Cocaine is a stimulant drug extracted from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. For thousands of years, people in this region have chewed and ingested the leaves for their stimulant effects. In fact, the purified chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, was isolated from the plant over 100 years ago to be used in various elixirs and even as a local anesthetic. 

However, research has since shown that cocaine is a powerfully addictive substance that can change brain function and chemistry and cause physical damage to the body. That’s why it’s now a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has a high potential for use but can be administered by a doctor for legitimate reasons. 

Let’s learn more about cocaine, the signs and symptoms that someone may be misusing the drug and how to get help. 

Who Uses Cocaine and Why? 

According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an estimated 27,788,000 U.S. residents aged 12 and older have used cocaine at least once in their lifetime. Seven percent of high school seniors in the U.S. used the drug in the past month, according to the University of Michigan. 

Cocaine makes users feel euphoric, positive, wide awake and confident. People who use cocaine typically do so to feel better about themselves, making it easier to interact with others and release their inhibitions. However, this period of euphoria wears off, usually within a couple of hours or so. 

During a comedown, the positive feelings experienced from the cocaine are now gone. Now, the person experiences negative feelings and low motivation. The only way to get back those positive feelings is by using cocaine again, which starts the cycle of dependence. Cocaine is incredibly addictive, and it only takes one time to get hooked.

What are the Risks of Using Cocaine? 

Since cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the nervous system, it has both short- and long-term effects that can be dangerous to your health. Individuals who use cocaine can become anxious, restless and irritable. When they come down from the drug, they may feel sad, have delusions or paranoia and even think about suicide. 

Cocaine use also increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to abnormal rhythms and heart attacks, even in people who are young and healthy. The drug can also cause seizures and strokes, as well as a loss of control over use. 

When a dependent person tries to cut back or quit cocaine, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms, such as lethargy, muscle weakness, irritability, slowed comprehension and depression. By this point, people who are dependent on cocaine often need professional help in the form of detox, therapy, counseling and aftercare. 

Can You Overdose on Cocaine? 

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on cocaine. People who overdose often do so because of the drug’s effect on the heart. Heart failure is a complication of cocaine use, especially when the drug is combined with other substances like alcohol. 

It’s also important to point out that much of the cocaine on the market today contains a mixture of drugs. The cocaine you buy may have fentanyl in it, which can be fatal. Fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The only way to know if your cocaine has fentanyl in it is to test. 

Furthermore, cocaine can do significant damage to the nose, breaking down the cartilage and causing “cocaine nose,” which can trigger symptoms like nosebleeds and nasal congestion. Cocaine nose can also make it harder for the body to fight infections, leading to chronic sinus inflammation and nasal infections. 

The Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine

Someone who uses cocaine regularly will exhibit certain signs and symptoms. However, each person is different, which means symptoms can vary based on the individual, how long they’ve been using cocaine, how frequently they use cocaine and their level of dependency. 

Here are some indications that a person may be using cocaine: 

• Excitability
• Dilated pupils
• Runny nose
• Nosebleeds 
• Weight loss
• Mood swings 
• Talkative habits
• Increased need for privacy 
• White powder residue around nose and mouth
• Burn marks on hands and lips
• Spoons, razor blades, plastic baggies and other paraphernalia 

Causes and Risk Factors 

There is no single factor that causes a cocaine addiction. Instead, cocaine addiction is thought to be the result of several factors working together. 

• Genetics. Individuals who have a close relative with cocaine addiction are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. 
• Brain chemistry. Cocaine acts upon the pleasure center of the brain, which can make certain individuals feel particularly “good.” These individuals may have been born lacking the proper neurotransmitters associated with pleasurable activities, and they may use cocaine to self-mediate. 
• Environment. Individuals who are exposed to cocaine at a young age are more likely to engage in substance use themselves. Cocaine use is also higher among people who are pressured to excel in work or school. 
• Psychological. Certain mental illnesses are more likely to occur with cocaine addiction, such as depressive disorders, schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder. These individuals may use cocaine to give themselves a pick-me-up.

Getting Help for a Cocaine Addiction 

In 2013, cocaine accounted for 6 percent of all admissions to drug treatment programs. The majority of cocaine users are polysubstance users, meaning that they use more than one substance. This is why it’s recommended to choose a treatment program that can address multiple drug addictions in a structured and positive environment. 

At this time, there are no FDA approved medications to treat cocaine addiction. However, there are behavioral interventions that work. Individuals can access these treatments at an inpatient or outpatient recovery center or through their communities. 

• Contingency management. CM uses motivational incentives to help individuals refrain from cocaine and other drugs. In exchange for drug-free urine tests, individuals receive prizes that are synonymous with healthy living, such as gym memberships, movie tickets and dinners out. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is an effective therapy that can help prevent relapse. A licensed therapist works with individuals to help them develop critical skills that support abstinence. It also teaches healthy ways to cope and respond to stress. 
• Community-based recovery groups. Groups like Cocaine Anonymous follow a 12-step approach that can be helpful in maintaining abstinence. It also brings people together, offering support, guidance and fellowship. 

A cocaine addiction negatively affects a person's mind, body and well-being. The psychological effects of cocaine can be particularly difficult to work through, but with the proper support and motivation, individuals can achieve sobriety. To learn more about the outpatient treatment services available through Recovery Cove in Easton, PA, contact our admissions team at 484-549-COVE.