Cocaine Addiction

Using cocaine in any form puts you at risk for addiction. Plenty of people start using cocaine recreationally with friends or on their own. While not everyone will go on to become dependent on or addicted to the drug, many will.

Learn more about cocaine, symptoms of addiction, and treatments. You certainly don’t have to continue to struggle with cocaine addiction any longer.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is one of the more powerful and addictive drugs. Also known as crack, coke, rock, and snow, the white substance can be consumed in a variety of ways including snorted, rubbed into the gums, or made into a rock crystal and heated.

Regardless of the consumption method, cocaine is highly addictive, as it causes the body to react in ways that the user comes to enjoy. And, the body comes to expect that it will keep getting more of that stimulation.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Whether you or a loved one are using cocaine, it’s wise to learn the signs of cocaine addiction in case you’ve fallen into the addiction trap.

Physical signs include:

  • Excitability
  • Dilated pupils
  • Weight Loss
  • Mood swings
  • Nosebleeds
  • Changes in sleeping and eating
  • Burn marks on hands and lips
  • Paranoia and anxiety

These are signs the user is experiencing extreme ups and downs associated with flooding their drain with dopamine by not recycling the feel-good hormone. Addiction results in changes to the user’s habits and cycles. A person who is addicted to cocaine can range from exceedingly happy to having violent outbursts.

Paranoia and anxiety turn cocaine into a dual-threat drug that can produce serious symptoms, even when the user is not high. In fact, many users never experienced paranoia or anxiety before using cocaine.

Behavioral signs of cocaine addiction include:

  • Risky behaviors
  • Boost in confidence
  • Exceedingly talkative
  • Financial difficulties
  • Need for privacy
  • Craving for more of the drug

Many people who form addictions to cocaine need to binge regularly. Since the drug is illegal, it’s certainly not cheap to purchase. Some turn to crack cocaine, as it is cheaper. In addition, many people who are exhibiting the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction end up hiding their addiction at work, perhaps losing their jobs.

One of the biggest differences many family and friends notice is that drug those who are addicted to cocaine will be more emotionally flat when not high. Mood swings can bring users from being on “top of the world” to openly hostile once the high wears off.

Cocaine Withdrawal

While cocaine use itself has many physical symptoms, most of the cocaine withdrawal symptoms are psychological. The brain has now experienced highs it cannot produce by itself, and has become addicted and rewired to experience these highs.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Increased appetite
  • Unpleasant dreams
  • Being slow or malaise

Discontinuing long term use can make symptoms last for months, as the brain and body recover from extreme highs. Cravings are likely and maybe powerful and intense. Live-in treatment at a residential center is recommended for people who cannot take the cravings and need isolation and support to actually stop.

The worst symptoms tend to stop after 7-10 days, depending on your length of usage. The recovery process can be much longer though depending on whether you have solid support or not.

Unfortunately, cocaine withdrawal symptoms also occur quite quickly after finishing a dose of cocaine. Symptoms can occur within an hour and a half of a dose wearing off. This is rather rapid for most drugs, and part of the reason why cocaine has serious dangers that result in binging and major health risks.

Another unfortunate withdrawal symptom is having thoughts of suicide, just to get the withdrawal symptoms to go away. People experiencing this issue are recommended to seek more serious treatment that offers help with the mental and physical effects of cocaine use.

Cocaine Treatment Options

Nearly 70% of cocaine users seeking treatment are also using another drug like alcohol at the same time. There is currently no specific drug used to treat cocaine addiction, though some have been used in clinical trials and have worked in a similar way to treating alcoholics by blocking the user’s ability to feel the withdrawal symptoms.

It’s recommended to seek specific treatment for cocaine addiction through a recovery center, as they can help treat both the physical and mental health aspects of the addiction. You’ll be able to receive professional therapy, which can help you recognize situations and triggers that cause a craving for cocaine. Then, discover ways to avoid those situations and their problem inducing patterns.

It’s helpful to seek a holistic treatment type that helps with every aspect of life. For example, if you have lost your job due to cocaine addiction or became addicted to cocaine because of having a high-stress job, you might also seek career counseling or vocational rehabilitation in addition to regular counseling.

Outpatient rehab is possible for those with less severe addictions, or those who have jobs or families they cannot leave behind temporarily. Part of the intent behind both outpatient and inpatient rehab is to remove you from the environments in which you potentially abuse drugs so you can solely focus on recovery.

Cocaine Addiction: Reach Out For Help

Here at Into Action Recovery Society, we offer various programs to help you overcome cocaine addiction. The first step is to attend the “First Stage Residential Program”. This is a 60-day program for men struggling with various types of addiction. It is housed in a safe, comfortable, home-like atmosphere. You can learn more about addiction treatment, preventing relapse, recovery, coping skills, and more.

Then, you have the option to attend our “Second Stage Transitional Program”, which offers an additional 30 days to strengthen your recovery foundation. We provide structure and accountability, which can help you get solid in your recovery.

Lastly, we offer a Long-Term Sober Living option for those who require housing long-term.

In all programs, we provide:

  • Individual counseling
  • Addiction recovery education
  • Life skills training
  • Conflict resolution skill training
  • Relapse prevention training
  • Group therapy
  • 12 Step and/or support groups
  • Trauma recovery

Take your first step toward freedom from addiction today. Contact us with any questions or concerns.

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