Cocaine is a powerful (and illegal) stimulant drug. When abused, it can have devastating effects on your health and your life in general.
But is cocaine physically addictive? To understand the nature of cocaine addiction, we have to explore the science behind it.
In short, cocaine addiction isn’t just about physical dependency. Instead, there are complex psychological and physiological aspects to consider, which can lead to a compulsive cycle of addiction.
In this blog, we will be exploring psychological cocaine addiction and physical cocaine addiction, and some of the key physical effects of cocaine abuse and addiction. Read on to learn more about cocaine addiction.
Cocaine – What is It?
Cocaine derives from the leaves of the coca plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional South American cultures. However, the refined form of the drug that is commonly abused today differs a lot from its natural origins.
Cocaine is most widely used as a fine white powder. This powder can be snorted, injected, or smoked in its freebase or “crack” form.
Regardless of how it’s consumed, cocaine enters the bloodstream rapidly and affects the central nervous system. Cocaine can be highly addictive, even after just a few uses.
When someone uses cocaine, it triggers a surge of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and feelings of pleasure.
This dopamine rush results in intense feelings of:
- Euphoria
- Heightened energy
- Enhanced confidence
Many people initially use cocaine for these pleasurable sensations, as it offers an escape from the stresses of daily life. Some people turn to cocaine to ease unpleasant feelings or sensations – for example, to mask feelings of anxiety.
However, the high from cocaine is short-lived – usually lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. This fleeting pleasure can lead individuals to use the drug repeatedly to maintain the euphoria, often in a binge pattern, which can escalate quickly.
What Are The Physical Effects of Cocaine Addiction?
While cocaine addiction and crack cocaine addiction primarily revolve around psychological factors, it’s essential to recognise that cocaine does have physical effects on the body, too. Repeated use can lead to various physical health problems, including:
Cardiovascular Issues
Cocaine can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. The drug’s stimulant properties put immense strain on the heart.
Respiratory Problems
Smoking crack cocaine can damage the lungs and lead to respiratory issues such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, and lung infections.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Cocaine use can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and even bowel gangrene due to reduced blood flow.
Neurological Effects
Cocaine can impair cognitive function, cause seizures, and lead to headaches and migraines.
Dental Issues
Frequent cocaine use can result in severe dental problems, often referred to as “coke mouth.” This includes tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Cocaine – The Psychological Addiction
While cocaine may not create the same degree of physical dependence as opioids, it is profoundly psychologically addictive.
The more you take cocaine, the more your brain begins to associate cocaine use with pleasure, creating cravings that drive users to seek out the drug repeatedly.
Over time, your brain’s reward system becomes desensitised to natural pleasures, and you become fixated on cocaine as the primary source of pleasure.
Psychological addiction manifests as an overwhelming urge to use cocaine, even in the face of negative consequences, whether it be regarding your physical health, mental health, or your life in general.
You may find yourself neglecting responsibilities, relationships, and your health to afford, obtain and use cocaine.
This powerful psychological aspect of cocaine addiction is often what leads people into a cycle of compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.
Cocaine – The Physical Dependence
Physical cocaine dependence refers to the physiological changes that occur in the body as a result of repeated cocaine use, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present.
Unlike some other substances, such as opioids, physical cocaine dependence is less prominent. However, it is still a significant aspect of cocaine addiction.
The more you abuse cocaine, the more your brain adapts to the drug’s presence, and the more your brain adapts to the changes that the drug creates in your brain.
This adaptation can result in a range of physical withdrawal symptoms when cocaine use is discontinued.
Some common physical withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine dependence include extreme fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, increased appetite, mood swings, and cognitive impairment.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable but are typically not life-threatening. While physical dependence on cocaine may not be as severe as with some other drugs, it should not be taken lightly.
It often reinforces the psychological addiction to cocaine, making it challenging for you to quit using the drug.
Seeking professional help, such as through a rehab clinic, is essential for addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of cocaine dependence and addiction.
What to Expect From Cocaine Withdrawal
Although the physical symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are not as pronounced as those associated with opioids, they can still be quite uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Increased Appetite and weight gain
- Mood Swings (e.g. depression and irritability)
- Trouble concentrating
The length of time cocaine withdrawal lasts can vary from person to person. However, for many people, it lasts for around a week. The good news is that withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first few days after discontinuing cocaine use, and will ease over time.
However, some psychological symptoms, such as cravings and mood swings, may persist for weeks or even months. The severity and duration of withdrawal can be influenced by factors like the frequency and amount of cocaine use and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Cocaine Rehab – Is it Right For Me?
Cocaine rehab can be a life-changing opportunity for anyone struggling with cocaine addiction. If you want to overcome your addiction to cocaine, rehab is the best step you can take.
Cocaine addiction treatment offers a structured and supportive environment to address the physical and psychological aspects of cocaine dependence.
If you find that cocaine use is interfering with your daily life, relationships, work, or overall well-being, rehab is the right choice.
Professional treatment can provide the tools, therapies, and support needed in order to achieve long-term recovery. It can help you regain control and build a healthier, drug-free future.
At Help4Addiction, we can connect you with the most suitable private rehab clinic for you. We can work to your budget, and match you with a quality cocaine rehab near you that you can afford.
Start your treatment with a cocaine detox, and move on to receive therapy and ongoing support when recovering from your addiction.
Begin your cocaine recovery today with Help4Addiction. You are not alone; we are here to guide you.