Understanding Cocaine Abuse

The scope of cocaine abuse in the United States

Cocaine abuse is prevalent in the United States and is a growing public health issue: the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that there were 1.9 million cocaine users in the United States. For the same year, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that nearly a quarter of all drug-related emergency room visits were related to cocaine abuse.

Effects of cocaine abuse

Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that has profound effects on the body’s nervous and cardiovascular systems. Cocaine abuse creates a feeling of euphoria and hyper-alertness, which is the result of a buildup of dopamine in the brain. (Cocaine prevents the body’s normal recycling of dopamine.) Many users also experience increased anxiety, paranoia and even panic while intoxicated or in the subsequent ‘rebound’ state, when the initial ‘high’ has faded.

There are two kinds of cocaine:  a water-soluble powder, which can be snorted or injected, and freebase, which is typically smoked and is known as crack. (In 2008 there were 359,000 crack users). Injection and inhalation provide the quickest and most pronounced feeling of intoxication; all methods of cocaine administration are equally addictive, and all can result in the absorption of lethal levels of the drug, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Deaths attributed to cocaine abuse are typically from heart and subsequent respiratory failure.

Cocaine abuse treatment

Recovery from cocaine addiction typically starts with detoxification, a process designed to help individuals cope with withdrawal and avoid relapse. Because of cocaine’s uniquely addictive properties, withdrawal can be quite severe, contributing to high relapse rates. What’s more, many cocaine users abuse other drugs as well (often times to counter the effects of withdrawal) and may require a more complex and prolonged detox period.

Once the person has stabilized, rehabilitation can begin in earnest. Cocaine abuse rehab takes many forms, but typically involves a mix of individual and group therapy.  Numerous studies show a connection—often a causal link—between cocaine abuse and underlying psychological disorders, so rehabilitation often involves treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. Because the urge to use cocaine can remain for years, rehab must be accompanied by a robust program of continuing care and ongoing relapse prevention.

About Alta Mira Recovery Programs

Located 20 minutes from San Francisco, Alta Mira Recovery Programs provides inpatient drug and alcohol recovery programs to adult men and women living in the Bay Area and beyond. Our innovative and highly personalized treatment programs fuse advanced clinical care with traditional holistic methods. Setting Alta Mira apart from other facilities is our commitment to integrating family members and referring professionals into the treatment process. In addition to providing exceptional care, Alta Mira strives to make clients comfortable while in residence. Our facility, located in the heart of Sausalito, offers tastefully appointed rooms and overlooks the San Francisco Bay.

To learn more about Alta Mira’s cocaine abuse programs, or to obtain general information about our facility, please call 866-922-1350. Please call us  for a  free private consultation. Help is available. Contact Alta Mira today.