Cocaine Addiction Facts

Cocaine Addiction

At Recovery Ways our Master level clinicians are experienced in the treatment and recovery of cocaine addiction. We offer the highest quality of care for all individuals that focus on the biological effects of cocaine and the underlying emotional pain which often leads to drug use so that the addict can fully recover and maintain a happy, clean, healthy life following treatment.

Cocaine is a prominent problem in America and throughout the world, with women being 3.3 times more likely than men to become addicted. Cocaine-related emergency room visits occur more than any other illicit drug. Cocaine can be snorted, ingested, smoked, and/or injected straight into the bloodstream. It is extracted from coca leaves and made with hydrochloride and it stimulates brain receptors creating a euphoric state that over time users develop a tolerance for. This means that the users need more of the drug more frequently just to feel the same effect. After the short-lived high, users feel anxiety and depression, causing a psychological craving for more of the drug to feel pleasure again. Cocaine has been known to be used by people of all ages, economic levels, occupations, and background; with kids as young as eight years old becoming users. Women who are pregnant and use cocaine have babies that are born addicts themselves and will most likely suffer from birth defects and many other problems. Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction can include the user becoming overly alert, extremely talkative or excited, overconfident, and in some cases debilitating anxiety.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a white powdery substance. Street dealers often cut or mix pure cocaine with other white powder substances such as flour, cornstarch, talcum powder, or even other drugs. Since the cocaine obtained by addicts is constantly different whether it is from a different dealer, mixed with different drugs, or taken in different amounts, the chance of overdose is high. According to the National Center for Health Statistics over 5,000 people died of a cocaine overdose in 2014. Users tend to binge on cocaine, meaning they take excessive amounts in a short period of time to maintain their high. The most common deaths from cocaine abuse are caused by heart attacks or strokes. These health risks are exactly why cocaine addiction treatment must be considered if you or a loved one is abusing the substance.

Cocaine is highly addictive with the psychological addiction being the most difficult part to overcome. Addicts depend on cocaine to feel normal because of the effect the drug has on the production of dopamine in the brain. This causes the brain to “rewire” the reward system. Cocaine is often offered with other substances such as marijuana or alcohol. When people do this it is called poly-drug use and is extremely dangerous. It can also lead to these other substances becoming triggers. Cocaine and Heroin are known to be used together (called a “speedball”) and is the most dangerous drug combination, increasing the chance of fatal overdose significantly.With Recovery Ways’ residential program, family therapy, aftercare programs, and local support we help give our patients a means for continued support and treatment to maintain control over their drug-free life. Due to the severity of withdrawals, Cocaine addiction detox must also be administered in a medically assisted setting.

Common Names for Cocaine

Common Names for “Crack” Cocaine

Crack Cocaine is different than the white powdery substance most people associate with Cocaine. Crack is made with ammonia or baking soda and processed into rock-like chunks and is smoked with a pipe and cheaper than cocaine. It is called crack because of the popping or cracking sound it makes as it is heated. Crack is considered more addictive than powdered cocaine. It is between 75% and 100% pure making it more potent. People can become addicted or overdose with their first try. Smoking crack creates an intense short-lived high, usually about 15 minutes.

Are you ready for cocaine addiction rehab?

If so, our admissions coordinators are here to listen and help you towards a sober life free from cocaine addiction. Recovery Ways offers dual-diagnosis and highly accredited substance abuse treatment. Please contact our admissions coordinators to reserve your space start on the road to recovery.

To start the admission process contact us here or call 888.986.7848.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Cocaine Use

Are you concerned that someone you care about is abusing drugs, but you are unsure what drug is being used? If you suspect cocaine abuse by a friend or family member there may be symptoms and warnings you can spot to determine if it is truly cocaine. Cocaine addiction can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, or financial standing. Warning signs of cocaine abuse can vary in severity and duration. These warning signs can manifest themselves both mentally and physically in the short and long term. Here are some of the signs of cocaine abuse use you should watch for.

Physical (Behavioral) Symptoms

The physical symptoms and behavioral symptoms of cocaine abuse depend on many factors. Users of cocaine will often become alert, talkative, excited, overconfident, and may have anxiety. The length of the high depends on the potency and how it was taken. If the user snorts cocaine the high will last longer but be less intense. Cocaine users often do not sleep or eat properly. If a user goes prolonged periods without sleep they may start to experience hallucinations and even a psychotic break. This can also lead to some users becoming hostile or paranoid. The energetic and/or hostile behavior can last for a few hours to multiple days, depending on the rate and length of cocaine consumption. If the warning signs persist and the user is hesitant to commit to treatment, a professional interventionist may be able to help.

Cocaine Paraphernalia

The use and ingestion of cocaine can take many different forms and use many different delivery methods. Users will typically use some sort of flat surfaces such as a mirror or glass, a razor blade or card to divide ‘lines’, and some tube or rolled paper to inhale it. If they smoke it they may use aluminum foil, small burnt spoons, and a glass tube. If crack cocaine is being smoked then you may find a short pipe. If they inject it they will have needles, syringes and needle marks (also known as “tracks”) in different locations over their bodies. The most visible areas will be around the bend of the elbow, but many users will hide their tracks injecting it covered areas like their feet or toes.

Long Term Effects

The long-term effect of cocaine addiction can range from minor to life-threatening and must be taken very seriously. If a cocaine addiction is visible, the individual may be in need of residential treatment or a medically supervised detox. The long term effects can start as depression and move into hallucination or permanent heart damage.

Sometimes, individuals who are addicted to cocaine and are confronted with treatment or rehab may be resistant. Regardless of the consequences and health issues, they are facing they still may resistant to receiving substance abuse rehab. If this is the case, a professional interventionist may be able to help. They will approach your loved one and make the case in an engaging way that they will benefit from cocaine treatment, both physically and mentally.

Short Term Effects

These effects may be short in duration, but that should not detract from their severity. They are just as dangerous as the long term effects of cocaine addiction.

Life-Threatening Dangers of Cocaine Addiction

Regardless of the amount consumed and where it is acquired, the use or abuse of cocaine can cause life-threatening issues. Any cocaine use can lead to respiratory failure, strokes, brain hemorrhages, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Alongside these life-threatening physical dangers of cocaine addiction, there are also plenty of other dangers that involve a person’s well-being. Cocaine addiction and substance abuse, in general, can cause emotional problems, mental health issues, strained relationships that cause isolation and even financial problems.

Are you ready for cocaine abuse rehab?

If so, our admissions specialist are here to listen and make sure you receive the best available treatment to help beat cocaine addiction. Recovery Ways offers JCAHO accredited, dual-diagnosis, drug abuse treatment. Please contact our admissions coordinators to reserve your space start on the road to recovery.

To start the admission process contact us here or call 888.986.7848.