Coke, snow, flake, blow, crack, and C. These are all common names for cocaine, one of the most popular and addictive illegal drugs in the United States. It is estimated that around 15% of people in the United States have tried cocaine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Addiction to cocaine can develop very quickly, even after trying it a few times. More than 100,000 people die as a result of drug overdoses in the United States each year, including from cocaine, which saw an increase in fatalities in 2021.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at cocaine addiction. This includes causes, signs, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, detoxing, and the effects of cocaine withdrawal. We will also highlight why your premier option for drug addiction support and treatment is Living Stones Recovery.
Causes of Cocaine Addiction
As we have already highlighted, cocaine is incredibly addictive. There are a number of reasons for this. One is the positive reinforcement that comes with taking cocaine, given how it makes a person feel energetic, excited, awake, and confident.
The effects of cocaine, particularly from snorting it, are short-lived. The “high” may last anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour. Many addicts have a pattern of behavior where they snort more cocaine within a short period, which increases the likelihood of substance use disorder.
Cocaine tolerance also increases quickly. This results in a person using high amounts to achieve the same high as before. Dependence on cocaine can be both psychological and physical.
Cocaine is often listed among the top 5 most addictive drugs in the world, alongside heroin, methamphetamines, nicotine, and alcohol (particularly due to its popularity and availability).
Understanding the Risk Factors of Cocaine Addiction
The reality is that anyone who uses cocaine is at risk of becoming addicted to this drug. However, there are a number of specific factors that may increase a person’s risk of cocaine addiction.
These include mental illness (for example, depression), addiction to other drugs and alcohol, and a family history of drug dependence.
Cocaine Addiction Symptoms and Signs
As noted above, cocaine—given that it is a stimulant drug—makes a person feel more euphoric and alert. However, in addition to feeling energetic and upbeat, a person may feel irritable, restless, paranoid, and sensitive to light, touch, and sound.
Common behavioral and physical signs of cocaine use include the following:
- Erratic behavior
- Faster heartbeat
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Higher blood pressure
- Higher body temperature
In terms of cocaine overdose symptoms, these may include panic, anxiety, chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, vomiting, and paranoia.
Outside of the signs of cocaine use listed above, there are a number of other clues that a person may have an addiction to cocaine. These include lying, risky behavior, secrecy, ignoring hygiene, mood swings, sleep pattern changes, financial problems, and loss of interest in enjoyable hobbies and activities.
Detox for Cocaine Addiction
When a person wants to stop using cocaine, it is necessary to first contend with detoxing. This is the process of ridding the body of the toxins associated with the drug. While a difficult and sometimes overwhelming process, it’s important to remember that a better, healthier life lies on the other side.
There are a number of common withdrawal symptoms for cocaine that you should know about. These include:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Body aches and headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Lack of libido
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Reduced physical activity
- Social isolation
- Racing heart
- Nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
There are a number of different stages when it comes to the cocaine withdrawal timeline. These include the crash stage, the acute stage, the withdrawal stage, and the extinction stage. It may take 5 or more weeks to reach the final stage.
It’s important to note that quitting cocaine and other drugs “cold turkey” can be dangerous, given that there is an increased risk of overdose. That’s why it is so beneficial to seek professional support and treatment.
Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction is treated in a number of ways. Given that it is a complex disease, there are a variety of methods that address the mental, physical, social, familial, and environmental factors.
Here at Living Stones Recovery, we take a holistic approach to rehabilitation, one that incorporates different modalities. These include:
- Group therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Medical care
We offer a range of supports and activities, including therapeutic art experiences, synergistic group experiences, daily yoga experiences, cooking classes, gardening, and much more.
Rest assured that, at our facility, you will receive round-the-clock clinical and medical care. We understand that asking for help is an important starting point when it comes to recovery from cocaine addiction. That is why we are here when you need us.
The good news is that it is absolutely possible to overcome cocaine addiction and return to a normal and well-balanced life.
How to Overcome Cocaine Addiction
As this blog post has highlighted, cocaine addiction is a serious issue in the United States. It has the ability to tear families and friendships apart, in addition to the individual risks that an addict faces.
If you or someone you care about suffers from cocaine addiction, your premier choice is Living Stones Recovery in California. Get the help you need today by calling (800) 546-4577 and start the admission process.
If you would like to learn more about the admission process, simply click here. Our friendly and professional cocaine rehab team is looking forward to speaking with you.