Cocaine Withdrawal: The Signs and Treatment

Cocaine, also known as “coke,” is a powerful stimulant drug. It increases levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger in your brain, leading to intense feelings of energy and alertness.

According to the Trimbos Institute, 4.9% of adults (650,000 people) have used cocaine at some point, and 0.8% (110,000 people) used it in the month before the 2019 study. A new survey in 2020 showed that 1.6% of Dutch adults had used cocaine in the past year, translating to about 230,000 adults. Cocaine use is highest among men, young adults, and those with higher education.

Coke is so addictive because of the intense high it produces. It stimulates the reward system in your brain, creating a strong desire to use it again. Additionally, your body quickly builds tolerance, requiring more to achieve the same effect.

In the short term, cocaine use can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and elevated body temperature. It can also lead to mental effects such as paranoia, aggression, and restlessness.

The biggest danger of coke is the potential for heart problems, including heart attacks. Moreover, some forms of coke, such as crack, are even more dangerous due to their higher purity and method of use.

If you want to quit coke, it’s important to seek professional help and have a strong support group. Medical guidance can help manage withdrawal symptoms, while a support group can help you deal with the psychological aspects of addiction.

Withdrawal symptoms from coke can vary, but the two most common are depression and intense cravings for the drug. These symptoms can be difficult to manage without professional help.

Why is coke so dangerous?

Coke is extremely dangerous because it is a highly addictive stimulant that poses severe health risks. The effects include heart problems, brain damage, mental health issues, and even death.

Coke can cause a heart attack by narrowing blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure. This can reduce blood flow to the heart, potentially causing a myocardial infarction. Additionally, coke can cause inflammation and damage to the inner layer of the aorta, leading to an aortic aneurysm, a potentially fatal condition.

Research by Hegarty, A., Lipton, R., Merriam, A., & Freeman, K. (1991) “Cocaine as a risk factor for acute dystonic reactions” shows that coke use is also a risk factor for acute dystonia (a motor disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions or muscle group spasms).

While all coke is dangerous, not all types are equally dangerous. Recognizable signs of use include “coke jaw,” characterized by uncontrollable jaw movements, and dilated pupils.

Is every type of coke equally dangerous?

All types of coke are dangerous, but some are more dangerous than others. The differences vary based on form, effects, and method of use.

• Powder coke: This is the most common form. It is usually snorted, which can lead to frequent nosebleeds and swallowing problems. The risk of addiction is high but less than that of other forms.
• Crack: This is a crystalline form of coke, smoked by users. The effect is immediate and intense, increasing the risk of overdose. Sharing smoking equipment can lead to health problems, including lung damage.
• Freebase: This is a chemically processed form of coke, inhaled for a very strong effect, leading to severe mental and physical problems, including increased heart rate and body temperature.

Research by Malchy, Bungay, & Johnson (2008) showed that the way crack is used also increases the chance for negative effects from sharing equipment such as pipes. Those who shared equipment were at higher risk of experiencing these harmful consequences. This demonstrates that not only the type of coke but also the method of use plays a role in health risks.

What signs indicate someone is using coke?

There are several signs indicating someone is using coke. These signs include both physical and behavioral symptoms. Physical signs include weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, a runny nose, and swallowing problems. Behavioral signs include reckless behavior, lying, failing in activities, decreased interest, isolating oneself from friends and family, financial problems, and legal issues.

Coke jaw and coke eyes are specific indicators of cocaine use. Coke jaw refers to clenching and grinding teeth, which can lead to damage. This is a visible indication that someone may be using coke. Coke eyes describe the dilated pupils often seen with cocaine use.

It’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary by individual and depends on the amount and frequency of use. If you suspect someone is using coke, seek professional help as soon as possible.

How can you quit a coke addiction?

Quitting a coke addiction requires professional help. It is a challenging process that involves behavioral change and effective treatment methods. It is essential to seek support and utilize available resources.

Treatment for cocaine addiction involves removing access to the drug, managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision, and following proven therapies. Both residential and outpatient treatments are possible. Stimulus therapy, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic communities are effective methods.

Helping someone quit on their own is difficult. Treatment in a clinic leads to the best results. The team of professionals focuses on safety, maintains focus, and continues to guide the process.

It’s important to note that rehabilitation does not stop after completing treatment. Aftercare and ongoing support are essential to stay on track.

How can you help someone quit coke?

Helping someone quit coke begins with understanding and support. Show love, but avoid pity. Seek professional help, as coke addiction is complex. Approach the addict in a non-judgmental way. Make it clear that you are there to help, not to judge.

Ensure you know the signs and symptoms of coke addiction. Learn about its effects and possible treatments. Discuss options with the addict. Encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to make an appointment at a treatment center or with a therapist.

Provide moral support and accompany them to group therapies or treatment appointments, and above all, be patient. Recovery from coke addiction is a lifelong process. Make sure the addict knows you are there for them, no matter how long recovery takes.

What happens during coke treatment in a rehab clinic?

In a rehab clinic, coke addiction is professionally treated. The process involves several steps. First, a team of professionals assesses the degree of addiction and develops an individual treatment plan. This plan is tailored to the patient’s needs and goals.

According to a study by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the chance of successfully quitting coke in a rehab clinic is significantly higher than without help. Only 10-30% of people who quit without help remain clean for six months or more. In a clinic, this percentage is 50-60%.

The treatment usually includes a range of services, including detox treatments, behavioral therapy, and medications to address withdrawal symptoms.

Additional treatment is needed to address the lasting damage of “coke mouth.” This condition causes dry mouth, dental issues, and gum problems. A balanced diet, with plenty of water, and regular brushing are good practices to prevent these problems. A dentist can also assist in treating the damage.

With gaps in the nose and itchy rash from crack use, similar treatment methods are needed. The nose should be regularly checked for damage, and a dermatologist can help with treating the rash. It’s important to know that these symptoms can appear quickly after quitting coke, but they usually disappear after a week or two.

There are clinics in the Netherlands and abroad that specialize in treating coke addiction. These clinics offer a range of treatments and support to help patients overcome their addiction.

Can foreign clinics help you quit coke?

Yes, foreign clinics can help you quit coke. They offer an alternative to traditional treatment methods and often have shorter waiting times. These clinics specialize in addiction treatment and offer a range of services, from behavioral therapy to aftercare.

It’s important to carefully research the foreign clinic you choose for addiction treatment. Ensure they have a professional team that can help you with your needs. They should be able to develop a tailor-made plan aligned with your goals to overcome cocaine addiction.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of coke?

The most common withdrawal symptoms of coke are both physical and psychological. Physically, you may experience extreme fatigue, muscle pain, nerve pain, tremors, chills, increased appetite, and slowed movements. Psychologically, it can lead to depression, anxiety, the inability to feel pleasure, concentration problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, nightmares, restlessness, and paranoia. These symptoms can start soon after stopping coke use.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the individual. You may also experience an intense and persistent craving for coke. This is also known as ‘cravings’. Professional help can assist you in dealing with these symptoms.

It is worth noting that the withdrawal symptoms of coke differ from those of other drugs. Each individual experiences withdrawal symptoms differently, so it’s important to seek help as soon as you experience these symptoms.

How is withdrawing from coke different from other drugs?

Withdrawing from coke differs from other drugs in the complexity and duration of the treatment. It goes beyond traditional detox programs. It requires a wide range of therapies to address the neurobiological changes in the brain caused by addiction.

In contrast to withdrawing from other drugs, the psychological dependence on coke is harder to overcome and takes longer. Rehabilitation centers provide a supportive environment to tackle this struggle. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous are a valuable resource for recovery, offering experiences and encouragement. Moreover, clinical admission can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.

It’s important to remember that treating coke addiction is more than just addressing the physical symptoms; it also requires attention to mental health issues.