Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug. If you or someone you know struggles with cocaine addiction, call San Diego Detox for help.
To fully understand cocaine abuse, the following sections will provide critical information about this substance, how it is used, and whether it’s addictive.
Cocaine addiction is a severe public health problem in the United States, and it can be challenging to overcome. However, cocaine addiction treatment programs are available to help you get your life back on track. This article will discuss the different cocaine addiction treatments and how you can find help.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that originated in South America. Cocaine hydrochloride is a chemical that is extracted from coca leaves for its stimulant properties. In the 1900s, cocaine was used as a primary ingredient in tonics and medicines for illnesses. Surgeons commonly use cocaine to block pain.1
Cocaine is rarely used legally, but some medical providers may use cocaine as anesthesia for surgeries. More commonly, cocaine is used illegally and combined with other street drugs, including heroin. People struggling with cocaine addiction generally use this substance via snorting or injecting intravenously.1
Cocaine is a highly addictive, schedule two drug that can change a person’s brain function and structure.1
In 2020, approximately five million people ages twelve and older had used cocaine within the past year. Among these people reporting cocaine use, about 1.3 million had a cocaine use disorder. In the United States, approximately 20,000 people died from a cocaine overdose in 2020.2
Risk factors for cocaine addiction can be environmental, genetic, or personal.3
Risk factors for cocaine use will be detailed below.
Factors in a person’s environment can increase their risk of cocaine addiction. For instance, people who have easy access to cocaine are more likely than those who don’t become addicted. This could be because it’s cheaper or more available in certain areas. It could also be because people are around others who use cocaine more frequently.3
Genetics may make a person more likely to become addicted to cocaine. This could be because addiction runs in their family. It could also be because of the way their brain is wired. People with certain genetic makeups may be more likely to become addicted to substances like cocaine.3
Personal factors can also increase a person’s risk of cocaine addiction. For instance, people with anxiety or depression may be more likely to turn to drugs like cocaine to self-medicate. Other personal factors that may increase the risk of cocaine addiction include trauma, stress, and low self-esteem.3
Dilated pupils, euphoria, hyperactivity, anxiety, irritability, excessive talking, unusual sleep patterns, weight loss, and dry mouth can all be signs of cocaine addiction.4
The following sections will explore the physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of cocaine addiction.
Physical signs of cocaine abuse can include abnormal pupil size, changes in appetite, lack of personal hygiene, weight changes, slurred speech, and impaired coordination.4
Psychological cocaine addiction symptoms may include anxiety, paranoia, lack of motivation, periods of increased energy, irritability, and sudden mood changes.4
Suppose a person is struggling with an addiction to cocaine. In that case, they may show behavioral warning signs such as strained relationships, secretive behaviors, legal consequences, neglected responsibilities, and lack of interest in hobbies.4
Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. The effects of cocaine abuse are felt almost immediately after taking it and can last for a short time (between 5-60 minutes depending on how the cocaine is taken) or much longer.5
Short-term effects of cocaine abuse include dilated pupils, increased body temperature, rapid heart rate, and constricted blood vessels. Tremors, muscle twitches, and vertigo can also be short-term effects of cocaine abuse.5
The long-term effects of addiction to cocaine are panic attacks, psychosis, adverse psychological reactions, loss of smell, problems swallowing, inflammation, and chronic runny nose.6
Severe medical complications can result from an addiction to cocaine. Organ damage, reduced blood flow, malnourishment, cardiovascular issues, and increased risk of stroke are all associated with addiction to cocaine.6
Cocaine addiction is a severe public health problem that can destroy lives. If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it’s essential to get help as soon as possible. There are many methods to treat cocaine addiction, and the best treatment plan will be tailored to the individual’s needs.7
Cocaine addiction treatment programs typically include some combination of detoxification, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Cocaine detox is the first step in treating cocaine addiction. This process helps the individual to remove the drug from their system physically. During cocaine detox, people may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days.7
Inpatient cocaine addiction treatment programs provide around-the-clock care in a setting that removes the person from their everyday environment. This can be an essential piece in helping people to stay focused on their cocaine addiction recovery. Inpatient treatment programs typically last twenty-eight days, but more extended stays are sometimes necessary.7
Counseling and behavioral therapy are essential components of cocaine addiction rehab. These cocaine addiction treatment methods can help people identify the underlying causes of their substance use disorder and develop coping skills to deal with triggers and cravings. Counseling can be conducted individually, in groups, or in family sessions.7
Sober support groups are a valuable part of cocaine addiction treatment. These cocaine addiction rehabilitation groups provide peer support and allow people to share their experiences with others facing similar challenges. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two well-known recovery support groups.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, it’s vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. San Diego Detox offers a variety of treatment options that can help you or your loved one overcome addiction and live a healthy, drug-free life.
San Diego Detox is a renowned cocaine addiction treatment center that offers a variety of detox and rehab programs to help clients overcome addiction. Their expert clinical team comes alongside each client to create personalized treatment plans.
San Diego Detox utilizes various evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to successfully treat cocaine addiction.
Contact San Diego Detox today to receive professional, whole-person care for cocaine addiction!
