Cocaine Addiction

Over the past 50 years perhaps no drug has contributed to the downfall of American society more than cocaine. Cocaine is the second most commonly used drug in the United states. It is reported that almost one percent of Americans, or 2.1 million people, are currently using cocaine.  Its use is widespread and there is no real distinction between users. Cocaine affects people regardless of color, class or gender.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a very powerful nervous system stimulant. Its contents are made from the leaves of the South American coca plant.

The effects of cocaine use are said to last between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the method of intake. Common methods of intake include injection, smoking, sniffing, or snorting.

The cycle of feelings during cocaine use

When first used, cocaine has been known to give the user a strong feeling of exhilaration. This feeling manifest into greater feelings of invincibility. Users become very alert and energetic while experiencing a euphoric state. After the high is over, users typically experience a very low point. Users begin to feel agitated, depressed, anxious and/or paranoid. In addition appetite is almost completely decreased. These effects as a whole generally last for two hours.

What is cocaine addiction?

Cocaine addiction is a psychological dependence to cocaine. Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that can easily be defined as; excessive cocaine use with considerable difficulty stopping, requiring material time and resources and diverting the person from more productive behaviors.

The DSM IV definition of addiction is a maladaptive pattern of substance use with at least 3 or more of the following 7 outcomes.

1. Tolerance
2. Physical dependence
3. Drug use in larger amounts or longer periods of time than intended
4. Inability to reduce intake
5. Spending time and/or resources in procuring the drug
6. Productive behavior reduction
7. Continued use regardless of evidence it is doing harm

Effects of cocaine use and addiction:

The health and social risks associated with cocaine use are numerous. The physical hazards of chronic cocaine abuse include the possibility of heart attacks, respiratory failure, stroke, seizure, and bizarre and violent behavior which is a result of paranoid psychosis. In some rare cases, cocaine abuse can cause sudden death after the first use. The personal impact of cocaine abuse is equally devastating: financial ruin, loss of employment, legal entanglements, family trauma, shattered relationships, depression and hopelessness.

Symptoms of Cocaine addiction

• Heart attack
• Respiratory failure
• Organ damage and failure
• Hepatitis
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Bizarre and violent behavior
• Death
• Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is thought to be the most addictive form of cocaine. It can be smoked. Common street names for crack are rock, hard, iron, cavvy and base. The “high” experienced from crack is said to be short and very intense. The methods of use for crack cocaine are snorting, smoking and injection. The powerful need to recapture the original high is what is so addictive for many users.

The psychological effects of crack are numerous. Perhaps the most notorious effect is on the brain chemistry of the user. Users often get a sense of supreme confidence coupled with increased energy, loss of appetite, insomnia, alertness, a craving for more cocaine, and potential paranoia. Many of these feelings are related to the release of dopamine by the body when crack is taken. These short bursts of “high” are accompanied by very low moments post usage.


The physical effects of crack usage are well known and quite daunting. Below is a list of some common side effects reported by users:

• Pupils become dilated
• A Rise in body temperature
• Increased Blood pressure
• Loss of balance
• Increased heart rate (heart failure possible)
• Respiratory stress
• Muscle tremors and twitches
• Sudden death for first time users

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Detoxification at Prominence Treatment Center

Prominence Treatment Center offers an unmatched cocaine addiction treatment program. Each program is personalized, confidential and effective. If you or a loved one suffers from cocaine addiction, we are here to help.

Cocaine detoxification is an important and crucial part of treatment. Our licensed and compassionate physicians monitor each individual as they go through this very important procedure. Through detoxification, the body is rid itself of cocaine and its residues. The difference at prominence is that we offer medication to help ease the withdrawal symptoms of detoxification.

Prominence Treatment understands the variety and complexities of cocaine addiction. The experience, knowledge and treatment that we provide has made us the leaders in cocaine addiction treatment. Our professional staff of doctors and counselors is practiced in the recognition and treatment of all forms of cocaine addiction.

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, help is available through Prominence Treatment Center. Please call 1(855)-201-0121. You are one step closer to getting help for you or your loved one. Give yourself the chance you deserve and the life you desire.