Cocaine addiction is a type of substance use disorder characterised by compulsive and uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviours despite the debilitating negative consequences. In recent years, cocaine addiction has sparked attention because of its increasing prevalence among young adults. Apart from the known short-term effects that cocaine use can bring to individuals, it also poses a threat to its long-term effects on the mind and body.
What is Cocaine?
One of the most commonly abused substances is cocaine, a stimulant made from the leaves of the South American coca bush and processed with a mixture of other chemicals to form a whole powder known as cocaine hydrochloride.
This type of drug is illegal and highly addictive because of how it works in the brain. It makes individuals feel euphoric, energetic, mentally alert, talkative, and sensitive to light, sound, and touch. Although cocaine may carry some accepted medical use, such as some surgeries on the eyes, ears, and throat, it carries a high risk of abuse because it is often taken as a recreational drug.
Studies showed that those who use cocaine are at high risk of different physiological and psychological issues, including heart diseases, neurological problems, psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, and even addiction.
This type of substance comes in two forms. The powder cocaine is often combined with water and injected intravenously, while the crack cocaine, which appears as crystals, is most commonly smoked. In some cases, individuals who are abusing cocaine may mix it with other substances, such as amphetamines, to increase its potency.
How Cocaine Works
Similar to other substances, cocaine directly affects the brain’s central nervous system. It taps the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine levels in neurons. This process makes people feel good and reinforces their desire to engage in cocaine use repeatedly, which may lead to addiction or other long-lasting effects on the brain.
Once cocaine is consumed, the individual immediately feels the effects within a few minutes or an hour. The initial side effects of cocaine on the brain may last a few weeks or may persist for months and may lead to long-term consequences.
Over time, repeated use of cocaine makes the brain desensitised, and larger amounts of cocaine are needed to feel similar effects. This phenomenon is called tolerance, which developed due to the body’s way of adapting to repeated substance use over time. This tolerance buildup leads to a vicious cycle of increasing cocaine use, which could result in addiction.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that can profoundly affect both physiological and psychological wellness. Chronic or long-term cocaine use can lead to tolerance and dependence, and when the individual stops using it, withdrawal symptoms can manifest. This creates a cycle of compulsive cocaine use, which may lead to a wide range of long-term negative consequences, including:
Cardiovascular Damages
Data showed that individuals who use cocaine experience elevated blood pressure, an increased heart rate, a blood clot in a vein (deep vein thrombosis), heart muscle inflammation, and heart contraction problems, which in turn can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Those conditions are considered one of the leading causes of death among individuals who abuse cocaine. Other long-term effects of cocaine include:
- Tachycardia
- Chest pain from tightening of the vessels
- Myocardial infarction
- Irregular heart rate or arrhythmia
Nasal and Oral Problems
Cocaine use can lead to damage to both the nose and mouth. Considering that these substances are often snorted through the nose, congestion is one of the most common problems associated with nasal health. Cocaine has a vasoconstrictive property that narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages and reduces blood flow, resulting in congestion and breathing difficulties. It also affects some mucous membranes, soft tissues, and cartilage, which can lead to damage to nasal structures and the overall sense of smell.
Detrimental effects on oral health are also common among individuals who are using cocaine. It can reduce saliva production, increasing the risk of gum and dental diseases. In some cases, individuals may develop oral lesions, such as sores and blisters, and an increased vulnerability to oral cancer.
Respiratory and Pulmonary Issues
Snorting cocaine can cause serious respiratory and pulmonary problems. Individuals who are repeatedly using this substance may experience constriction in the lungs’ blood vessels and damage the alveolar walls, resulting in respiratory problems as it stops oxygen from entering the bloodstream. It also damages capillaries, which leads to difficulties in carrying oxygen to the rest of the body. In addition, they may also develop chronic cough, pneumonia, tuberculosis, acute respiratory distress, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
How is Cocaine Use Disorder Treated?
Cocaine and other substance use disorders are complex conditions that require a comprehensive intervention to promote long-term recovery and relapse prevention. Typically, treatment involves a combination of strategies, including psychotherapies, therapeutic communities, and aftercare.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
One of the gold standard treatments for substance use disorders is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has demonstrated efficacy as both a monotherapy and as part of combination treatment strategies.
CBT is a short-term and goal-oriented form of talk therapy that focuses on the complex interaction among thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Grounded with strong educational components, CBT therapists teach individuals strategies and skills to identify problematic thoughts and behavioural patterns. The primary goal is to change, modify, and replace them with healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
- Assessment: The first few sessions of CBT focus on evaluating the symptoms of cocaine addiction, their severity, and how they affect important areas of life.
- Psychoeducation: The session focuses on discussing the nature of cocaine addiction, its symptoms, prognosis, and treatment options. The rationale of the CBT, as well as how it works in treating cocaine addiction, are also explained during these sessions.
- Identifying Cognitive Distortions: A CBT therapist assists the individual in identifying faulty thoughts associated with compulsive cocaine use. Once these faulty thoughts are determined, the therapist helps the individual challenge those thought patterns and replace them with a more rational way of thinking.
- Behavioural Techniques: The therapist helps the individual identify maladaptive behaviours, such as compulsive cocaine use, and teaches them more adaptive coping skills in response to an urge to use cocaine or to deal with life stressors that might trigger cravings.
Therapeutic Communities (TCs)
Therapeutic Communities, commonly known as TCs, are types of residential treatment programmes for individuals with substance use disorders. The principle of TCs is based on peer support and communal living, where participants in the programme live and work together in a structured environment. Instead of focusing on abstinence from substance use alone, TCs promote overall lifestyle changes.
It also recognises that relapse is natural in the recovery journey and an opportunity for more learning and insights. As each participant in TCs progresses through the stages of recovery, the individual can achieve greater personal and social responsibilities in the community.
One of the most commonly used techniques in a TC session is role-playing, in which participants take turns being the therapist and the client to promote support, practice new skills, and gain insight from their interactions.
Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential part of the comprehensive treatment programme for individuals with cocaine addiction and other substance use disorders. It is a type of ongoing treatment service that involves a plan to support them in their early recovery, prevent relapse, and help them stay aligned with their treatment and life goals. Typically, aftercare involves interventions and activities that help individuals cope with triggers and cravings that they may encounter after the treatment.
How Can I Stop Using Cocaine?
While it may be challenging to stop using cocaine, treatment is widely available. You must seek professional help to guide you in your recovery journey. Treatment options include psychotherapy, therapeutic communities, or participation in support groups, as well as detox and rehabilitation. These interventions have a high success rate in reducing symptoms, preventing relapses, and promoting long-term recovery.
How to Start Recovery from Cocaine
Recovery begins by acknowledging the problem. Recognise and accept that you might be experiencing cocaine addiction and that you need help to overcome it. Once the problem is recognised, the next step is to seek professional advice to help you understand the condition, how it affects your life, and what treatment options are available.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Kembali
Breaking the vicious cycle of problematic cocaine use does not happen overnight. The treatment journey is filled with challenges and an avenue to learn more about yourself and gain insights. At Kembali, we understand that seeking professional help may sometimes seem difficult, but we believe in your capacity to change and thrive.
If you are interested in learning more about how we help countless individuals in their cocaine addiction recovery journey, our compassionate staff is ready to assist you every step of the way.
