Cocaine Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Cocaine addiction occurs when a person becomes addicted to the drug cocaine. It can occur after just one use, but most people become addicted after using it more than once. Cocaine addiction can have some serious consequences and can affect the life of drug users, their friends, and family members. It is possible to overcome addiction with proper treatment.
Risk Factors of Cocaine Addiction
There are certain risk factors that make a person more likely to not only use cocaine but become addicted to it. Just because these risk factors are present does not mean a person will become a cocaine addict. Some common risk factors include:
- Being male
- Lack of supervision at a young age
- Peer pressure
- Lower level of education
- Living in areas of high crime and drug use
- Low-income family
- Depression
- Mental health problems
- Having family members who use cocaine
Causes of Cocaine Addiction
The cause of cocaine addiction is cocaine use. Cocaine is an addictive substance, and while most people know the risk of addiction, they still use cocaine. Cocaine has the ability to change the way the brain works. When a person becomes addicted, they crave cocaine and need to consume more and more over time. This can be dangerous and eventually lead to an overdose.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
The symptoms of cocaine addiction can vary from person to person. Some people are better at hiding their addiction than others. It can also be easy to confuse the symptoms of addiction with the symptoms of a mental health disorder and other problems. Most addicts fail to see their own symptoms and refuse to admit that they are addicted to cocaine.
- Changes in mood
- Coke jaw
- Changes in behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggression
- Depression
- Stealing
- Loss of friends
- Low motivation
- Failure to go to work or school
- Withdrawal from relationships
Diagnosis of Cocaine Addiction
A doctor or psychiatrist can diagnose cocaine addiction. The addiction becomes apparent based on the patient’s behavior and need for the drug. A physical exam can also determine if a person has been using cocaine. Other tests can be used to see if a person has been using cocaine. Blood tests and urine tests can show if there is any cocaine present in the patient’s system.
Treatment of Cocaine Addiction
There are a variety of treatment options for cocaine addiction, but the effectiveness of these often depends on the patient’s desire to want to stop using the drug. Rehabilitation is the best option for someone seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. It involves slowly weaning the user off the drug. People who quit using an addictive substance often experience severe withdrawal symptoms. A rehabilitation center has the staff and medication to help make withdrawal easier. Rehabilitation can take months, depending on the severity of the addiction.
Some people leave rehab and do well for a while but then go back to using the drug. Many cocaine addicts require multiple stays in rehab and outpatient care before they are able to stop using the drug successfully.
Prognosis of Cocaine Addiction
The prognosis for cocaine addicts is only good if they seek help and complete a rehabilitation program. Most users struggle with sobriety for the rest of their lives. Even after the cocaine leaves their system, the desire to feel high again and to use cocaine can remain strong. Many people fail to stay sober and become addicted to the drug again. Others are able to find ways to deal with their cravings and live a normal life without cocaine.
Complications of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction can have numerous complications. Many people die from an overdose, but prolonged use can also affect the body and cause numerous health problems. Some common health problems include:
- Heart problems
- Tooth decay
- Blood pressure problems
- Skin problems
- Vision problems
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus infections
- Impotence
- Stroke
