Cocaine is highly addictive stimulant that rapidly increases dopamine levels in the brain, causing a short-lived effect of euphoria.
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, Erythroxylon coca, which is native to South America. The plant goes through a chemical transformation and is typically used as a fine, white powder that is normally snorted through the nose. The effects of cocaine can appear instantly and make people feel more energetic. But the effects can wear off in minutes.
Cocaine is generally considered a street drug but is also used in medical settings as an anesthesia during surgical procedures. It is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act because it has a high potential for abuse. Despite the risk factors, cocaine is one of the most commonly abused substances.
The two chemical forms of cocaine are a water-soluble hydrochloride salt (fine, crystalline powder) and a water-insoluble base, also known as freebase. The salt or powder is snorted, rubbed on the gums or injected. It is often “cut” with substances such as sugar or baking powder to stretch the amount of powder. The freebase form is mixed with ammonia or baking soda and water and heated to produce a smokable form called crack. Crack is heated and smoked or can be sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and smoked.
Cocaine is sold as a white powder, and has a sweet, flower-like scent. It is often mixed with some sort of filler, such as baking powder, flour, or sugar. Cocaine may also be laced with other drugs such as local anesthetics or fentanyl, which can be very dangerous. A cheaper form of the drug, known as crack cocaine, looks like irregularly shaped rocks of a white or tan color. It is usually sold in small plastic bags.
Cocaine can be used as a local anesthetic as applying it to certain parts of the body can constrict blood vessels and cause a loss of feeling or numbness. It is important that this type of use is done under careful medical supervision as cocaine can be quickly absorbed, causing unwanted side effects.
In a medical setting, cocaine is used topically for adult nasal mucosal surgery anesthesia. Otherwise, the drug is illegal for use.
Even in low doses, non-medical use of cocaine can be extremely harmful. Cocaine is a psychostimulant that causes a temporary euphoric feeling. No matter how it is used, cocaine can be absorbed and cause heart attacks, stroke or seizures. Chronic use can lead to brain injury.
The molecular formula of cocaine is C17H21NO4
The effects of cocaine are intense but short-lived. The signs of cocaine use can usually be seen immediately and can include:
The dangers and side effects of cocaine can be seen with even one use. Here are some typical side effects:
Chronic cocaine use can lead to addiction as well as other dangerous outcomes:
With chronic use of cocaine, the stimulant sensation becomes harder to achieve, and people need the drug more often and in higher doses to achieve the same effect. Without it, a person will experience negative feelings and irritability and will spend their time focused on acquiring and using the drug rather than their normal activities.
Increasing the dosage and frequency of cocaine use leads to increased irritability and even psychosis. The feeling of euphoria that came from increased dopamine levels will not come as quickly as the brain becomes dependent on cocaine, leading to addiction.
Individuals who abuse cocaine for prolonged periods of time develop a tolerance to the drug over time and require larger amounts to get high. Repeated misuse of the drug can lead to addiction and lasting health problems, such as:
In addition to its impact on one’s physical health, long-term abuse also has the ability to cause a range of side effects that impact behavior, thoughts, mental health, and physical appearance.
Recognizing the signs of addiction is critical in early intervention and seeking help for cocaine dependence. Some signs of cocaine addiction include:
Other signs of cocaine abuse include psychotic disorders, anxiety, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of cocaine abuse, it is crucial to seek advice from a trained counselor. Addiction can be serious, but treatment is available.
When an individual takes a high dose of cocaine, the drug’s usual effects are dangerously amplified. The overstimulation of the brain and body can cause it to shut down, often resulting in death. Because it is impossible to know the potency or purity of the drug, there is no way to know what amount of cocaine can be fatal. Some users mix cocaine with alcohol or heroin for a more intense high, which increases the risk of an overdose. Indicators of an overdose may include symptoms such as:
Individuals who overdose on cocaine require immediate medical attention, as the symptoms stated above might precede the onset of a fatal heart attack, stroke, or seizure.
Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is normally treated psycho-socially with a variety of therapy methods as there is currently no FDA-approved medication for the treatment of CUD. Recovery is a multi-step process and early intervention can help produce a more positive outcome.
Cocaine Detox
Choosing to stop using cocaine is a courageous first step in the journey to recovery. Detox from cocaine typically focuses on managing psychological symptoms. Medical detox programs may offer supportive care, counseling, and medication to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal.
With all substances, detox should never be attempted alone and should be done with the support of medication professionals to help manage side effects. The psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can be intense, so it is important to have support in this process.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
Recovery from cocaine addiction starts with a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on a person’s specific needs, any co-occurring conditions and a goal of finding the underlying issues that lead to dependency to help tackle addiction.
Treatment options depend on the severity of addiction and level of support required. For inpatient treatment, care is provided in a residential facility with round-the-clock supervision. This type of treatment is best for those with a severe addiction or those who have not found success with past treatment. Outpatient treatment is more flexible while still providing needed support, counseling and other services.
The most common treatment for cocaine addiction is behavioral therapy such as Contingency Management (CM), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aim to change negative thinking patterns and develop coping strategies. In addition to therapy, support groups can be a helpful tool in providing ongoing support during recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine use, help is available. Please reach out to one of our compassionate admissions team members to learn about treatment options.
Due to its glamorization in movies and music, cocaine use does not hold the same stigma as that of other illegal drugs. However, cocaine is just as dangerous and addictive. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out for help. Our compassionate team of addiction experts is here to help you reclaim your life.
