Cocaine Addiction

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a narcotic drug derived from the coca plant, primarily found in various South American countries. It acts as a powerful stimulant, elevating heart rate and inducing feelings of excitement, confidence, nervousness, or other heightened emotions As per the National Survey (2018) on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the Ministry, through NDDTC and AIIMS, approximately one million Indians use and abuse cocaine.

Cocaine is often "cut" or combined with other substances before being sold. This increases the risk of overdose or even death. Studies indicate that up to 80% of street cocaine is mixed with other drugs. Additionally, when cocaine and alcohol are used together, the body produces cocaethylene, a highly toxic substance that weakens the immune system and increases the risk of seizures and fatal complications.

Types of Cocaine

• White powder: Can be injected, rubbed onto the gums, or snorted.

• Crack: Small rock-like pieces that can be smoked, crushed and snorted, or liquefied and injected.

• Free base: A crystallized form typically used for smoking.

How Does Cocaine Work?

Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, the region responsible for pleasure and reward. Under normal circumstances, this system is activated by activities such as eating, accomplishing tasks, or falling in love. Cocaine artificially stimulates this process, leading to increased wakefulness, euphoria, and social confidence.

However, for some users, cocaine can trigger aggression, irritability, and impulsive risk-taking behavior. The effects typically last up to an hour, depending on the dose consumed.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

The symptoms of cocaine abuse and addiction vary based on duration, frequency, and level of physical dependence. Some of the most common signs include:

• Dilated pupils

• Long periods of wakefulness

• Loss of appetite

• Mood swings

• Feelings of superiority

• Dishonesty about drug use

• Increased energy and alertness

• Restlessness

• Sudden financial issues

• Missing out on work

• Legal troubles

• Withdrawal from sober friends

• Withdrawal from loved ones

• Increased risky behaviors

• Engaging in risky and unsafe sex

Risks of Using Cocaine

A lot of people quit using cocaine without experiencing any issues. However for most, cocaine usage can have an effect on physical and mental health over time.

Physical Health Risks

Cocaine use can result in severe physical complications, including:

• Heart conditions: Cocaine stiffens blood vessels, increasing stress on the heart and leading to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and sudden death

• Lung problems: Smoking cocaine raises the risk of lung infections, disease, and cancer.

• Nasal damage: Snorting cocaine can cause nosebleeds, congestion, and even loss of smell. Long-term use can damage nasal cartilage and the roof of the mouth.

Mental Health Risks

Long-term cocaine use can have severe psychological effects, including depression and anxiety disorders, low self-esteem and psychosis, a condition in which your ideas and feelings are so distorted that you become disconnected from reality.

Addictions to substances such as cocaine often co-occur with mental illness. The most common disorders that co-occur with cocaine addiction include the following:

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

• Alcoholism

• Other substance addictions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Antisocial Personality Disorder

• ADHD

• Gambling disorder

Treating Cocaine Addiction

Some individuals can quit cocaine with the support of friends and family. However, many require rehabilitation to address both addiction and underlying psychological factors. At Collective Care, specialised programs are designed to meet the specific requirements of people struggling with cocaine addiction.

Here, patients go through detox and treatment under clinical supervision, which guarantees their comfort and safety all along the way. We also use a variety of modalities to treat the root cause of addiction and teach practical life skills for triggers and cravings. To assist people in adopting better thought and behaviour patterns, our clinical psychologists use techniques such as:

• Motivational interviewing

• Group therapy

• Mindfulness practices

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

These evidence-based techniques help individuals develop healthier thought and behavior patterns to manage triggers and cravings effectively.

Support is Available

If cocaine use is causing problems in your life, help is available. Treatment can guide you toward quitting cocaine and living a healthier, drug-free life. Contact Collective Care to explore your treatment options today.