Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug that produces a short-lived but intense high with feelings of alertness, increased sociability and euphoria. According to recent statistics, 6.2% of fifteen to twenty-four-year-olds and 4.6% of twenty-five to thirty-four-year-olds used cocaine in the UK in 2018. Alongside this ever-growing problem comes increasing cases of cocaine addiction and the dangers associated with it – but can cocaine addiction be successfully treated?

Thankfully the answer is yes. With proper support and specialised care, it is possible for you to end your dependence on this dangerous substance. Liberty House is an experienced facility for rehab treatment that can help you to overcome your drug addiction.

What is cocaine addiction?

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals in many different ways. Cocaine addiction can be defined as a compulsive need to seek out and use cocaine despite negative consequences. This typically involves ongoing patterns of drug use despite awareness of the harmful consequences for one’s physical health, financial status, career goals, personal relationships or legal standing.

Additionally, some common signs that an individual may be addicted to cocaine include changes in behaviour or mood such as restlessness, agitation, irritability or unpredictable mood swings. Other warning signs can include extreme fatigue or changes in sleep habits, problems with concentration or attention span, and even withdrawal symptoms such as depression or anxiety when unable to access cocaine.

How does cocaine addiction develop?

One major challenge when it comes to cocaine addiction is the drug’s popularity. With so many consuming the drug with seemingly little consequences, it often leads people to underestimate the dangers associated with regular use, thereby increasing their odds of developing an addiction.

Young people especially are more vulnerable to cocaine addiction, not only due to the social pressures they may face but because the brain is still developing. You are more prone to risk-taking during this stage in your life, meaning you are more likely to engage in substance abuse. The maturing brain is also more susceptible to the effects of drugs, so cocaine addiction can very quickly take hold.

There are other risk factors that can cause cocaine addiction to develop. These include:

• Genetics: genetic factors play a huge role in the formation of addictions and can predispose you to develop a cocaine addiction.
• Mental health issues: co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety can increase your likelihood of developing a cocaine addiction as you may use the drug to self-medicate.
• Stress levels: experiencing high levels of chronic stress can push you towards developing an addiction to cocaine as a way to escape.

While there are certain factors that may contribute towards your developing a cocaine addiction, the truth is that anyone can be affected by this drug and its negative impacts. If you are struggling to control your cocaine use, Liberty House can give you the tools you need to kick your habit for good.

The side effects of cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can have significant short and long-term effects on the body and brain.

Short-term effects can include:

• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Elevated blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain or spasms
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Seizures

Long-term effects can include:

• Irreversible physical and psychological damage
• Changes in brain function and structure
• Deficits in cognitive abilities, including memory and attention
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased risk of stroke
• Mood instability
• Anxiety and depression

On top of the physical and psychological side effects, relationships, work and finances can all be destroyed as a result of this drug. Ultimately, the side effects of cocaine addiction can be profound and far-reaching, affecting every area of your life.

It is crucial that those addicted to this dangerous drug seek proper treatment as soon as possible in order to mitigate these negative consequences and regain control over their lives.

Do I need cocaine rehab?

Whether you’re concerned about your own drug use or are wondering whether your loved one needs cocaine rehab, it’s important to be honest with yourself and seek help if you find yourself spiralling. While admitting you have a problem can be tough, starting the recovery process will feel like a weight lifted off of your shoulders.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself when trying to determine if you need treatment for cocaine addiction:

• Do you use increasingly larger quantities of cocaine in order to feel the same effects?
• Have you tried to hide your drug use from family and friends?
• Have you experienced a preoccupation with procuring and taking cocaine?
• Have you experienced health issues as a result of your cocaine use, such as memory loss, anxiety or insomnia?
• Have friends or family expressed concerns about your cocaine use?
• Have you ever thought that cocaine rehab could be beneficial to you?
• Has cocaine use affected your performance at work?
• Does buying cocaine take precedence over other responsibilities, such as paying bills or rent?
• Have you tried to stop taking cocaine but couldn’t?
• Do you struggle to feel ‘normal’ without cocaine?

Remember, you don’t need to be taking cocaine every day to be suffering from cocaine addiction. If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time for you to take the first step towards recovery.

Cocaine detox and withdrawal

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the brain in numerous ways. When people use cocaine, they experience a surge of pleasurable feelings and heightened energy levels. However, as with most drugs, prolonged use can result in addictive behaviour and dependence on cocaine.

When people suddenly stop using cocaine after long-term use or abuse, they will go through a detox period and may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Inability to concentrate
• Depression and anxiety
• Paranoia
• Cravings for the drug

The causes of cocaine withdrawal are due to changes in the brain’s chemistry. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to cocaine can alter the activity of neurotransmitters, namely dopamine, in key regions of the brain. These chemical changes affect mood, reward processing, motivation levels, sleep cycles and perception of pleasure. When you stop taking cocaine, your brain needs time to readjust back to normal functioning and this is what causes cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

The severity and length of cocaine withdrawal symptoms depend on the duration and frequency of abuse and your overall health. Typically you can expect to see the worst of your withdrawal symptoms dissipate after one to two weeks. However, many experience prolonged issues with sleep, mood, energy and mental health that can last several weeks or even months after their last use.

What to expect from cocaine rehab

Cocaine rehab is an important resource for those seeking long-term recovery. Inpatient rehab is considered the most effective course of treatment and provides a wide range of intensive therapies designed to help individuals find healing and balance in their lives.

Some of the most common approaches used at Liberty House include individual counselling, group therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness training. In addition, we also provide access to alternative treatments such as art therapy, sound therapy yoga and gong baths.

With a combination of effective approaches, you will be able to gain insights into your cocaine addiction, your triggers and what led you to start abusing drugs. With this information you can start to develop healthier coping mechanisms and relapse prevention techniques, ensuring your recovery is long-lasting and sustainable.

A former Liberty House client, Simon, offers his advice on rehab:

“To recover, you need to look at your history timeline, where it all started; go to all the other therapies, and from there attend a weekly meet-up.”

Recovery is an ongoing process that requires a lot of hard work and determination. Finding the right cocaine treatment programme and sticking to it is vital for success. If you are ready to break free from cocaine, Liberty House can give you all the resources you need to do so.

Can cocaine rehab transform my life?

Cocaine rehab can be a transformative experience, offering a chance for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction to turn their lives around. Not only will you be able to address the underlying causes of your cocaine addiction, but you will be able to heal both physically and mentally.

By establishing new routines and connections within the supportive community of a rehab programme, you can gain meaningful insights into yourself as well as the larger world around you. Attending cocaine rehab is about much more than merely breaking away from drugs – it is about building a whole new way of living that is rooted in health, happiness and fulfilment.

If you are ready to start your journey and a new life away from cocaine, contact Liberty House today.

Frequently asked questions