Cocaine addiction is very common in the UK and rising at an alarming rate. In 2016 the death toll for Cocaine drug poisoning reached a staggering 371 deaths in England and Wales. This is the highest number of Cocaine-related deaths since records first began in 1993.
Cocaine has the ability to kill even the fittest and strongest of individuals. There have been many cases of people in their 20s, suffering from multiple heart attacks due to Cocaine addiction.
If you or a loved have a problem with Cocaine, it is vital that you seek professional addiction help and treatment without delay.
Cocaine, What It Is and How it’s Used
Cocaine is a stimulant drug with powerful euphoric effects. It is an illegal Class A drug under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Cocaine, sold in a fine white powdered form, is usually snorted through a straw or rolled banknote. It can also be swallowed, or diluted and injected directly into the bloodstream.
The potent white powder is extracted from the leaves of the Coca plant. However, by the time it has hit the streets, its potency will have been diluted with other, often poisonous, substances known as cutting agents.
The Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine has very desired effects and has a reputation as being a “Champagne and Cocaine” party drug. Whilst some can take this drug recreationally, those predisposed to addiction will go on to develop an addiction to its effects.
The desired effects produced by Cocaine include:
- Heightened Senses
- Increased sexual desire
- Increased concentration and alertness
- Increased energy
Negative Effects and Risks of Cocaine Use
Cocaine use carries many risks to the user; the more you use, the greater the risk to your life.
Most Cocaine addicts find themselves all alone, using for hours, if not days on end. This kind of abuse and addiction will come with many negative effects and consequences.
Negative effects of Cocaine use include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart Attack and heart muscle damage
- Respiratory problems and arrest
- Dissolving of the septum (the piece of cartilage that separates nostrils and supports the bridge of the nose), caused by snorting cocaine repeatedly.
How Long Do The Effects Of Cocaine Last For?
Once taken, especially if snorted, smoked or injected, the effects are almost immediate. The user will be hit with a rush of euphoric stimulant effects that will last approximately 30 minutes. Less potent than Crack Cocaine, but the effects last for twice as long.
Once the effects wear off, there will be a craving for more and a comedown period. This leads those who are addicted to go on binges that can last for days, or keeping themselves topped up so they can continue to function.
Cocaine And Mental Health
Cocaine not only impacts on your body but can also seriously affect your mental health. It has been reported by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, that up to 88% of individuals seeking treatment for Cocaine abuse or addiction present psychosis-related symptoms.
Whilst mental health symptoms tend to be resolved once Cocaine has been stopped, there is a risk that they will be permanent. If this happens, ongoing psychiatric and medical treatment will be needed indefinitely.
Cocaine Addiction and Dopamine
Long term Cocaine addiction prevents the natural release of Dopamine from the brain. Dopamine is mother nature’s feel-good chemical. It motivates us, keeps us feeling balanced, increases with pleasurable activities, helps us sleep better and regulates our emotions.
Repeated exposure to Cocaine causes the brain’s Dopamine receptors to eventually become solely reliant on Cocaine for the production of Dopamine. Without Cocaine the individual addicted will not be able to feel any pleasure at all. At this point, their addiction will spiral dangerously out of control.
Cocaethylene – When Alcohol and Cocaine are Taken Together
Cocaethylene is a drug that is formed in the liver when Alcohol and Cocaine are taken together. It combines the effects of both and is very dangerous and addictive. Taking Cocaine will enable you to drink far more alcohol without feeling drunk. Combining the two also increases the euphoric effects. This makes it very damaging to the liver and increases the potential for drug poisoning and becoming dual addicted to both drugs.
Treatment For Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction – Cocaethylene
PCP rehabs provide bespoke treatment plans for individuals who have become addicted to both Alcohol and Cocaine. We provide an inpatient medical detox that is carefully monitored and an addiction treatment programme that treats all aspects of Cocaethylene addiction.
We treat each person as a whole individual, helping them to heal mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We also comprehensively treat those presenting with dual diagnosis symptoms.
If you need help and treatment for Cocaethylene addiction, please do not delay in seeking help. Cocaethylene addiction is both destructive and life-threatening.
Signs of Cocaine Use in a Family Member
If you are concerned that a family member may be using Cocaine and possibly have an addiction, there are signs that if spotted you should not ignore:
- White powder residue around the nostrils
- Unusually chatty, confident, exertive, energetic or paranoid
- Staying up, or out, all night
- Discovering Cocaine paraphernalia
- Money or valuables going missing
- Withdrawal from family and long-term friends
- Secrecy, dishonesty, manipulation and aggression
- Nasal and sinus damage
How to Help a Cocaine Addict
When approaching a Cocaine addict to help, remember that they are very sick. Voice your concerns for their welfare and why you feel they have a problem. Offer to help them seek professional treatment, and support them in doing so.
If they are willing to access help, please call and talk to us about treatment options immediately. If they are not willing, reassure them there is professional help available and that they can approach you at any time.
Cocaine Treatment and Rehab
Professional treatment and rehab for Cocaine addiction are often life-saving. PCP is passionate about helping addicted individuals to break free from addiction. We have a dedicated team of addiction professionals including doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and support workers.
We offer inpatient short term and long term programmes and supported sober living accommodation through our Move On housing project.
We have a number of exemplary, CQC registered, affordable rehabs across the UK, including a luxury London rehab.
Recovery from Cocaine is possible and we offer a highly effective Cocaine treatment programme for those that are suffering.
Cocaine Addiction Help
If you or a loved one have an addiction to Cocaine and need help, we provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment where the miracle of recovery takes place every day.
Having an addiction is nothing to be ashamed of; it is a chronic relapsing brain disease that severely impacts on your judgement, decision making and impulse control. If you suffer from Cocaine addiction, you will have lost control around your drug taking: this can naturally lead to very severe consequences, even death.
PCP rehabs can help you today, we facilitate urgent admissions. Please call us now for a free and confidential assessment of your individual Cocaine addiction treatment needs.