Why is Cocaine so addictive?

Why is Cocaine so addictive?

It is all down to science.

The effect Cocaine has on the brain, and in turn, the effect it has on your behaviour and your body is purely down to chemical changes caused by drug use.

While there are lots of reasons why someone might take drugs, the effects on the brain are nearly always the same.

Some people will have more severe reactions to Cocaine than others but, on the whole, the pattern of behaviour that follows Cocaine use is a familiar one.

We are addictions clinicians.

Each of us has over three decades of experience in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing for and treating people caught up in addiction.

Here we share our experience with you so you can make informed treatment decisions.

What is Cocaine and Why is Cocaine so addictive?

Cocaine is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.

Due to the heat needed to enable the plant to grow it is found in South America on the Andean ridge.

It is a stimulant drug though it does have some conventional medical uses as a anaesthetic that is used on the skin for minor procedures.

When it is mixed with other substances and has it’s chemical composition altered it can be turned into crack cocaine which is even more dangerous.

Cocaine has been used, as a drug of abuse, since the early years of the 20th century.

What does Cocaine do and Why is Cocaine so addictive?

Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant.

As soon as you take it, it will cause the brain to flood with Dopamine which is a naturally occurring feel good chemical.

You will feel an incredible short lived “high”.

When you feel this high you will have boundless energy and confidence.

You will feel on top of the world and invincible.

People who use Cocaine often gamble more than normal because they are so sure they will win as well as pursuing sexual activity they wouldn’t if they were not using Cocaine.

In short you become very reckless.

How quickly does it work?

That depends how you take it.

If you smoke or inject it, Cocaine starts to work in 5–10 seconds.

For those who snort it, Cocaine takes between 3-5 minutes to take effect and for those who swallow it: 30 minutes.

How long do the effects of Cocaine last?

Usually, the effects last from 15-30 minutes though this can depend on how you take it.

Different people respond in different ways due to their genetics and DNA. However, no one is immune to Cocaine and anyone, if they take a sufficient amount, will encounter symptoms of use.

What happens when the effects wear off?

Within 6-12 hours after using you will start to experience the effects of the Dopamine withdrawal this leads to you feeling:

• Tired
• Unable to concentrate
• Anxious
• Low mood
• Unable to experience pleasure
• Low sex drive
• Feelings of hopelessness

What happens if you use if long term and stop using it?

When you use Cocaine over a sustained period of time, the brain will adapt to it’s presence. This to prevent sustained damage from Dopamine release.

The problem is that because of the changes made by the brain, you will reach a state known as physiological tolerance. This means you will need more and more cocaine to have the same effect as the amount you took when you first started taking Cocaine.

If you stop using Cocaine suddenly after a period of use you will experience three stages of withdrawal:

• Acute (first 24 hours). This is sometimes known as the crash phase. Your Dopamine levels will plummet: Fast. As such you will feel exhausted, extremely anxious and your overriding urge will be to use Cocaine. Paranoia and self harm are not unknown.
• Post acute ( up to two weeks) You will continue to experience low mood as well as rapid mood swings with continuing chronic fatigue.
• Post Acute Withdrawal (up to several months) Low mood, cravings, poor sleep

Will Cocaine damage my health?

Yes.

Aside from the damage it will do to your nose if you snort it and the infections you can get if you inject it, Cocaine will most likely lead to the following:

• Permanent heart damage
• Malnutrition
• Lung damage
• Amuptation due to long term infection

Does Cocaine kill?

Yes.

There are, sadly, several different ways in which Cocaine use can be fatal, even the first time you use it:

• Cardiac arrest Cocaine increases your heart rate and can also decrease blood pressure. Both can lead to a fatality
• Stroke
• Seizures This is more common in people who use small doses over a long period of time
• Respiratory distress
• Combining Cocaine with other drugs and alcohol

Can Cocaine lead to a fatality the first time you use it?

Yes.

Everyone reacts differently to drugs and alcohol.

Some people, because of their genetic profile can tolerate drugs and alcohol with less harmful effects than others.

This is all down to your DNA and nothing to do with what you eat, how fit you are or any other factor.

Sadly, using Cocaine for the first time could be your last.

What happens if I mix Cocaine and alcohol?

When you take Cocaine on top of alcohol it can create a substance known as Cocaethylene.

This is a psychoactive substance which can last even longer than Cocaine itself and is far more dangerous to the heart.

It is the only psychoactive substance that is formed entirely naturally in the body.

Is there a detox for Cocaine?

No.

Unlike heroin or alcohol, there is no substitute drug that is prescribed to help people when they want to stop taking Cocaine.

This is because

However, adjunctive medication is used to ensure a safe withdrawal.

For some this means regular medication (as well as “as and when” medication) for a number of days whereas for others it can just be when needed. Some people may not need medication.

Risk of accidental overdose

When you stop taking Cocaine your brain can not simply make immediate adjustments which is why you experience withdrawals.

The only way to immediately correct what is happening is to take Cocaine. Your brain knows this and this is why you crave Cocaine.

If you give in to the cravings the problem is that you will take an amount you think you will need to settle yourself.

As soon as you stop using Cocaine, your brains ability to process it reduces: Fast.

This means that if you use Cocaine while in withdrawal, the amount you take which you think is sufficient to stop the withdrawals will most likely cause you to overdose.

There is no reversal agent for Cocaine as there is with heroin.

How can I recover from Cocaine addiction?

Addiction is a symptom.

Rehab is the treatment.

No one chooses to be an addict.

There are various schools of thought as to what leads someone to addiction and, certainly, some people are genetically more prone to addiction but the treatment is the same: Rehab, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.

Why rehab for why is Cocaine so addictive?

Rehab provides the perfect environment in order to get you into recovery. It is not the total sum of recovery, but the essential elements you need to get you into a lifelong trajectory of abstinence.

Addiction treatment is not like having a knee replacement or your tonsills out. It is a lifelong commitment.

For those who need medication to ensure a safe transition, an addictions clinician will prescribe medication which will be administered by qualified professionals.

Therapists, many who have been in recovery themselves for decades, will help you take the lid of those painful and difficult memories for which you use Cocaine to suppress.

Why is Cocaine so addictive? is one of the questions that therapy will help you with.

Relapse prevention skills workshops and one to one sessions will provide you with the mental resilience and skills to manage your emotions when faced with stressful situations.

Whereas, before, you would have dialled your dealer, with the right skills, you will dial a friend, go for a walk or meditate.

Aftercare means weekly support groups at the rehab via zoom or , if you live close enough: in person.

What about Home Detox for Cocaine?

This can be arranged, on an case by case basis, but, as clinicians, we would strongly suggest you do not do this.

Home treatment with medication can never address the reasons as to why you are taking Cocaine so, even if you were able to have treatment at home with adjunctive medication, without therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare you will relapse: Fast.

Treatment at home is often more expensive than residential rehab.

How Can Find Me a Rehab help with Why is Cocaine so addictive?

We are addictions clinicians.

Each of us has over three decades of experience in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing for and treating people caught up in addiction.

As we are not tied to any individual service, our advice is both impartial as well as free and confidential.

Only legally registered services are signposted.

If you want to know Why is Cocaine so addictive? we can answer your questions.

We never charge for advice or consultations.

Get help: Today on Why is Cocaine so addictive?

Call, email, live chat or whattsap for free, confidential and impartial advice from one of our experienced addictions clinician on any aspect of addiction ,detox, home treatment, rehab, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.

We can advise on treatment options, treatment plans, locations, costings and logistics.

Why is Cocaine so addictive? Because your brain reacts to it.

You can learn to become abstinent.

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