What is Cocaine Abuse?
Cocaine addiction treatment for any amount of use is needed. Technically, any use of cocaine is considered abuse since it is an illegal substance. The more common definition of cocaine abuse, however, is when a person develops a dependence on the substance—via prolonged usage—in order to feel normal. Those suffering from cocaine abuse will develop a tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not using it.
Cocaine is highly addictive. Usage can change brain chemistry over time by raising the level of dopamine in the brain in abnormal ways until the brain begins to expect that level. Hundreds of thousands of people are treated for cocaine abuse every year.
Fortunately, Oakvine Recovery Center offers a variety of proven treatment programs to overcome dependence on cocaine and achieve sobriety.
Why is Cocaine Abuse Dangerous?
Just like heroin addiction, cocaine is susceptible to being laced with fentanyl. This makes it much more dangerous than is perceived. Prolonged abuse of cocaine causes a number of physical and mental risks, which include:
- Cocaine abuse can cause cardiovascular, respiratory and other complications that may lead to heart attacks, respiratory distress, organ failure and other deadly reactions.
- HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C infections. Because many people ingest cocaine by needle, and abuse impairs immune cell function and decision making, users put themselves at risk for these extremely dangerous infectious diseases.
- Mood disorders. Cocaine addiction can lead to sudden mood swings as well as an agitated or anxious state when the user is deprived of it.
- Stroke and cardiovascular disease. Cocaine raises a user’s blood pressure at the same time as it constricts capillaries. This causes the heart to do more work while simultaneously making that work more difficult.
- Respiratory illness. Smoking crack cocaine in particular puts a person at risk of lung damage and other respiratory issues.
- Gastrointestinal disease. By reducing blood flow, cocaine can cause ulcerations and other damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
- High blood pressure. Studies have found that cocaine abuse can lead to acute hypertension as well as acute renal failure.
- Poly-drug abuse. Users are at high risk of abusing other drugs when they use cocaine, including alcohol and heroin.
- Weight loss. Those who abuse cocaine commonly experience a regular loss of appetite and attendant weight loss.
- Snorting, smoking or intravenously ingesting cocaine can all cause a variety of seizures because of its effects on the central nervous system.
- Altered sleep patterns. The heightened dopamine and increased energy levels that cocaine use deliver make it more difficult for the user to fall asleep.
- Memory loss and short attention span. Prolonged cocaine abuse can change neural processing along with motor habits.
- Shrinking brain size. Studies have found that cocaine addicts lose twice the brain volume annually as non-users.
- Nosebleeds and Nose Collapse. Because cocaine is commonly snorted, it can damage the interior of the nose, including the septum. Those who abuse cocaine commonly experience nosebleeds, and in extreme cases, the constriction of blood vessels in the nose can destroy cartilage.
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction?
Be aware of these tell-tale signs and get help as quickly as possible. Once a person has begun abusing cocaine, you can usually point to some combination of the following symptoms as evidence:
- Irritability
- Unpredictable, strange, and sometimes violent behavior
- Loss of memory
- Shorter attention span
- Paranoia and distrust of others
- Slower reaction times
- Dilated pupils
- Frequent runny nose
- Overexcitement
- Loss of appetite
- Problems maintaining work schedules or other commitments
What Cocaine Addiction Treatments do you Offer?
Oakvine believes strongly in personalized treatments for any type of substance use disorder. We focus on what is best for the individual. Depending on the context of your addiction, we may offer:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. This popular approach helps you identify potentially harmful situations and triggers as well as how to avoid them.
- Motivational incentives. Also known as contingency management, this approach provides rewards for cocaine abstinence.
- Our IOP drug rehab program can help individuals achieve long-term sobriety.
- Therapeutic communities. Oakvine can provide group therapy that introduces you to others recovering from cocaine abuse so you can exchange experiences and build a support group.
- Aftercare and family therapy. We also offer therapies designed to help you rebuild relationships and plan for life after your recovery from cocaine abuse.
Call our Drug Rehab in Austin, Texas Today
Our IOP drug rehab program has helped many get into long-term recovery. There are cocaine addiction treatment options that work. Remember, you are not alone. Oakvine is ready to provide a customized treatment that addresses your substance use disorder and helps you return to the life you had before cocaine abuse. Are you ready to get started?
Call us at to get your recovery started today!