Cocaine’s appeal is in the intense feelings of energy, increased alertness and euphoria that follow quickly after taking it. But behind those feelings lie risks and the danger of becoming dependent. Over 5.2 million people in the US used cocaine (including crack) in 2022. This was down 0.3 million from 2019 [A]. Read on to learn more about addiction, withdrawal, and recovery from cocaine.
Understanding the Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. It can be snorted through the nose, rubbed into the gums, injected, or smoked. Cocaine blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine and it alters the brain’s natural reward system [B].
At first, this results in the reward of heightened feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, however, the brain begins to rely on cocaine to stimulate these feelings, reinforcing the desire to keep using, leading to addiction. Stress can also contribute to continued cocaine use, which often occurs with stress-related disorders.
Cocaine use is also thought to result in:
- Poor decision-making
- Inability to adapt to the negative consequences of drug use
- Lack of insight by those addicted to cocaine
Not only does this dependency impact your well-being and health, it also affects behavior, leading to increased risk-taking, impulsiveness and in severe cases, psychosis.
Short-term physical effects of cocaine use include [B]:
- Constricted blood vessels
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure
- Bizarre, erratic and violent behavior
- Restlessness and irritability
- Anxiety
- Panic and paranoia
- Tremors and muscle twitches
- Vertigo
Cocaine use can also bring severe medical complications, including:
- Irregular heartbeat or heart attacks
- Headaches, seizures, strokes and coma
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Sudden death due to cardiac arrest or seizures
Combining cocaine with other drugs is especially dangerous. Alcohol and cocaine can increase toxic effects on the heart. Cocaine combined with opioids such as fentanyl is especially dangerous and can lead to opioid overdose.
There are also many long-term effects of abusing cocaine. The brain’s reward pathway alters. It becomes less sensitive to natural reinforcers such as relationships, food, or other natural rewards. If cocaine is used regularly, tolerance may develop. Higher or more frequent doses are needed to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Or for some, less cocaine is needed that results in anxiety, convulsions or other toxic effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
Many cocaine users binge, taking large quantities repeatedly. This can lead to restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis and hallucinations.
Cocaine Addiction Recovery
- Medications: There are no medications approved specifically to treat cocaine addiction. Some medications used to treat depression or anxiety can be used to manage these co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Residential Treatment or Rehab: These are structured live-in programs ranging typically from 30-60-90 days or longer. They use a variety of therapy approaches and behavioral programs using the resources of the entire community—other residents, staff and the social context—as key elements of treatment.
Several behavioral therapies have proven to be effective in overcoming cocaine abuse.
- Contingency Management (CM): Also called Motivational Incentives, this is a voucher-based system where residents earn points or vouchers based on negative drug tests or other behavioral goals. Points can be exchanged for enjoyable, healthy activities or rewards. This has proven especially helpful in the initial phase of withdrawal and abstinence.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps residents recognize, avoid, and cope with situations that may trigger cocaine use. CBT is based on the concept that learning processes play a critical role in the development of behavior patterns such as cocaine abuse.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from cocaine can be challenging as it is primarily intensely psychological but also may have physical effects. After stopping use of cocaine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Cravings for cocaine
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Restless behavior
- Depression
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Insomnia
These unpleasant symptoms can be a strong motivation to continue using, creating a cycle of addiction.
Cocaine Detox Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms typically start within 24 hours of the last use, and the acute phase lasts 3-5 days. Following this, you may experience symptoms lasting 1-2 months, including:
- Intense cravings
- Anxiety
- Lethargy
- Mood changes
- Disturbed sleep
What Can You Do to Ensure Long-lasting Recovery?
Achieving long-lasting recovery requires a comprehensive approach with medical, psychological, and social support.
- Get Professional Help: Don’t go it alone if at all possible. Find a healthcare provider and addictions specialist for support.
- Begin Therapy: There are several types which have proven effective to change thought patterns and behaviors.
- Have Healthy Routines: Do regular exercise, eat a balanced nutritious diet and get enough regular sleep. Create a structured daily routine for stability.
- Do Mindfulness Meditation and Relaxation: These, together with deep breathing and yoga can help manage anxiety and stress.
- Use Your Social Supports: Family, friends and recovery groups can provide strength, comfort and encouragement.
- Try New Activities: Revisit old interests or find new hobbies to distract from cravings and bring fulfillment, to fill the gap left by cocaine use.
It’s possible to successfully overcome cocaine addiction. But it’s a rebuilding process as you continue your healing journey to a healthier drug-free life.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment Options in LA
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
At the Encino Recovery & Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. All in a safe space.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Sources
[A] Vankar P. 2024. Number of people in the U.S. who used cocaine in the past year from 2009 to 2022. Statista.
[B] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2024. Cocaine.
