It is a highly addictive drug.
Globally, it is the second most frequently used illicit drug.
The drug blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters.
Reuptake is a process that normally modulates the action of the neurotransmitters by decreasing their concentration in the brain.
When snorted, smoked, or injected, cocaine induces intense feelings of euphoria.
Tolerance to the drug develops and more and more cocaine is needed to achieve the desired effect.
As an individual develops tolerance to cocaine, they also become physically dependent on it.
If the drug is discontinued, withdrawal symptoms, with physical effects, can occur.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
Cocaine addiction can develop quickly, often within a month.
The signs of cocaine addiction extend beyond the physical symptoms and also involve emotional and behavioral changes.
Sharing needles can increase the risk of HIV and hepatitis B.
Cocaine use can also contribute to kidney injury and has been implicated in certain rheumatologic conditions.
The main complication of cocaine addiction is overdose, which results in cocaine toxicity.
Cocaine toxicity can lead to death within a few hours.
Causes
Some people are more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than others.
There is no way to predict who will develop cocaine addiction.
With that said, studies have suggested that some groups are at the highest risk.
These include people who also abuse alcohol and cannabis, as well as individuals who have depression.
Chronic cocaine use impacts genes responsible for the expression of this substance.
Diagnosis
Cocaine addiction is one of the different stimulant use disorders.
Stimulant use disorders are a subcategory of substance use disorder.
For a person to be diagnosed with stimulant use disorder, they must be more than just a user.
These classifications may help direct the most appropriate course of treatment.
The treatment is focused on detoxification (also referred to as detox) and behavioral therapies.
Detoxification
Coming off cocaine is a process that may take several weeks.
When you stop taking cocaine, you could experience severe withdrawal symptoms that need to be managed.
For example, you may need medication for the treatment of abrupt or severe changes in your blood pressure.
You might need counseling, supervision, and medication if you develop depression and suicidal ideation.
Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral treatment includes psychotherapy and other psychosocial interventions.
These approaches help to maintain abstinence from cocaine after detox.
And you might need to continue your behavioral treatment for months or even years after you stop using cocaine.
SAMHSA also provides anonline treatment center location.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Research topics: cocaine.
2014 Jan;43(1):9-17. doi:10.1016/j.lpm.2013.01.069
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Cocaine withdrawal.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2022 annual detailed tables.
2020;27(4):286-290. doi:10.1016/j.rcreu.2019.01.006
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Cocaine intoxication.
2024;1(1):CD007024.
