COCAINE ADDICTION
Cocaine is a white powder that is usually snorted or smoked and it produces a short, intense high. Crack cocaine comes in rock form and when inhaled, it causes a rapid onset of euphoria due to it being absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.
Cocaine use induces changes in the brains’ neurotransmitters which release dopamine and stimulate feelings of pleasure and happiness. The neurotransmitters affected include serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine and glutamate.
The stimulating effects of cocaine are brief, so users often take the drug regularly, resulting in increased tolerance to the drug’s effects and a dependency on the drug itself.
At Revoke, we aim to offer a positive transformative experience for all our clients, whatever your dependence or addiction. We offer comprehensive treatment plans to suit your individual needs and give you the support necessary to reclaim your life.
RISKS OF COCAINE USE
Cocaine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that can cause significant physical and psychological harm.ย
We understand that cocaine is becoming an increasingly popular drug within the corporate world, and our clients are all too frequently faced with situations where the drug is in circulation. Cocaine addiction is a severely debilitating condition and is likely to lead to some of the following issues for those who use it:
- Relationship/family dysfunction
- Unemployment or job loss
- Debt
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Anti-social or criminal behaviour
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder
- Serious physical complications such as heart attack or stroke
- Overdose and death
SYMPTOMS OF COCAINE ADDICTION
As with all cases of substance misuse, the symptoms of abuse or addiction vary from person to person. However, cocaine addiction has several physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms which can indicate a cocaine use disorder.ย
Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
- Persistent nosebleeds and/or a runny nose
- Elevated heart rateย
- Excessive perspiration
- Suppressed appetite
- Insomnia or a reduced need for sleep
- Dilated pupils
- Intense bursts of energy
Behavioural Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
- Impulsive or risky behaviour
- Borrowing or stealing money to by cocaine
- Secrecy and dishonesty about activities and whereabouts
- Sexual promiscuity
- Extreme extroversion versus social withdrawal
- Inability to moderate cocaine use
Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
- Intense mood swings
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Poor decision-making or problem-solving skills
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
Cocaine misuse can additionally cause severe medical complications, including: hypertension, stroke, liver damage, kidney damage, cognitive impairment, respiratory issues and heart attack.
Crack cocaine use has similar symptoms to powder cocaine; however, the symptoms are heightened and more immediate.ย
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, please reach out for support. Our friendly and experienced team are here to help and we offer a range of professional therapeutic services and treatment plans tailored to meet your specific needs.
WITHDRAWAL
Once dependence on a drug is established, the body will struggle to return to its harmonious natural balance when it is no longer consumed. Withdrawal symptoms are a key indicator of cocaine addiction, and when a person stops using the substance it can be highly distressing both physically and psychologically.ย
It is common for cocaine users to ‘binge’ or take greater quantities of the drug over a shorter time frame to delay withdrawal symptoms. Sadly, cocaine binging can all too frequently lead to a fatal overdose.
Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate care and treatment is given to support the individual through this difficult stage.ย
COCAINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms affect a person both physically and psychologically and are likely to include:
- Intense insatiable cravings for cocaine
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Restlessness
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
Withdrawal symptoms start within hours of last use and can last for several months.ย
THE WITHDRAWAL PROCESS
The Revoke Programme can offer a rapid 24-hour assessment and will provide professional treatment to assist you or your loved ones through this critical time with minimal risk and an emphasis on comfort. The timeline of cocaine withdrawal consists of varying stages:ย
1-3 Hours
Feelings of anxiety, restlessness, irritability and exhaustion emerge.
Week 1
Cravings are intense. Nightmares, exhaustion, and restlessness alongside insomnia are common. Depression, anxiety, and intense mood swings occur.
Weeks 2-4
Cravings remain strong. Depression and fatigue intensify. Irritability, agitation, and difficulty concentrating are common.
Weeks 5-10
Withdrawal symptoms start to diminish as the mind and body starts to heal and they return to their natural state. Cravings will still occur, and anxiety and depression are likely to remain present.
If withdrawal symptoms are particularly severe, we will recommend a residential detox facility that can help the body adjust in a medically monitored, safe environment.ย ย
TREATMENT
Although cocaine addiction can be challenging to overcome, our friendly, experienced staff are here to guide you through the process.ย
We will help you detox from the drug and work towards long-term abstinence and recovery. There are currently no MHRA approved medications specifically targeted towards cocaine detoxification, so successful treatment must focus on the individuals’ motivations and goals for well-being.ย
We understand that very few people can enter a residential detox facility and leave behind their families, jobs, and other responsibilities. Together, we develop a rehabilitation programme that best suits your needs and is tailored to fit in with your daily life. We offer an initial clinical assessment to review any physical or psychological damage caused by cocaine misuse. We then work with you to devise a personalised treatment plan as we believe that personal choice and motivation are key to long-term recovery.
Through therapy, our expert team will help to remedy dependency problems, identify underlying issues or potential co-occurring disorders, and establish new healthy coping mechanisms to enable you to live your best life, free from addiction.ย
Join Our Community
The Revoke Programme can provide the therapeutic support you need to ensure you can recover and can lead a positive, fulfilling life free from cocaine addiction.
Please call us for more details, to ask any questions, or to schedule an assessment and start to reclaim your life today.
We are here to help
You are not alone. Reach out to us today if you would like to find out more about The Revoke Programme.
The Revoke Programme is a leading outpatient treatment programme and is part of Ishmail & Associates Limited
