Cocaine is a stimulant drug obtained primarily from the leaves of two coca species native to South America. This drug has been widely abused for centuries by indigenous peoples of South America, who chew on the leaves or smoke them in pipes.
Cocaine is a powerful drug that affects your brain and body in multiple ways. Its almost immediate action is part of the drug’s appeal.
Easily accessible and relatively affordable, cocaine has become the third most abused drug behind alcohol and heroin in the UK.
Cocaine is classified as a class A drug in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that it is illegal to possess, supply, import or export any amount of cocaine.
There are two main ways to administer cocaine: snorting it and smoking it. Snorting cocaine involves inhaling it directly into your nose. You can either smoke it alone or mix it with other substances like marijuana or hashish. Smoking cocaine can be very addictive and can damage your lungs over time.
Street names for cocaine include:
There are many reasons why people abuse cocaine. For example, some people use it to:
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When cocaine enters your brain, it binds with dopamine receptors in the reward centre of your brain. This causes your brain to release endorphins, chemicals that give you pleasure. When you take cocaine, these endorphins flood your brain, making you feel euphoric. Because cocaine is a stimulant, it makes you want to do things to increase your heart rate and blood pressure. These include:
If you continue using cocaine regularly, your body becomes desensitised to the drug, meaning that it takes more and more cocaine to get the same effect. This leads to a buildup of tolerance, and eventually, you need higher doses of the drug just to feel normal again. Once you reach this point, you may develop a strong desire to use cocaine every time you feel low. If you continue to abuse cocaine, you will develop a dependency and eventually substance addiction.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Club drugs are often referred to as “club drugs” because they are usually taken at nightclubs, bars, discos, and raves. They are also sometimes referred to as “party drugs” because they tend to be consumed during social gatherings.
Some club drugs include:
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It does this by blocking the reabsorption of these chemicals back into the nerve cells where they were originally produced. This causes more dopamine and norepinephrine to remain in the synapses, where they interact with other brain chemicals.
Dopamine is one of two main chemical messengers in the brain. Dopamine is involved in the reward centre of the brain. When people feel good, their brains release dopamine. This helps them remember pleasant events. In fact, some scientists believe that the feeling we call “happiness” is actually caused by our brains releasing dopamine. Dopamine is also responsible for producing the pleasurable sensations associated with sex and eating.
Norepinephrine is another important brain chemical. It is released during times of stress or excitement. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and raises adrenaline in the bloodstream. It also stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
When cocaine enters the brain, it blocks the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows more of these brain chemicals to stay in the synapse, where they can interact with other brain chemicals and produce feelings of pleasure. However, the increased dopamine levels may also cause anxiety, paranoia, and depression.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Cocaine is one of the most addictive illicit narcotics on the market, with cocaine users experiencing intense cravings for more. Although not everyone who takes the substance will become addicted, some people might develop a substance addiction after just one usage.
The need to use more cocaine is quite strong, and it can happen nearly instantly due to the way cocaine stimulates the pleasure and reward centres of the brain. Furthermore, tolerance to cocaine can develop very fast, requiring more of the substance to get the same amount of euphoria.
Easily accessible and relatively affordable, cocaine has become the third most abused drug behind alcohol and heroin in the UK.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. Craving Cocaine and ignoring the consequences that come with it are signs of an addiction.
The longer you use it, the greater your chances of becoming dependent on it. Once you start using cocaine regularly, you may find yourself unable to stop using it. Your body becomes accustomed to the drug’s effects, and you need higher doses to get the same effect as before. Over time, your tolerance builds up, meaning you need more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Eventually, you may require large amounts of the drug just to function normally.
The psychological addiction to cocaine is often the hardest part to overcome. Once someone becomes addicted to Cocaine, it can be very hard to stop. This is because Cocaine abnormally increases the level of dopamine in the brain, eventually reprogramming the brain reward system.
Cocaine addiction is a long term condition that develops over time. The following signs indicate that you might be suffering from cocaine addiction:
If you abuse cocaine, you may develop a physical dependence on the substance. Physical dependence occurs when repeated exposure to a particular substance leads to changes in the body’s chemistry. These changes make it difficult to stop using the substance even if you want to.
Symptoms of physical dependence include:
If you have developed a physical dependence on cocaine, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit the drug. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
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Psychological dependence occurs when an individual develops a compulsive need to take the substance.
If you suffer from psychological dependence on cocaine, you may find yourself unable to control your cravings for the drug. You might be tempted to continue abusing the drug despite knowing its negative consequences. If you do not seek help, you risk developing a full-blown cocaine addiction.
The following are some examples of psychological dependence symptoms:
The following behaviours are often seen in people who have developed a habit of abusing cocaine.
If you only use cocaine alone, you may be at risk of developing a dependency on the drug.
People who use cocaine with other drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, and LSD are more likely to develop a dependency on the drug.
Some people use cocaine before having sex. It is believed that some men may use cocaine to enhance their sexual performance.
Some people drive while they are under the influence of cocaine. Others operate machinery while under the influence of the drug. Both activities increase the risk of accidents.
Some people abuse cocaine in public places such as nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and discos.
Some people use cocaine at work. The drug may impair your ability to do your job properly.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
So, why do certain people get addicted to cocaine? In reality, there can be many reasons. Genetic, social, environmental, physical, and mental factors can all play a role. However, once addiction sets in, science agrees that it is not a choice. Addiction is a chronic mental disorder, just like major depression or anxiety.
Let’s go over some of the main known causes of cocaine addiction:
Is drug addiction genetic?’ many people question. The answer appears to be yes when it comes to cocaine and other substances. Although certain genes make people more likely to consume cocaine, it’s often difficult to identify the underlying cause of addiction.
People who have addicted parents may be more likely to become addicts themselves for reasons other than heredity. Childhood trauma, for example, might result in mental problems that are risk factors for addiction. People who have addicted parents are also more likely to be exposed to drugs than others.
Unfortunately, like with other substance abuse disorders, people with mental health issues are more prone to get addicted to cocaine. Addiction is frequently preceded by major depression and anxiety.
Because of the suffering caused by living with a mental health problem, many people seek pleasure and significance in unhealthy ways, such as using drugs and developing substance use disorders. Someone who is already depressed is more likely to experience more intense crash times, increasing their desire for the relief provided by cocaine.
Cocaine is one of the most well-known ‘party drugs,’ as its social benefits can make users feel more attentive and at ease in social circumstances. Cocaine’s effects on the brain can include enhanced energy and confidence sensations. As a result, it’s not uncommon for people to consume cocaine in public.
People may initially feel compelled to use cocaine in social contexts, develop an addiction as a result, and later use it alone. Functioning addicts’ are also rather common when it comes to cocaine use disorder. These are people who can work and appear to live a regular life despite their addiction.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Any use of Cocaine is considered abuse because it is an illegal substance. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that acts on the brain by increasing dopamine levels, a brain chemical linked to pleasure and reward. Cocaine has a detrimental effect on every organ of the body over time, with the potential for serious long-term consequences. It can alter the DNA of brain cells, nerve cells, and proteins, among other long-term consequences.
Common side effects of using Cocaine include:
Cocaine abuse is particularly dangerous because continued use can cause strain on the heart. The most common cause of death in persistent cocaine users is stroke or cardiac arrest. If you or someone you know is abusing cocaine, get help now.
As your tolerance for cocaine grows, you’ll need to consume more cocaine to achieve the same level of ‘high.’ Unfortunately, long-term usage of the substance increases dependence and causes several serious side effects:
If you overdose on cocaine, you will likely feel nauseous and vomit. If you don’t seek medical attention immediately, you could suffer from severe complications, including:
If you think you are overdosing on Cocaine, you should call 999 immediately!
People who abuse cocaine often do not think about the potential dangers of their behaviour. They believe they are invincible and cannot be harmed by their actions. Some people who abuse cocaine commit suicide after an unsuccessful attempt at rehab or while still under the influence of the drug.
The risk of suicide among those abusing cocaine is much higher than for non-users. Studies show that between 2% and 4% of abusers die by suicide each year. Among cocaine users who died by suicide, 80% abused cocaine for less than one year.
If you are thinking of harming yourself, you should speak to someone immediately. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Mental illness and drug addiction are often related. Some people with drug addiction have a history of being treated for the psychiatric symptoms of mental health disorders.
These co-occurring mental disorders affect people differently. People with co-occurring conditions usually experience work, school, and relationships problems.
They may feel depressed or anxious. They may have trouble sleeping. They may have thoughts of harming themselves or others.
A dual diagnosis refers to someone who has both a mental disorder and another condition like alcoholism or drug dependency. Dual diagnoses are common because many people who struggle with addiction also have other mental health issues.
It’s important to treat these conditions simultaneously because they can make a recovery harder. For example, if you have bipolar disorder, you may need medication to stabilise mood swings and help you cope with stress. You may also benefit from counselling to deal with your underlying psychological issues.
Some people resort to self-medication when feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed out. Self-medication occurs when you use substances such as alcohol or drugs to relieve negative feelings.
Using cocaine to self-medicate can be very addictive because it affects parts of the brain responsible for controlling emotions. When you take cocaine, you feel good temporarily. But then, after a few hours, you feel bad again. This cycle can continue until you’ve taken too much and suffer severe side effects.
There are alternatives to coping with stress and anxiety. You may want to try them before trying cocaine again. If you find yourself turning to cocaine to cope with everyday stressors, talk to a doctor or counsellor to provide medical advice.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Cocaine abuse is increasing at an alarming rate among adolescents and young adults. This increase in usage may be due to the greater availability of the drug and increased accessibility to it via the Internet.
Cocaine use during adolescence can affect your future life choices. According to the National Institute on
If someone close to you is struggling with cocaine addiction, there are things you can do to help. Here are some suggestions:
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
An intervention is a type of meeting that involves family members, friends, and professionals who confront a person about their substance abuse. It is designed to encourage change through the provision of information and support.
You can stage an intervention for cocaine addiction in several different ways. The most common way is to invite your loved one to attend a group session at a rehab centre. Another option is to contact your loved one’s doctor or therapist and ask them to provide medical advice and recommend available treatment facilities.
When staging an intervention, make sure you follow certain guidelines. First, you must inform all participants of their right to refuse to participate. Second, you must allow enough time for everyone to arrive at the location. Third, you should ensure that everyone present understands what they will say before they speak. Finally, you should avoid making threats or promises.
It is important to note that your loved one cannot recover without your involvement. Therefore, you must take the initiative to find the best possible treatment program.
If you are struggling with Cocaine addiction, you should seek help immediately. Many disorder treatment centres are available today that specialise in treating people suffering from cocaine addiction. These centres can provide you with the tools you need to overcome this disorder. It is never too late to seek help for cocaine addiction.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
The best way to treat cocaine addiction is to seek professional help. Various treatment options are available to help ease your cocaine withdrawal symptoms, reduce your craving for cocaine, and teach you how to cope without abusing drugs.
There are many options available to treat cocaine addiction. These treatments include:
The first step in getting your loved one started on the road to recovery is to get them into a detoxification program. During this period, your loved one will go through withdrawals due to their body becoming accustomed to cocaine. During this time, your loved one will most likely experience severe cravings for cocaine. If your loved one does not receive proper care while undergoing detoxification, they may relapse.
While going through detoxification, your loved one will experience some of the following symptoms:
Rehabilitation programs aim to address all aspects of your life, including physical health, emotional state, social relationships, and finances. They also focus on teaching you new skills and techniques to help you stay away from cocaine. A rehabilitation programme usually lasts between 12 weeks and 6 months.
If your loved one needs intensive care during recovery, they may need to go to an inpatient rehabilitation centre. These centres usually include medical staff, counsellors, therapists, nurses, and doctors. They also offer 24-hour supervision.
Outpatient rehab centres allow your loved one to continue living at home while receiving treatment. Most outpatient rehab facilities offer aftercare services such as weekly counselling meetings and regular checkups with medical professionals.
Treatment for cocaine addiction involves two main components: counselling and medication. While both of these treatments are essential to recovery, medication is often overlooked by many addicts. This is unfortunate because medications can play a crucial role in helping your loved one recover.
Antabuse is a prescription medicine that blocks the action of the brain chemical dopamine. It works by making you vomit when you drink alcohol. If you take Antabuse, you will feel nauseous and ill after drinking alcohol. This makes you less likely to want to drink alcohol again.
Suboxone is an opioid replacement therapy for those addicted to opioids like heroin and morphine. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, naltrexone, and acetaminophen. Buprenorphine is an opioid analgesic that reduces cravings for opiates. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Acetaminophen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever.
Therapy sessions will continue throughout the course of your loved one’s stay at rehab. The goal of these sessions is to ensure that your loved one learns how to live a healthy lifestyle free from cocaine abuse.
Individual therapy provides an opportunity for your loved ones to discuss their thoughts and feelings without being judged. In addition, it allows them to express their emotions freely.
Group therapy is beneficial because it gives your loved one the chance to share experiences with other individuals who have been through similar situations.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing how someone thinks and behaves. CBT teaches your loved one how to identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones.
IPT is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that focuses on helping your loved one learn to relate better to others.
DBT is a form of cognitive behaviour therapy that emphasises problem-solving skills and learning new ways of coping with difficult situations.
Counselling helps you understand why you started using cocaine and how to deal with any underlying issues that led to your addiction. Counsellors also provide advice about coping strategies and ways to avoid relapsing back into substance abuse.
Family counselling is a great way to help your loved one deal with their family’s reactions to their addictions.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If you suspect your loved one has a problem with Cocaine, Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Once your loved one leaves rehab, they may feel like they have conquered all of their problems. However, this feeling is only temporary. After leaving rehab, your loved one must learn to maintain sobriety. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from cocaine addiction find that they struggle to do so.
This is why it is important to enlist the support of family members and friends in helping your loved one remain sober. By doing so, you will be able to provide your loved one with the encouragement and motivation needed to succeed.
Many rehabs offer 12 step programs where members meet regularly to discuss their problems and make amends for past mistakes.
Support groups provide a safe environment for your loved one to talk about his or her issues. They will receive support from other addicts who have gone through similar experiences.
Relapse prevention training helps your loved one recognize warning signs of relapse and develop strategies to avoid falling back into old habits.
Cocaine addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. The following tips should help you understand what it’s like to live with cocaine addiction and manage it effectively.
It’s important, to be honest with yourself when dealing with cocaine addiction. This means telling yourself the truth about why you’ve started abusing cocaine in the first place.
If you find yourself using cocaine every day, you must take control of your life. Don’t let cocaine control you. Instead, make plans to get away from drugs whenever possible. Make sure you have a place where you can stay clean and sober. Also, try to spend time with people who won’t pressure you to use cocaine.
If you think you have a drug addiction, several different types of treatment options are available.
Once you go through detoxification and begin recovering from your cocaine addiction, you need to follow a relapse prevention plan. This plan will help prevent relapses by teaching you how to handle stress and cravings.
Staying away from drugs and alcohol will help keep you out of trouble and reduce the chances of experiencing a relapse. However, if you start drinking or using drugs again, talk to a doctor immediately.
If you are struggling with cocaine addiction, seek professional help. Many resources are available, including local clinics, private counselling, rehab centres, and support groups.
Cocaine Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Powder cocaine is the most often used stimulant in the United Kingdom, and it is also the second most commonly used substance overall. According to the most recent published polls, usage in the previous year was 2.9% in England and Wales, the highest rate since 2008-2009 (3.0%), and 1.8% in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, cocaine (including crack) use has decreased from 3.7% in 2008 to 2.3% in the most recent study.
Powder cocaine was the third most regularly used drug among those aged 16 to 24 in England and Wales, after cannabis (17.3%) and nitrous oxide (6.2%), according to a recent poll (8.7% ). From 2012 to 2013, there has been an increasing trend in reported usage within this age range, with the biggest rise among individuals aged 20 to 24. However, most age groups have seen recent rises.
Cocaine usage among schoolchildren is on the rise.
In England, the percentage of 15-year-olds who reported they had ever used powder cocaine fell from 4.4% in 2009 to 2% in 2013 but then rose to 4.2% in 2018. According to a recent Scottish poll, 5% of 15-year-olds had ever taken cocaine (including crack).
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Cocaine comes in two forms: Powder cocaine is a white powder (which scientists call a hydrochloride salt). Street dealers often mix cocaine with other substances like cornstarch, talcum powder, or sugar. They also mix cocaine with stimulant drugs like amphetamines, or synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which has caused deaths. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been processed to make a rock crystal that people smoke. The term “crack” refers to the cracking sound the rocks make when they are heated.
Yes, cocaine use over time can lead to addiction. Addiction is a debilitating brain disease in which people are unable to stop using drugs, despite their best efforts and despite the fact that it is causing harm to their health and other aspects of their lives.
Because a cocaine high usually doesn't last long, users use it repeatedly to try to maintain their high. People who try to quit consuming cocaine after becoming addicted may suffer withdrawal symptoms such as:
The right treatment, however, can help a person who is addicted control cravings and stop using cocaine.
The increasing popularity is merely one factor to consider. Cocaine has also become more likely to be laced with potent synthetics like fentanyl during the last decade. Cocaine users are also more prone to combine it with other substances, such as opiates, which can cause opposing forces in the body. Cocaine activates the central nervous system, which is depressed by opioids. This puts a strain on the heart, resulting in an overdose.
Cocaine powder is snorted into the nostrils or rubbed into the gums. Others mix the powder with water and inject it directly into the bloodstream. A Speedball is a mix of cocaine and heroin that some people inject.
Smoking cocaine that has been processed into a rock crystal is another prevalent technique of consumption (also called "freebase cocaine"). The vapours are inhaled into the lungs once the crystal is heated. Crack is the name given to this type of cocaine because of the crackling sound it makes when heated. Crack can also be smoked by sprinkling it on marijuana or tobacco and smoking it like a cigarette.
People who use cocaine often take it in binges—taking the drug repeatedly within a short time, at increasingly higher doses—to maintain their high.
Cocaine lingers in your system for one to four days on average after you use it. There are several factors that can affect the length of time the chemical stays in your system. The amount of cocaine you use, how often you take it, the method you use, the purity level of the cocaine, your body fat, and whether or not you use any other narcotics at the same time are all factors to consider.
Cocaine raises levels of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger involved in movement and reward management in the brain.
Dopamine normally recycles back into the cell from which it was released, thus turning off the transmission between nerve cells. Cocaine, on the other hand, stops dopamine from being recycled, resulting in a buildup of enormous amounts in the gap between two nerve cells, preventing normal communication. This surge of dopamine in the reward circuit of the brain encourages drug-taking behaviour. With continuous drug usage, the reward circuit may adapt, making the drug less effective. As a result, users take higher and more frequent doses in order to achieve the same high and avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Short-Term Effects
Short-term health effects of cocaine include:
Cocaine aids some people in performing easy physical and mental tasks more rapidly, while it has the reverse impact on others. Cocaine in large doses can cause weird, unpredictable, and violent behaviour.
Cocaine's effects are quick and last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The duration and intensity of the effects are determined by the technique of administration. Snorting creates a faster, stronger, but shorter-lasting high than injecting or inhaling cocaine. Snorting cocaine can give you a 15- to 30-minute high. The euphoria that comes from smoking might last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
Long-Term Effects
Some long-term health effects of cocaine depend on the method of use and include the following:
People who use non-needle cocaine, on the other hand, could also put themselves at risk for HIV because cocaine impairs judgement, which can lead to unsafe sexual conduct with HIV-positive partners (see "Cocaine, HIV, and Hepatitis" textbox).
Many people, particularly in the college and party scene, may pursue cocaine in order to continue to be able to drink. The majority of "young adults" will try it for this reason and are unaware of the dangers. When alcohol and cocaine are mixed, the liver converts it to cocaethylene, which is then digested in the liver, which is the only organ in the body that can process alcohol.
Apart from the risks listed above, mixing alcohol and cocaine has the added risk of causing a person to drink more because cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant and alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. When we drink too much, our bodies have a powerful way of alerting us—vomiting, passing out, and so on. But when using cocaine it overrides that and many people end up hospitalised from alcohol use.
The first sign of cocaine withdrawal is a dramatic drop in energy. This is followed by increasing irritation and severe cocaine cravings. People frequently suffer from significant mood swings and paranoia. Physical withdrawal symptoms like vomiting or shaking are less prevalent with cocaine than with other drugs, although they can occur.
Behavioural therapy may be used to treat cocaine addiction. Examples include:
community-based recovery groups, such as 12-step programs.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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