Cocaine is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, and its ability to create dependence is very strong. In addition, the effects that cocaine use has on the addict end up being as harmful as they are dangerous. And we are not only talking about physiological and psychological problems for the user. Cocaine addiction causes a series of disorders for the addict and those around them that can lead to the total destruction of their life. That is why, sooner or later, these people feel the need to stop using.
But once you reach that point, breaking free may not be so easy. It is very likely that the addict feels a strong dependence on the substance, and the likelihood of using again is high. That is why, in these cases, the help of a team of professionals and experts is needed. Their job is to support the person throughout the detox and treatment journey to successfully overcome their addiction. There are several treatment approaches an addict may receive, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, the first step is to seek help and begin a healing process that leads to a full recovery.
When use becomes addiction
For a person to reach the point of realising they need help, they will first have gone through a process of progressively becoming hooked on cocaine. Normally, the most common sensations the addict experiences are needing the drug to reach moments of fulfilment. In this sense, the person will be constantly focused on obtaining cocaine. In this process of personal decline, the desired substance becomes the user’s main goal. As a result, they forget activities they were previously interested in or enjoyed.
Another very common aspect during this process of progressive dependence on cocaine is tolerance. That is, as the person continues using, they become accustomed to it and will increasingly need to raise the dose to feel the same as they previously did with smaller doses. It is also very common for addiction to cause serious harm to the person’s environment and various areas of life. The deterioration of family relationships and friendships is a common feature in an addicted person. On the other hand, work-related and financial problems are also typical.
Effects of cocaine
Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain, which are involved in movement control and reward. Basically, what the drug does is interfere with dopamine’s proper functioning. Dopamine is responsible for transmitting to the brain the positive sensations associated with an action or situation. This process stops working properly due to cocaine in the body.
The effects of cocaine appear almost immediately and last from a few minutes to an hour. Both the intensity and the duration of the effects depend on the method of use. For example, if the substance is injected or smoked, it produces a more intense and faster euphoria than inhaled cocaine, although it lasts for less time. On the other hand, the euphoria caused by inhaling cocaine can last between 15 and 30 minutes, while the euphoria produced by smoking can last between 5 and 10 minutes. In the short term, there are several effects that impact both the body and the mind, including:
- Extreme energy and happiness
- Hypersensitivity to light, sound and touch
- Constriction of blood vessels
- Pupil dilation
- Increased body temperature
- Irritability and anxiety
- Tremors, dizziness and muscle spasms
- Paranoia
The dangers of cocaine use
Knowing when to stop in time is a very important factor before suffering the worst consequences of an addiction to drugs such as cocaine. Because while, in the short term, the feeling of euphoria can be very pleasant for the user, in the long term the outcomes can be very serious. Adverse reactions as a result of cocaine use differ depending on how it is administered.
For example, constant inhalation can cause loss of the sense of smell, problems swallowing, nosebleeds, hoarseness and general irritation of the nasal septum. By contrast, when cocaine is ingested, it can cause severe gangrene in the intestines because it reduces blood flow. On the other hand, injecting the drug can cause the user to experience allergic reactions, either to cocaine itself or to some of the additives added on the street. In the most severe cases, these reactions can cause death. Another consequence of continued drug use is loss of appetite, which can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
Quitting cocaine
The latest report on drugs in Spain, produced by the Government, states that in 2017 almost 3% of people aged 15 to 34 had used cocaine at least once. And another very significant figure: the drug that most often led an addict to seek treatment (excluding alcohol) is cocaine, accounting for 39% of the total. Indeed, many people are looking to break free from their addiction to this substance.
That habit that started sporadically, taking a dose on party days, and later expanded to different situations in life can be eradicated. It is possible to seek treatment to break free from addiction and gradually regain control over yourself. There are several approaches and treatments offered to achieve this goal. What the addicted person should know is that ending their addiction is a real possibility, as has been proven by all those people who have achieved it. CCAdicciones is an alcohol rehabilitation centre that can support you with your addiction problem. Contact our professional help and we will provide you with the right information.
