Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is easily one of the most addictive and hazardous drugs in the world. It is often glamorized in movies as a party drug but it has dangerous consequences and even infrequent, minimal use can be extremely serious.

The effects are intense but short-lived, and following the high there is a strong “crash” when a person is withdrawing. This can happen as soon as 20 minutes after intake.

This is partially what makes the drug so addictive. The crash is debilitating and so naturally cocaine addicts will want to avoid it and chase the high as long as possible. The need to maintain the high and avoid the crash leads to extremely risky behavior and severe consequences.

Cocaine addiction is a hard reality and those who have found themselves in its grip should seek immediate attention with the help of those who care for them.

What You Need to Know About Cocaine and Addiction

The number of cocaine-related deaths has nearly doubled in the last five years, and while usage is down among adolescents, it remains an issue for adults. Any use is considered abuse since it is an illegal substance.

Cocaine is a stimulant which affects the central nervous system by releasing large amounts of dopamine into the brain, which is related to the brain’s pleasure and reward system. This creates huge problems over time, because the brain begins to believe it needs cocaine to survive (just like food, water and shelter). After a person has used cocaine for any length of time, their brains need to “recalibrate” and return to regular dopamine levels, which is a very painful process that includes severe physical and emotional pain. This process can cause a person to feel completely void of any happiness, so relapse is common.

This drug can take several forms. Pure cocaine comes in a white, powdery form derived from the coca plant, and can be snorted or rubbed onto gums. It can also be dissolved and injected directly into the bloodstream.

Each method will produce similar results but for various lengths of time and intensity. Pure cocaine will produce a high that lasts 15-30 minutes while IV usage will only last 5-10, but is much more intense.

Crack cocaine is another form of the drug that takes on a crystalized rock formation. It is highly potent, more available, and more affordable, which can increase the severity of dependence. Cocaine can also be dangerous because it is often cut with unknown substances like silicon, boric acid, laxatives, baby powder, and even amphetamines.

Cocaine produces similar physical symptoms regardless of how it is digested.

Statistics

Cocaine addiction is more present in society than many realize. Hollywood has galamorized its use but in reality it is a poison that results in thousands of deaths decreased quality of life.

Some of the most alarming cocaine statistics are listed below. While they are grim, recovery is certainly possible in the right circumstances:

• Nearly 1 million Americans are dependent on cocaine
• There are five to six thousand cocaine-related deaths each year
• Half of drug-related emergency room visits involve cocaine use
• 17% of people who try cocaine become addicted
• 50-90% experience relapses without involving professional care
• The U.S. Coast Guard seized half a million pounds of cocaine which is only 7% of what is estimated to have been shipped from South America

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Options in Utah

Cocaine has such an intense, powerful, and long-lasting appeal to those who have become addicted, but it is possible to break free from the cycle of attempting to get clean and relapsing.

There is no shame in seeking help with a debilitating cocaine addiction. Like all addiction, cocaine becomes an intense, life-altering problem, and specific steps and processes must be taken if someone is going to be able to recover.

Reflections Recovery Center has several programs and treatment plans to help with this rewiring, with the goal of giving each individual their best chance at a life of recovery. They include:

• Inpatient/Residential Treatment
• Continued care through Outpatient Treatment
• Sober living residences
• Aftercare programs