Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine is an addictive narcotic substance that is easily accessible and commonly abused by many demographics.

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 2 million Americans over the age of 12 said they had used cocaine within the past month. Roughly 5.5 million adults claimed they had used cocaine at least once in the last year.

Cocaine addiction continues to be a serious health threat in the United States, especially among younger people. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health determined that 5.8% of young adults between the ages of 18-25 had used cocaine in the past year. That percentage equates to roughly 2 million young adults, which remains mostly unchanged from years prior.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine, commonly known as “coke” or “blow,” is a highly-addictive stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It’s usually sold as a fine, white powder and is often diluted with other substances such as corn starch, flour, or other stimulants like amphetamine. Cocaine can also be laced with powerful opioids, like fentanyl.

Using cocaine recreationally is illegal in just about every state. Most cocaine is grown in South America and enters the United States through the illegal drug trade. However, cocaine does have several valid medical purposes. Because of its anesthetic and vasoconstricting properties, cocaine can be used as a topical solution for numbing an area before certain surgeries.

How is Cocaine Used?

Most cocaine users snort the drug in its powder form. This allows the drug to enter the bloodstream very quickly through the nasal tissue.

It can also be rubbed onto the gums where it enters the bloodstream through various oral membranes. Some cocaine consumers dissolve the powder in water so they can inject it straight into the bloodstream for a more intense feeling of intoxication.

cocaine addiction treatment

Cocaine creates a flood of dopamine within the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria, extreme happiness, and an increase in vigorous energy. Cocaine users who snort or ingest the drug in powder form usually experience a tingling sensation within several minutes. The inebriated high from cocaine is relatively short-lived, lasting only between 10-30 minutes on average.

Because the sensation is relatively short, many users will go on cocaine “binges,” where they ingest the drug repeatedly over a short period of time in increasingly higher amounts. This binge behavior puts users at an increased risk of overdose, as many abusers are not aware of how much cocaine they’ve ingested throughout the binge as they try to maintain their high.

Long Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse

In addition to short-term health, financial, and familial problems that can stem from cocaine addiction, consistent cocaine abuse can have long-term effects on the body, as well. These issues may include chronic health problems, such as:

Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Brain damage including memory loss and cerebral atrophy (brain shrinking)
Increased risk of dementia
Gastrointestinal damage
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Damage to the nose and mouth including septal perforations

Is Cocaine Addiction Treatable?

People who are addicted to cocaine or crack can take control of their addiction and fully recover.

However, stimulant addictions can be very powerful and most people who attempt to quit cocaine on their own might fail. Getting professional treatment is the best way to address and treat cocaine addiction.

People who have attempted to quit cocaine unsuccessfully in the past may benefit from a medical detox program. Medical detox makes the withdrawal process more comfortable for people who struggle with severe cocaine addiction. Clients in medical detox are treated by a doctor who can ensure the detox process happens safely and securely.

At Nexus Recovery, treatment for cocaine addiction is monitored by an experienced and knowledgeable team of healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction medicine and recovery. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, as well as an aftercare program that is designed to support clients in sobriety.

Every client treatment program is personalized based on the unique needs and goals for recovery. Through treatment modalities such as individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, psychoeducation, and spiritual counseling, clients receive the tools and resources necessary to get sober, stay sober, and live a more healthy and fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, contact us today at (310) 881-9151 to speak with one of our trusted recovery advisors.

Cocaine vs. Crack

Although “crack” can be used as a nickname for cocaine, crack and cocaine are technically two different substances. Crack cocaine is the “rock” form of cocaine. Crack is created by mixing cocaine powder with baking soda and water. When this substance is cooled down it turns into a solid form. The consolidated rock is then broken into small pieces, which can be smoked with a pipe.

Cocaine and crack are derived from the same source, but the drugs can have significantly different effects. Because crack is smoked, rather than ingested orally or nasally, the user will feel the effects much quicker. Because of this, the euphoric effects of crack are even shorter than the feeling of being high associated with powder cocaine.

Another main difference between crack and cocaine is the price. Cocaine tends to be very expensive because the effects are so short-lived. Crack, on the other end, is much less expensive to purchase. Cocaine is often viewed as a drug for the wealthy, whereas crack has become more prominent in low-income areas.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and the signs of stimulant abuse and addiction can be very noticeable.

If you’re concerned about potential cocaine addiction for you or a loved one, consider these warning signs:

Increased risk-taking behaviors
Frequent nose bleeds or runny nostrils
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Being overly talkative, excitable, or having fewer inhibitions
Excessive mood swings, increased irritability, or violent outbursts
Disregard for family, employment, school, and/or personal hygiene
Paranoia or hallucinations
Engaging in illegal activities to pay for or access cocaine
Lying about or becoming defensive when asked about cocaine use

Because of its powerful euphoric effects and the rate at which tolerance to the drug can develop, cocaine addiction is common amongst recreational users. If cocaine has begun to interfere with the finances, relationships, or health of you or a loved one, it may be time to consider treatment.

Alumni & Family Testimonials

“I have great respect for Nexus Recovery and its associated leadership. I believe in their mission to provide ethical treatment and attention to clinical detail. I have seen many lives come in the door broken and exit with purpose, I am one of them.”