Cocaine addiction—stimulant use disorder—can set in quickly and impact all areas of someone’s life. Occasional use can easily spiral into compulsive drug-taking behavior, provoking aggravating physical and mental health complications.
All addictions are chronic and progressive conditions, which means that they usually worsen without professional intervention. Fortunately, cocaine addiction is also highly treatable. This page outlines how addiction to cocaine develops, how it looks, and what to do if you need help recalibrating your life from stimulant abuse.
Cocaine is a potent stimulant of the CNS (central nervous system) made from coca plant leaves found in South America. A Schedule II controlled drug, cocaine is illegal in most cases but has limited medical uses—it’s sometimes used for anesthesia during surgeries.
People use cocaine in different ways. Powdered cocaine can be snorted, rubbed on the gums, or dissolved and injected. Crack cocaine, a more potent version, is typically smoked in glass pipes.
Regardless of the method of administration, cocaine rapidly increases dopamine levels in the brain, triggering an intense but fleeting euphoria. This surge in dopamine makes the drug fiercely addictive, as the brain craves the pleasurable high. Repeated cocaine use changes brain chemistry, making it challenging for someone to feel good without the drug.
Cocaine’s effects are almost immediate, manifesting within minutes of use. The signs can vary based on how much is used, the person’s tolerance to the drug, and whether it’s mixed with other substances.
Physical signs may include:
Behavioral and emotional signs may include:
While not everyone who uses cocaine develops stimulant use disorder, repeated use raises the risk of dependence and addiction. Addiction is marked by an inability to discontinue use despite adverse outcomes. The brain rewires itself over time, complicating recovery.
Some of the main red flags for cocaine addiction include:
If several of these symptoms emerge, it’s worth seeking professional assistance.
Cocaine is most often snorted. Rolled up bills, powder residue, and razor blades are all signs of cocaine use.
Addiction robs users of their ability to manage simple daily tasks. Poor hygiene is a common warning sign.
Because cocaine is a stimulant, users rarely sleep when high. These binges are often followed by long periods of sleep.
Cocaine use creates periods of euphoria that are followed by depressive “crashes.” Mood swings are red flags for addiction.
Cocaine affects mood and energy, and it also takes a heavy toll on the body and mind. Chronic cocaine use can prompt lasting health problems, some of which might be irreversible.
Health risks of prolonged cocaine use include:
Once the body becomes dependent on cocaine, stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms to present. Unlike withdrawal from opioids or alcohol, cocaine withdrawal is mainly psychological, although some physical discomfort may still occur.
Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
These symptoms can last days or weeks, depending on how long and how often someone uses the drug. Cravings can feel overpowering and unmanageable, making relapse commonplace without clinical oversight and emotional support.
Cocaine addiction is tough to overcome alone, but treatment can help. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat cocaine addiction, but behavioral therapies, motivational therapies, and support groups have been proven effective.
The primary types of cocaine addiction treatment are:
The most effective cocaine addiction treatment is highly personalized, blending therapies, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.
If you or a loved one need help getting back on track from cocaine abuse, reach out to Tree House Recovery.
We offer various outpatient and intensive outpatient programs at our premier beachside rehab center, enabling you to continue at home, work, or school while getting compassionate and effective cocaine addiction treatment.
All cocaine addictions are unique, so all Tree House treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. While there are no medications approved to treat cocaine withdrawal and addiction, talk therapies and motivational therapies are proven to deliver positive outcomes.
Start your recovery immediately by calling admissions at (855) 202-2138.
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Talk to a Treatment Advisor Today