What is Cocaine?

Cocaine, also known as coke, blow, flake, snow, sneeze, or toot, is a schedule II stimulant drug made from the processed leaves of the coca plant. Crack cocaine is a processed form of the powder which results in rock crystals. Similar to crystal meth, cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant and can quickly lead to severe physical and psychological dependence. It’s important to note that there has been a significant increase in fentanyl, a powerful, synthetic opioid, being added to cocaine increasing death from cocaine use and overdose.

According to data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, about 27,788,000 U.S. residents aged 12 and older have used some form of cocaine at least once in their lifetime, and about 6 million of those individuals used crack cocaine.

From 2019 to 2022, cocaine-related deaths rose 73.5%, resulting in 27,569 individuals whose lives were taken either solely or in part by cocaine use.

The History of Cocaine Use

Cocaine has a long history of use, as the leaves of the coca have been cultivated for more than 3,500 years in some countries. Indigenous Americans used cocaine for its stimulant effect and the Incas considered cocaine to be sacred. Some countries, like Peru and Bolivia, still use cocaine to treat altitude sickness and fatigue. South America trades much of the world's cocaine, with Columbia being the top-producing country.

Cocaine for Medicinal Use

During the late 1800s through the early 1900s, cocaine was legal and could be found on the drugstore shelves as a performance enhancer that was even used among soldiers during war. Its primary use medicinally was as a local anesthetic. Cocaine was used alone, added to other medications, and was even an ingredient in the popular soft drink, Coca-Cola.

Today, cocaine is no longer used in modern medicine. In fact, it is the second most illegally trafficked drug, and according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 5.5 million Americans reported using this dangerous and highly addictive drug in the last year.

How Is Cocaine Taken?

Cocaine powder is white in color and used via several methods. The effects produced by cocaine vary by how it is consumed. The most common method is snorting the powder, but it can also be injected or smoked — all of which can lead to addiction. Highs can last between 15 and 30 minutes when snorted but when smoked, highs last between 5 to 10 minutes. Freebase cocaine utilizes pure cocaine inhaled from a glass pipe. This is by far the most dangerous form of cocaine use and can result in overdose.

How Does Cocaine Affect The Body?

The effects of cocaine on the body vary depending on the person using it, the amount consumed, the method of consumption, as well as what other additives are in it. It acts as a strong central nervous system stimulant, and increases dopamine in the brain, boosting pleasure and movement. Cocaine can have serious and adverse effects on the body — even with the first use. Generally, these are issues concerning the heart, including heart arrhythmias and heart attacks. In addition, there are severe and deadly effects on the neurological system, including seizures, strokes, and coma — a which can result in sudden death.

Side Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine is an illegal drug and drug traffickers add numerous dangerous additives to it. As mentioned, fentanyl is being found in cocaine overdose deaths more and more. According to trends highlighted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and CDC WONDER, “Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine rose steadily from 6,784 in 2015 to 15,883 in 2019. From 2019 to 2022, cocaine-involved deaths rose 73.5% to 27,569 deaths.”

Some users enjoy the side effects of using cocaine and report being more productive and focused, as it is a stimulant. However, there are other, more concerning uncomfortable side effects from cocaine use both in the long and short-term.

Short-term Effects of Cocaine Use:

The “high” associated with the use of cocaine quickly turns to discomfort. These side effects of cocaine include:

Continued cocaine use increases the risk for serious complications. Many of these can be devastating.

Long-term Effects of Cocaine Use

Serious negative side effects can occur even in first-time users. Cocaine use puts individuals at a higher risk for heart attacks, stroke, seizures, and respiratory failure — all of which can result in sudden death. Recently, cocaine has been laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl, causing overdose and death of many unsuspecting users.

In addition, mixing cocaine with alcohol increases the chance of sudden death by causing the liver to manufacture a third substance, cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine’s effects. Cocaine addiction can occur quickly. Cocaine addiction can devastate the lives of the person using it as well as their families and loved ones at a rapid rate.

The Dangers of Mixing Cocaine with Other Drugs

Cocaine can be dangerous by itself, especially in large amounts, but becomes an even bigger issue when combined with other drugs. Whether the user knows it or not, mixing cocaine with other substances creates unpredictable effects that increase each drug’s side effects, giving the user a higher risk of overdose. Specific health effects could result in:

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

As with all drugs, there are certain physical and behavioral effects of cocaine that serve as indicators of substance dependence or addiction. When it comes to cocaine addiction, these are the signs to look for:

Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Behavioral Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

The sooner someone gets treatment for drug addiction and substance abuse of any kind, including cocaine use, the better. Stopping cocaine use without professional help can be dangerous and often doesn’t work. Cravings for the drug can become so strong without help and medications to ease cocaine withdrawal symptoms, so many return to using cocaine.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Specific cocaine withdrawal symptoms vary from one person to the next based on numerous factors, such as how much was taken at the last consumption, how long the person has been using it, when it was last consumed, the potency, method of consumption, and other factors specific to that individual. In general, these are some signs of cocaine withdrawal symptoms:

Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Behavioral Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as a few hours after the last consumption, and sometimes last several weeks. Getting professional help for a cocaine addiction that includes detox is highly suggested for long-term recovery.

Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

As with any other addiction, once a person is ready for help, it’s vital to find professional assistance right away. Often, when a person is addicted to a substance, they will change their minds about getting help quickly. This is one reason why getting immediate help is recommended whenever possible.

Treatment Steps for Cocaine Addiction

The first step in cocaine addiction treatment is detoxification, which is often medically supervised. Once the body is rid of all drugs and alcohol, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that addresses all aspects of addiction (psychological, biological, social, physiological, occupational, etc.) should be implemented.

Often, people with an addiction to cocaine want to know if there are any medications used to treat cocaine addiction. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications available for the treatment of cocaine, however, some studies have shown that medications such as amantadine and bromocriptine effectively reduce cravings, normalize sleep, and increase energy.

Once a person who has struggled with cocaine use has become stabilized, evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and addiction counseling can be effective. In these types of programs, patients and expert therapists focus on identifying the underlying causes of addiction and learn to identify, avoid, and cope with relapse triggers. Behavioral therapy is an important step toward long-term cocaine abstinence. In addition, once the patient is outside of clinical treatment, support groups such as Cocaine Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can provide the support needed to stay free from cocaine use (as well as other forms of drug use).

How Caron Can Help With Cocaine Use Disorder

At Caron, we believe recovery from drug use isn’t possible, it’s probable. Our team of experts creates a comprehensive and individualized treatment program for everyone who comes to us for help. If you or a loved one need help with a cocaine addiction, contact us. Caron is real about recovery. Call 1-855-445-5693.