Cocaine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug which holds the potential to ruin lives. It affects the brain by manipulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, resulting in an intense rush of pleasure that can quickly become habit-forming. Once consumed, cocaine causes parts of the brain related to decision-making and self-control to become less active, making it harder to resist taking more doses.

This happens every time you take cocaine, eventually leading to a heightened dependence. Neurotransmitter activity in areas of the brain associated with reward will become heavily altered from repeated cocaine use, which leads to compulsive seeking of the drug as you become reliant on its effects.

The fast-acting but relatively short high cocaine produces is addictive in itself – users often chase the initial rush and repeatedly consume the drug in quick succession. This recurrent dosing increases the likelihood of an addiction developing.

Cocaine is a highly dangerous substance and can have devastating effects, whether you use it one time or on an ongoing basis. Cocaine use often leads to physical and mental health issues, and can even be fatal in some cases. Cocaine-related deaths have risen by 8.1%, with 840 deaths occurring in 2021.

Some of the physical side effects of cocaine include:

• Increased body temperature
• Cardiovascular issues, including increased heart rate, irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure
• Damage to the nose and mouth
• Constricted blood vessels
• Damage to kidney and liver
• Increased risk of stomach ulcers
• Increased risk of aneurysm, stroke, seizure and other life-threatening conditions

Some of the psychological side effects of cocaine include:

• Mood swings
• Aggression and agitation
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal ideations

Additionally, long-term cocaine use can contribute to difficulty with concentration and decision-making skills due to the effect it has on the brain. It is clear that cocaine should be avoided at all costs as its detrimental side effects far outweigh any perceived rewards from its usage.

This is an age-old issue for so many families trying to cope with a loved one’s addiction – of course you want to help your family member in any way you can, but are you enabling them? If so, you may unknowingly be perpetuating their cocaine habit and prolonging their recovery.

But what constitutes enabling? Here are some signs to look out for:

• Do you provide money to your loved one if they ask for it?
• Do you provide housing for them?
• Do you cover up for your family member or lie on their behalf?
• Do you make excuses for their behaviour or blame their cocaine addiction on something else? For example, “it’s just because they are stressed at work”.
• Do you ignore their cocaine use or pretend like nothing is wrong?
• Do you cater to your loved one’s needs before looking after yourself?

If any of these statements apply to you, you could be enabling a cocaine addiction. While this may come from a place of just wanting to help, it could have devastating impacts on both you and your family member down the line.

Instead, you should focus on:

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
• Trying to persuade your loved one to get professional help
• Set rules and boundaries, and most importantly, stick to them
• Remember to take care of yourself first

It is never easy to talk to a family member about cocaine addiction, but ensuring you listen and encourage healthy dialogue between the both of you is essential. This way, you can still support your loved one without fueling their cocaine habit.

Overcoming a cocaine addiction can be both difficult and daunting, but there is hope. The key is to find a treatment programme that suits your needs. Detox, rehab, and aftercare are all essential components for recovery – all of which Recovery Lighthouse offers as part of our extensive treatment plan.

Detox involves eliminating toxins from the body through nutrition, gentle exercise and assisted guidance from our medical staff. As your body naturally works to expel any harmful substances, our team will be there to make you comfortable and help you manage any withdrawal symptoms.

Cocaine rehab, the next phase of recovery, focuses on implementing various therapy techniques so that you can understand the psychological reasons for your cocaine use. This will include group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and relapse prevention techniques.

Once you leave our rehab facility, you will be able to take part in our free aftercare programme. This includes weekly support groups and therapy that helps you maintain a sober lifestyle after leaving rehabilitation.