Medical Providers: Dr. Michael Vines, MD Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP Clinical Providers: Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: January 12, 2023
When you think of cocaine, harmless party environments like raves, night clubs, or concerts may be what pops in your mind, but cocaine addiction is a serious problem which can have deadly side effects. Learning more about the substance can inform you on just how dangerous this drug can be.
Deaths from cocaine have gone up each year since 2009 – with nearly 15,000 people dying from cocaine overdose in 2018. The CDC reports the most significant incline in reported deaths over the last four years as cocaine is becoming regularly mixed (or cut) with deadly opioids like heroin or fentanyl.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful drug made from leaves of the coca plant found in South America. The drug looks like a fine, white powder and is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has high potential for abuse.
While cocaine is generally depicted as a white powder being snorted, it can be taken a variety of ways. People may choose a different method of consumption as it will alter how the body reacts to the drug. Certain methods of using cocaine are more dangerous than others and will put the user at a higher risk of addiction or infection.
Is Cocaine A Stimulant?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug causing euphoric effects, which is why it is abused in the first place. However, there is a long list of harmful effects from using cocaine.
Stimulants are known to raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and increase body temperature. It can also cause problems such as:
Cerebral hemorrhaging
Seizures
Respiratory failure
Stroke
Heart failure
Coma
Brain damage
Death
Learn more about the effects of cocaine addiction.
When taking cocaine orally people typically use the powdered form and either swallow it or rub it into their gums to be absorbed.
When taking cocaine intranasally people will usually put the powdered form of cocaine into a line and snort it into their nose. Taking cocaine this way allows it to coat the soft tissue in the nasal passage and enter the bloodstream. This process allows people to feel the effects of cocaine longer.
Cocaine consumed through inhalation is usually from someone heating crack cocaine in a pipe and inhaling the vapors. This allows the drug to take effect significantly quicker, but is more addictive this way.
Cocaine delivered intravenously is the most dangerous of all forms of cocaine consumption. It involves dissolving the powder form in water and injecting directly into your bloodstream. Shared needles and lack of medical training lead to increased risks of HIV, collapsed blood vessels, and more.
Regular cocaine can lead to dependence. Repeated exposure to cocaine, or other addictive substances, cause alterations to neurons in the brain causing the body to develop a tolerance and require more of the drug to experience the same effects, crave the substance when it’s not present in the body, and become dependent on the drug to function.
Is cocaine addictive?
Yes, cocaine is addictive. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug meaning it is a substance with high potential for abuse and using the drug can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence.
3 Stages of Cocaine Addiction
In general, addiction will often occur through 3 major processes.
Tolerance occurs when there is a need for an increasing amount of substance in order to feel the desired effects or to avoid the negative effects associated with withdrawal.
Craving the drug of choice is a central aspect of addiction and causes people to feel intense urges to use which can lead to continued use or relapse. For cocaine specifically, high relapse rates are common even after physical withdrawal and abstinence — which is why professional intervention is vital to successfully stopping cocaine use.
Dependence occurs with repeated use and, as the name suggests, means the body has become dependent upon the substance. The body fails to function normally and goes through dangerous withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not present.
Why is Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine use triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Cues associated with the drug, like seeing someone use, can trigger this same release of dopamine, leading to cravings. From there, cravings can lead to continued use, the buildup of tolerance, and a physical dependence on the substance
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
Cocaine screenings are done in several ways that affect how long the drug will register in your system. Typically tests are done through urine (2-3 days), hair (multiple months), sweat (1-2 days), blood (12 hours), and saliva (1-2 days).
Street dealers of cocaine will often mix other substances such as flour or talcum powder with the drug in order to maximize profits. In recent years; however, they have also turned to mixing cocaine with other drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. (Often called Dirty Fentanyl)
When people don’t realize their drug has been cut (laced) with fentanyl, they use it as they normally would but are at a much higher risk of overdose due to the small amount of fentanyl needed for an overdose. The increased use of fentanyl with cocaine has caused cocaine overdose numbers to skyrocket in recent years.
Polysubstance Abuse
Cocaine is also considered a “club drug” and often mixed with other substances. Most popular is using cocaine while drinking alcohol excessively, or using MDMA, LSD, ketamine, meth, or GHB. Using these drugs together often increases the feelings of euphoria, but leads to an increased risk of dangerous health effects.
Whether you’re struggling with regular cocaine use or polysubstance abuse, the addiction specialists at The Hope House can help you achieve long-term sobriety.
When looking at why people become addicted to cocaine, and substance abuse in general, there are risk factors which can make certain individuals more susceptible than others.
Environmental Factors
A person’s environment, especially at an early age, can have a huge impact on their addiction potential. Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) tests have shown people who exhibit signs of ACEs increase risk of substance abuse later in life as well as mood and anxiety disorders.
Genetic Factors
Studies have shown substance abuse can even be an inherited trait. In fact, one study has found cocaine abuse may be the drug with the highest chance of heritability.
Personal Factors
Some studies have found people with certain personalities are more at-risk to become addicted to cocaine. For instance, one study found people exhibiting narcissistic personality traits were more vulnerable to the initiation and maintenance of the drug.
As with many addictions, medical professionals follow a specific set of guidelines to formally diagnose addiction to a substance. Previously, the medical field looked at substance abuse as a number of different illnesses working together. Now, the medical field recognizes that substance use disorder is a spectrum and even non-regular use can lead to long-term addiction issues. Be aware that there are is a lot of slang for cocaine, so you’ll want to be sure you understand what a patient is discussing to get a full picture of their diagnosis.
People must meet 2 of the 11 recognized symptoms of cocaine addiction. This includes craving the substance, neglecting personal or professional obligations to use, and experiencing withdrawal when you stop using. If you are exhibiting the signs of cocaine abuse, the addiction specialists at The Hope House can help you get back on the road to recovery.
People seeking help to stop cocaine use accounted for 6% of treatment admissions in 2013, a majority of whom use crack cocaine or multiple drugs. An addiction to cocaine, like all forms of addiction, is an incredibly complex issue involving many factors.
Before treating cocaine abuse, clients should undergo evaluations to determine if there are any underlying mental health problems contributing to the addiction.
There are two main ways to treat addiction:
Behavioral Therapy
One form of therapy proven effective for cocaine is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is especially effective at helping patients avoid relapses – a critical skill for achieving long-term sobriety.
This is done by teaching clients to recognize situations in which they are likely to abuse cocaine, avoid these instances, and cope with a range of problems associated with drug use.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
While sometimes behavioral therapies are the only available form of treatment, the integration of both therapy and medication may be the most effective approach. There are currently no FDA-approved forms of Medication-Assisted Treatment to treat an addiction to cocaine; however, some medications have shown promise. For instance, disulfiram (used to treat alcoholism) has shown to reduce cocaine use.
Finding treatment for addiction can feel daunting if you’re unsure what exactly you should look for. For the best care possible, consider The Hope House – a comprehensive addiction rehab in Arizona.
The Hope House has two luxury rehabs in the desert mountains of north Scottsdale. During your stay you will receive the highest quality of care as our masters-level clinicians work to treat your addiction and any other underlying issues which may be triggering.
If you need treatment close to home, visit FindTreatment.gov. Simply search your zip code and the site will populate with many local treatment centers available to help you with you or your loved one’s substance abuse issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How addicting is cocaine?
Cocaine is highly addictive due to its powerful stimulant effects that rapidly increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to intense cravings and dependence, even after short-term use.
How addictive is cocaine compared to other drugs?
Cocaine is highly addictive, often more so than many other drugs, due to its intense effect on the brain's reward system and rapid development of tolerance. Its potential for dependence is comparable to opioids and nicotine.
How addictive is cocaine and MDMA?
Cocaine and MDMA are both highly addictive substances. Cocaine can lead to strong cravings and dependency due to its intense euphoria, while MDMA, though generally considered less addictive, can still result in psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms with repeated use.
How addictive is crack cocaine?
The addictive potential of crack cocaine is extremely high, as it rapidly impacts the brain's reward system, leading to strong cravings and frequent use, which can quickly result in dependency.
How addictive is cocaine?
Cocaine is highly addictive, as it stimulates the brain's reward system, leading to powerful cravings and increased tolerance, making users dependent on the drug to function properly.
What makes cocaine highly addictive?
Cocaine's high potential for addiction stems from its ability to rapidly increase dopamine levels in the brain, creating intense feelings of euphoria. This quick reward can lead to compulsive use, tolerance, and dependence over time.
How quickly does cocaine create dependency?
Cocaine can create dependency very quickly, often within just a few uses. The drug alters brain chemistry, leading to increased tolerance and cravings soon after initial exposure.
Are withdrawal symptoms severe for cocaine users?
The severity of withdrawal symptoms for cocaine users can vary, but they are often intense and distressing. Users may experience strong cravings, fatigue, depression, and increased anxiety, making professional support crucial for recovery.
Can cocaine addiction be treated effectively?
Cocaine addiction can be treated effectively through a combination of behavioral therapies and support programs. While there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, comprehensive treatment approaches often lead to significant improvements in outcomes and long-term recovery.
What are signs of cocaine addiction?
The signs of cocaine addiction include increased tolerance, frequent cravings, neglecting responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms, and engaging in risky behaviors despite negative consequences. Behavioral changes, mood swings, and secrecy about drug use are also common indicators.
How does cocaine impact mental health?
Cocaine significantly impacts mental health by causing anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Chronic use alters brain chemistry, leading to mood disorders and impaired cognitive function, which can persist even after cessation of use.
Why do some people become cocaine addicts?
Some people become cocaine addicts due to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and psychological factors. These elements can lead to increased vulnerability to substance use and contribute to the development of addiction.
What factors influence cocaine addiction severity?
The factors influencing cocaine addiction severity include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, mental health conditions, and the method of use. These elements can significantly affect an individual's risk of developing a more severe dependency on cocaine.
Is cocaine addiction more common in men?
Cocaine addiction is more prevalent in men than in women. Research indicates that social, biological, and behavioral factors contribute to this disparity, with men generally showing higher rates of substance use disorders overall.
How does tolerance develop with cocaine use?
Tolerance develops with cocaine use as the brain adapts to repeated exposure, requiring increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the same euphoric effects. This leads to a cycle of increased consumption and dependency.
What role does genetics play in cocaine addiction?
The role of genetics in cocaine addiction is significant, as genetic factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to substance use disorders, including the likelihood of developing a dependence on cocaine.
How does cocaine use affect family dynamics?
Cocaine use significantly impacts family dynamics by leading to trust issues, emotional detachment, and conflict among family members. It can create a cycle of enabling behavior, causing stress and instability within the household.
What are long-term effects of cocaine addiction?
The long-term effects of cocaine addiction include severe cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, neurological impairments, and increased risk of mental health disorders, which can lead to chronic health complications and significantly impact quality of life.
How do cocaine withdrawal symptoms feel?
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms feel intense and distressing, often including fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and cravings. Physical symptoms like increased appetite and sleep disturbances may also occur, leading to significant discomfort during the withdrawal process.
Does cocaine addiction lead to other substance abuse?
Cocaine addiction often leads to the increased risk of other substance abuse. Individuals may seek additional substances to enhance or counteract cocaine's effects, resulting in polysubstance abuse that complicates recovery efforts.
How do social factors influence cocaine addiction?
Social factors significantly influence cocaine addiction by shaping an individual's environment, social interactions, and exposure to drug use, which can increase susceptibility to addiction through peer pressure, social norms, and the availability of the substance.
What behavioral therapies help with cocaine addiction?
Behavioral therapies that help with cocaine addiction include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, and contingency management, which reinforces positive behaviors through rewards. These approaches enhance coping skills and promote relapse prevention.
Are there medications for cocaine addiction treatment?
Medications for cocaine addiction treatment do exist, although there are currently no FDA-approved options specifically for this purpose. Some medications, like disulfiram, have shown promise in reducing cocaine use in conjunction with therapy.
What is the relapse rate for cocaine addicts?
The relapse rate for cocaine addicts is notably high, with studies indicating that approximately 70-80% of individuals may relapse within the first year of recovery. This emphasizes the challenges of overcoming cocaine dependency.
How can one support a cocaine addict?
Supporting a cocaine addict involves offering non-judgmental emotional support, encouraging them to seek professional help, and being involved in their recovery process while maintaining healthy boundaries for yourself.
What happens during cocaine detoxification?
Cocaine detoxification involves the process of removing cocaine from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. This phase typically includes medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort, often leading to psychological support for a successful recovery journey.
How does cocaine affect the brains reward system?
The effect of cocaine on the brain's reward system is significant. Cocaine increases dopamine levels, creating intense feelings of pleasure and reinforcing the desire to use the drug, which can lead to addiction and dependence.
What age group is at risk for cocaine addiction?
The age group at risk for cocaine addiction typically includes young adults, particularly those between 18 and 25 years old. This demographic often experiences higher rates of substance use and the onset of addictive behaviors.
Are there any safe recreational uses for cocaine?
The idea of safe recreational uses for cocaine is misleading. Cocaine is a highly addictive substance with significant health risks, and no level of use can be considered safe. Engaging in recreational cocaine use poses serious dangers to physical and mental health.
How does the body metabolize cocaine?
The metabolism of cocaine in the body involves its breakdown primarily in the liver. Once consumed, cocaine is converted into several metabolites, including benzoylecgonine, which can be detected in drug tests. This process varies among individuals based on factors like genetics and overall health.
