Cocaine addiction is a serious global health concern that poses a significant threat to the individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological well-being. However, these negative health consequences can be prevented by seeking professional help.
If you or your loved one is struggling with cocaine use, read on and discover howLuxe Recovery can help you break free from this highly addictive substance.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a psychoactive stimulant that poses adverse physical and psychological health consequences among individuals who misuse or abuse cocaine.
It is a substance derived from the leaves of the South American coca plant that contains active chemical properties that make individuals euphoric, energetic, and mentally alert. Structurally, cocaine appears as a fine, white, crystalline powder and is commonly known by its street names such as coke, ‘C,’ snow, powder, or blow.
Cocaine has two chemical forms: water-soluble hydrochloride salt and the other is water-insoluble cocaine or a freebase form. Cocaine users either inject or snort the powder hydrochloride salt form. In contrast, the base form is created by processing the substance with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate and water to produce a smokable substance.
If you hear the term ‘crack’, it is because it is a street name associated with the freebase form of cocaine, as it creates a crackling sound when it is smoked.
Why Cocaine is Addictive
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that directly affects the individual’s central nervous system (CNS). When cocaine is used repeatedly, it causes dopamine build-up and spike, which produces intense pleasure feelings.
This ‘high effect’ that they feel is one of the leading causes why individuals continue and regularly use cocaine.
Generally, cocaine abuse or addiction develops because individuals who use it experience positive reinforcement. It is a psychological phenomenon where cocaine use provides an immediate reward or positive feelings because of intense pleasure. Although cocaine is considered a highly addictive substance, the development of cocaine addiction does not happen overnight.
It is a process that gradually progresses through various stages. Commonly, individuals begin using cocaine as part of curiosity, experimentation, or pressure from peers. However, when they feel the euphoria, the frequency increases and eventually progresses to regular use.
The never-ending cycle of cocaine use develops tolerance where the body relies on the presence of these drugs to function, and absences cause adverse reactions.
Can You Tell if Someone is on Cocaine Right Away?
Considering that cocaine is a stimulant that affects various brain neurotransmitters, many individuals manifest visible telltale signs of being in cocaine. Sudden changes in moods and behaviors appear to be an evident indicator of someone who is using cocaine.
They are very talkative, energetic, and confident. Some of them might show more bizarre behaviors, such as being paranoid, aggressive, and having delusions and hallucinations.
In addition, since cocaine is commonly snorted, you might see a presence or trace of white powder around their nose. If injected, some needle marks in various parts of the body are also noticeable, while those who smoke cocaine may have burned fingers or darker lips.
Common Signs of Cocaine Use
Some individuals may show early manifestations of problematic cocaine use. Recognizing these signs can save someone from the potentially life-threatening effects of cocaine.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Complication
Cocaine is a drug that can cause significant damage to various systems and processes of our body. Specifically, regular use of cocaine can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also damages the lung’s blood vessels, which can lead to pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Changes in Appearance
Aside from those internal complications, individuals who have compulsive cocaine use may also show some visible changes in appearance. Skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, and even necrosis may appear. In addition, hair loss and severe teeth conditions are likewise typical among people who use cocaine.
Behavioral and Mood Indicators
Extreme happiness, hyperactivity, increased energy, difficulties staying still, and restlessness are associated with cocaine use. Another behavioral indicator is a sudden change in appetite and sleep patterns. Specifically, they often lose weight and experience insomnia, as evident in dark circles around their eyes.
Changes in Personality
When you are under the influence of cocaine, you might experience some personality changes, such as being aggressive, socially withdrawn, and highly secretive. Furthermore, as you engage in more compulsive cocaine use, you lose interest in other activities that you previously enjoyed.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
As cocaine use becomes frequent or regular, the brain becomes desensitized, and the body develops tolerance – which further causes an increased urge to use cocaine. Eventually, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of cocaine, and its absence causes withdrawal symptoms.
This cycle of tolerance and withdrawal makes cocaine addiction a challenging condition to treat. Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatments available for cocaine addiction. These include:
- Individual and Group Therapy: These talk therapies help them to identify the underlying cause of cocaine use problems and teach them skills on how to deal with triggers.
- Detox: It is a process where individuals are assisted in managing the body’s reaction to cocaine intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation is a structured intervention for different substance use disorders. The individual must stay inside the treatment center for days to months. Rehab provides 24/7 support, and patients regularly receive a combination of treatment modalities.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal develops when the individual attempts to cut off cocaine use. As the body reacts to it, the individual experiences adverse physical and psychological symptoms. The signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal vary depending on each phase, such as the crash period, gradual withdrawal, and extinction phase. Some of the most commonly experienced changes include:
- Extinction: At this stage, the individual experiences a reduction in cocaine withdrawal symptoms. However, some mild mood changes and episodic cravings may still be present.
- Crash Period: It happens during the first few hours or days after stopping cocaine use—the individual experiences depressed mood, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and sleep problems.
- Gradual Withdrawal: The phase where the brain and body are gradually adjusting to the absence of cocaine. Typically, the individual experiences continued depressive symptoms, psychomotor retardation, and irritability.
Combat the Effects of Cocaine Addiction and Get Treated at Luxe Recovery
We understand how difficult it is to handle the distress brought by cocaine addiction along with its associated health complications. However, despite the negative consequences of cocaine use, some people are hesitant to seek help because of the stigma and potential side effects of quitting their chronic cocaine use.
Here at Luxe Recovery, we recognize these concerns, and our team of experts are highly trained and equipped with skills to handle mild to severe cases of cocaine addiction. We are committed to providing personalized care and support to help you regain control over your mental health and well-being.
If you find this discussion interesting and you know someone who is struggling with cocaine addiction, you can connect them with us by sending us messages or making calls. We are excited to assist in every way possible.
