Substance abuse and addiction affect individuals and families everywhere. However, many times, people are unaware of the prevalence of these issues in their cities, towns, and countries. Remaining uneducated about these prevalences and ignoring the potential repercussions of such issues can further perpetuate stigma, misunderstanding, and judgement onto those who are struggling. For example, despite its illicit status, cocaine remains a dangerous substance wreaking havoc on the lives of individuals across the UK. By addressing the prevalence of cocaine use, abuse, and addiction in the UK, families can become more informed, be better prepared to connect with treatment sources when needed, and proactively prevent substance abuse from interfering with their lives.
We at The Perry Clayman Project are no strangers to the short- and long-term devastations that cocaine abuse and addiction can cause to well-being. While many wish abstinence-only motives would keep loved ones away from experimenting with and using cocaine, the truth is that, more often than not, these motives just don’t work. Thus, we approach cocaine and other substance use from a harm reduction standpoint, which helps individuals become aware of the potential dangers of cocaine use and recognize warning signs that can lead them to utilize professional treatment services. No matter where an individual stands in their journey with cocaine use, we are here to walk alongside them to instil lasting healing in their lives.
Key Takeaways
- Cocaine, once a medical drug, now poses significant health risks.
- UK and the US historically differed in their approach to cocaine control.
- The UK faces a rising trend in cocaine use and addiction.
- The health risks of cocaine include both immediate and long-term effects.
- Cocaine addiction impacts the brain’s reward system.
- Recognizing signs of cocaine abuse is crucial for early intervention.
- Treatment options are available, emphasizing the need for specialized care.
What We Know About Cocaine Use: Past and Present
Before understanding the ongoing concerns regarding cocaine use, abuse, and addiction in the UK, it can be helpful to understand the history of cocaine, particularly the role of cocaine in the early medical field. As explained by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Short Reports, “Cocaine is a crystalline alkaloid derived from the leaves of the coca plant, Erythroxylum coca, which is endogenous to South America, Mexico, Indonesia and the West Indies. It has been used for centuries by the natives of these countries as a general stimulant, hunger suppressant and an important part of religious rituals.” Despite traces of cocaine use dating back to B.C., the substance remained mostly uninvestigated until the mid-1800s.
The Discovery of Cocaine Amidst the Medical Field
After a few decades of the coca plant being brought into the spotlight by chemists and physicians, Sigmund Freud, a Viennese neurologist, “published his account of cocaine’s physiological effects and potential therapeutic uses in his article titled ‘Über Coca’” in 1884. In his concluding paragraph of this publication, he noted cocaine’s anaesthetizing effects, unphased that such discovery would change the medical field forever. Not long after, cocaine became a foundational substance used for pain management during medical procedures of all kinds in countries everywhere.
It is important to point out that although “cocaine as a local anaesthetic reached widespread use by both the Americans and the British,” as noted by the aforementioned journal, both the Americans and the British approached the implementation into medical practices differently. The journal highlights that “the British response was slow and guarded, while the Americans responded with a spirit of receptiveness and progressivism.” Moreover, these differences in initial responses to cocaine use “were suggestive of the cultural attitudes that presaged the coming differences in the response to cocaine’s toxic effects.”
The Potential Toxicities of Cocaine Brought to Light
Despite early research about the toxicities of cocaine use, particularly cocaine poisoning, surfing as early as 1880, most physicians in the U.S. and even Europe believed that cocaine use was both safe and non-addictive. Surveys taken from the years 1860-1920 in various American and British journals revealed, “when compared with the eager response by the United States and conservative response by the United Kingdom to the discovery of cocaine as an anaesthetic, there was a role reversal when understanding the potential for harm from cocaine use.” Thus, the article poses that this role reversal and associated British caution resulted in higher awareness and sensitivity to warning signs that indicated danger, whereas American progressivism “tended to damped negative responses.”
To conclude, the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Short Reports explains:
With medicinal use of cocaine-containing products culminating in an addiction epidemic in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and increasing numbers of case reports of cocaine poisoning during medical procedures, regulation of cocaine became an impending necessity.
Understanding Policies and Regulations Through History Into Today
The 1900s were times of great cocaine use, both medicinal and recreational. Yet, cocaine addiction quickly began to take hold of the lives of individuals everywhere. Though the Pharmacy Act of 1968 – which addressed the medicinal benefits of cocaine but also its role in facilitating drug abuse and addiction – was already in place, the Poisons and Pharmacy Act of 1908 first regulated the labelling and distribution of cocaine products in the United Kingdom. Yet, success in limiting the distribution and sales of cocaine to licensed professionals was achieved in 1914 through the Harrison Tax Act. Finally, under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, cocaine is now recognized as an illegal Class A drug.
Today, the United Kingdom and the U.S. alike are facing crucial turning points regarding potential changes in drug policies and cultural perceptions, as hundreds of thousands of individuals continue to engage in recreational cocaine use despite its illicit status. Meanwhile, the dangers of continued cocaine use have only become more well-established in the medical and recovery fields.
The Current Prevalences of Drug Use in the UK
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the most recent Crime Survey from England and Wales (CSEW, June 2022) discovered that nearly 2.6% of adults (ages 16-59) frequently used alcohol and other drugs (more than 862,000 adults). They define “frequent” drug users as those who have consumed any drug more than once a month during the previous year. Further, the survey also found that 4.7% of young adults (ages 16-24) frequently used alcohol and other drugs in the same time period.
Meanwhile, the 2022 CSEW also found that “Approximately 1 in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 years (9.2%; approximately 3 million adults) and approximately 1 in 5 adults aged 16 to 24 years (18.6%; approximately 1.1 million adults) reported last year drug use in the year ending June 2022.” While these numbers may seem small, it is essential to understand that using any substance just one time can trigger curiosity and further experimentation. In a similar way, we must remember that these are only estimates; it is impossible to gather a truly accurate number of those who use drugs, whether frequently or one time.
Cocaine Use in the UK: Powder Use Prevalences
When considering the prevalence of cocaine use in the UK, it is necessary to separate the two types of cocaine use. Cocaine can be administered in two ways: Powder cocaine is snorted, whereas crack cocaine is crystalline rocks that are heated up and smoked. Both methods of administration can pose unique side effects, but ultimately, both are dangerous to an individual’s health and well-being.
The CSWE discovered the following trends in powder cocaine use in the UK: In 2022, for adults (ages 16-59), 2.0%, and for young adults (ages 16-24), 4.0%.
Cocaine Use in the UK: Crack Cocaine Use Prevalences
A publication by Gov.uk addresses the latest estimates of opiate and crack cocaine use, finding a statistically significant increase of 8.5% in the prevalence of crack cocaine users in England from 2011-2012 and 2016-2017. More specifically, this increase can be reflected in the following estimates: 166,000 users of crack cocaine from 2011-2012 up to over 180,000 users of crack cocaine from 2016-2017. While this accounts for a very small portion of individuals in the UK, it still boils down to approximately five crack cocaine users per every 1,000 individuals in England.
The Prevalences of Cocaine Addiction and Related Deaths
Unfortunately, in the UK, cocaine addiction is common, with the number of individuals affected rising each year. Despite limited research regarding the number of individuals with cocaine addiction in the UK, the 2022 CSWE highlights that “There were 840 deaths involving cocaine registered in 2021, which was 8.1% higher than the previous year (777 deaths) and more than seven times higher than in 2011 (112 deaths).” Moreover, “Cocaine has consistently been the second most-used drug, after cannabis, in England and Wales over the past decade.” Needless to say, as the number of individuals engaging in cocaine use or developing cocaine addiction continues to rise, it is crucial to spread awareness of the potential dangers of such use.
Exploring the Dangers of Cocaine Use
Whether an individual is using powder cocaine or crack cocaine, many of the potential dangers of use remain similar. Yet, the onset of perceived effects, as well as the duration of side effects, depend on various factors, including the method of use, the intensity of use, frequency of use, and an individual’s unique tolerance. Moreover, the “high” of cocaine typically lasts between 15-30 minutes when snorted, yet 5-10 minutes when it is smoked.
Short-Term Effects
Meanwhile, the National Insitute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights the following short-term effects of cocaine use:
- Extreme happiness and energy
- Mental alertness
- Hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
- Irritability
- Paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
Additionally, NIDA also highlights the following health effects of cocaine use:
- Constricted blood vessels
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Raised body temperature and blood pressure
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors and muscle twitches
- Restlessness
Snorting or smoking large amounts of cocaine can trigger severe symptoms, including violent and unpredictable behaviour, as well as the potential for drug overdose. Cocaine overdose may be intentional or unintentional and can occur as a result of both one-time use or unexpectedly following frequent use.
Long-Term Effects
Although the potential long-term health effects of cocaine can vary depending on the method of administration and frequency and intensity of use, some of the most common long-term dangers include:
- Frequent and chronic nosebleeds
- Respiratory distress
- Increased risks of infections and diseases
- Severe bowel decay from reduced blood flow
- Chronic malnourishment
- The development of movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Severe paranoia and associated chronic hallucinations
- The development of co-occurring mental health disorders
- If injected, an increased likelihood of contracting HIV and other bloodborne illnesses
Still, NIDA notes that even individuals who do not inject cocaine can still be at risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, as cocaine use often leads to risky sexual behaviours with partners who may already have an infection.
How Does Cocaine Use Lead to Addiction?
The NIDA explains that cocaine use triggers surges in the brain’s natural chemical messenger, dopamine, which is responsible for forming habits through repetition and rewards. Although dopamine is meant to naturally recycle back into the cell that releases it, cocaine prevents this process from occurring, leading to excess cocaine built-up between nerve cells. Furthermore, NIDA highlights:
This flood of dopamine in the brain’s reward circuit strongly reinforces drug-taking behaviors. With continued drug use, the reward circuit may adapt, becoming less sensitive to the drug. As a result, people take stronger and more frequent doses in an attempt to feel the same high, and to obtain relief from withdrawal.
To reiterate, repeated cocaine use triggers lasting changes to the brain’s reward circuit and other essential brain systems, triggering the development of addiction. As a result, frequent users of cocaine may experience unmanageable cravings and urges to use cocaine despite the continued consequences that doing so may cause to their lives.
Warning Signs of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction
In addition to continuing to engage in cocaine use despite the harm that it may cause to an individual’s life, there are other warning signs that can indicate the presence of cocaine abuse and addiction. Becoming familiar with these warning signs can help individuals and families address any problematic behaviour that they may recognize in a loved one when it surfaces. Similarly, knowing what warning signs to look out for can play a crucial role in encouraging treatment for a loved one if they are struggling.
The NIDA highlights the following warning signs of drug abuse and addiction:
- Changes in immediate friend groups; hanging around individuals who prioritize the engagement of alcohol and other drug use
- Letting appearance fall by the wayside
- Decline in academic performance and motivation
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Getting in trouble with the law
- Increased conflict among family members and friends
- Noticeable changes in eating and sleeping habits
If a loved one exhibits any of the following signs as a result of cocaine use, it is imperative to connect with professional treatment as soon as possible. There are a plethora of treatment options available to help individuals heal and establish lasting sobriety in their lives.
Treatment for Cocaine Use, Abuse, and Addiction at PCP
We at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project understand how overwhelming it can be to struggle with cocaine use, abuse, and addiction or otherwise know someone who is struggling. Moreover, it can be even more intimidating to become aware of the life-threatening dangers of cocaine use when addiction is standing at one’s doorstep. However, we believe by spreading awareness of the implications of cocaine use, we can help individuals make the most informed decisions for their health and well-being. Similarly, we can grasp the attention of our UK population and encourage treatment and recovery for those who need it.
At PCP, we offer detoxification services, as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes for individuals seeking refuge from cocaine abuse and addiction, as well as all other types of substance and behavioural addictions. Currently, we have five treatment locations conveniently placed across the UK, and we have plans to expand treatment access. Some of the treatment programmes we offer include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol and drug detoxification services
- Primary alcohol and drug rehabilitation
- Secondary programme
- Third stage supported housing
- Daycare for families
- Aftercare
Furthermore, for those enduring treatment and recovery for the first time, we highly suggest our 12-week (90-day) treatment programme. This is an intensive program that helps clients work through each of the Twelve Steps, one step per week, creating a stable and secure foundation for lasting recovery and sobriety.
The number of individuals affected by cocaine use, particularly cocaine addiction and related deaths, is rising each year. Individuals and families must understand these prevalences as well as the dangers of continued cocaine use for health and well-being. For those who are struggling, there is help available. We at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project offer a full range of services for addiction treatment and recovery, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient programs, sober living accommodations, and more. If you or a loved one is currently battling substance or behavioural addictions of any kind, we can individualise our programs to fit your unique needs and goals for recovery. Don’t lose hope. Learn more at 08000 380 480.
FAQs
What was cocaine’s original use?
Originally, cocaine was a medical drug, used for its anesthetic properties. It was recognized for its ability to numb and reduce pain in medical procedures.
How did the UK and US historically handle cocaine control?
The UK and US had different regulatory responses, with each country developing its own policies and approaches over time to control cocaine’s use due to growing awareness of its addictive nature.
What is the current trend of cocaine use in the UK?
The UK is experiencing a significant rise in cocaine use and addiction. This trend is a growing concern for public health and law enforcement agencies.
How does cocaine affect the brain?
Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system, leading to addiction. It alters the natural balance of dopamine, causing intense but short-lived euphoria followed by a steep decline in mood.
What treatments are available for cocaine addiction?
Treatments include therapy, counseling, and rehabilitation programs. They focus on addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.