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Help With Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is used recreationally because of the pleasurable, positive feelings it evokes. The individual usually feels a rise in heart rate and energy for approximately 30 minutes which is followed by a dip in these feelings as the drug fades in the system. The reaction is caused by a surplus of a hormone called dopamine which gives rise to these sensations.

Some users take cocaine in order to repeat these sensations although this can lead to a cycle of dependency. With repetitive use the cocaine changes the chemistry of the brain and this gives rise to negative feelings such as irritability and depression. This is caused by a reduction in the level of dopamine made by the brain. The brain makes less because of the surplus produced by cocaine.

Consequently after using the individual has lower dopamine levels than usual and may be motivated to take more of the drug. This is turn lowers the dopamine level and makes the negative feelings stronger. This pattern tends to repeat itself.

The boundary between addiction and recreational use is different depending on the individual. Cocaine is believed to be psychologically and physically addictive. Physically in the sense that the users tries to maintain their dopamine levels, and psychologically because of the dependence on the drug to feel good. Over time a resistance begins to develop to cocaine and the individual takes more to compensate.

With heavy use the individual may feel paranoid and experience hallucinations. They make lack self-confidence and find that gradually they use cocaine in their daily lives to help them complete small tasks. Financial worries may manifest as more of the drug is bought to counteract the resistance to it. Relationships and work life may suffer as the addiction takes priority in the users life.

Help can be found through the GP, voluntary groups and private organisations. Medications can be administered to ease the withdrawal process and individual treatment plans can be tailored to suit each person. Quite often treatment involves the user staying in a rehabilitation centre to remove ‘triggers’ that produce cravings.