and behavioural symptoms that have been identified that you may be suffering from cocaine abuse and cocaine addiction.

Psychological Effects of Cocaine Addiction Include:

• Paranoia

• Hallucinations

• Aggression

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Impaired judgment

• Repetitive or abnormal behaviours

Physical Effects of Cocaine Addiction Include:

• Unhealthy weight loss

• Increased heart rate

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Chest pain

• Nose bleeds and nasal perforation

• Heart arrhythmia

• Heart attack

• Seizure

Behavioural Effects of Cocaine Addiction Include:

• Acting impulsively or with increased energy

• Extremely talkative while high

• Engaging in reckless and risky behaviours

• Using other drugs alongside cocaine

• Being secretive and dishonest

• Avoiding contact with family and friends

• Only socialising with other cocaine users

• Neglecting responsibilities and relationships

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once important to you

Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can last for several days in someone who takes the drug regularly. The more cocaine the individual has been using, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms.

Addicted users who stop using cocaine will undergo an initial crash known as withdrawal. This can be intense and difficult due to cravings and uncomfortable side effects.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Lack of pleasure

• Anxiety

• Irritability / restless behaviour

• Vivid dreams / Nightmares

• Agitation

• Depression

• Poor concentration

• Increased appetite

• Suicidal thoughts

Many people, when trying to stop and do it alone, find the side effects and cravings caused by withdrawal are more uncomfortable than they realise and can hijack the recovery process, resulting in a relapse. This is why a medically supervised drug detox is recommended. Detox is when the body metabolizes cocaine and removes it from the body. Since cocaine metabolizes quickly, it leaves the body in approximately 8 hours, based on the half-life of the drug.

Treatment Options For Cocaine Addiction

If you feel you have an addiction to cocaine and need help, then SBS Treatments is here for you every step of the way. We help people find the right treatment and rehabs to face their addiction with cocaine and get back on track with their life.

We have a wide directory of treatment centres and rehabs UK-wide to ensure the right treatment for you and your requirements, which typically involves detox, counselling, and primary rehab treatment.

A drug detox will help to break the cycle of cocaine abuse, while counselling and primary rehab treatment deal with the underlying emotional and psychological issues that may have caused the addiction in the first place. Through different therapies and treatments, you can learn how to quit cocaine addiction for good and develop new, healthier strategies to move forward with your life.

Cocaine stats and facts

Other common names for cocaine include Coke, Blow, Snow, Charlie, White, Flake, and Sniff in the UK.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), cocaine is the second most prevalent drug after cannabis.

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), cocaine use in England, Wales, and Scotland increased by 290% between 2011 and 2019.