Cocaine Addiction Self-Assessment: Am I Using Too Much Cocaine?
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant substance that is widely misused.1 Derived from the leaves of the coca plant, illicit sources of cocaine are commonly found as a white, crystalline powder form that is often consumed intranasally, or “snorted”.1 In its various forms, cocaine can also be smoked, rubbed on the gums, or dissolved in water and injected intravenously.1
When under the influence of cocaine, individuals may report feeling euphoric, energized, and alert.1 Cocaine also stimulates the reward system in the brain, which can reinforce its continued use.1 Continued cocaine use is dangerous, as it can lead to serious issues, including tolerance and dependence, which can further drive often escalating patterns of compulsive use associated with addiction.1
What are the Health Risks of Cocaine Misuse?
The use of cocaine can have a wide range of adverse health effects.1 For example, effects such as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and pathological changes in heart rhythm can increase the risk of catastrophic cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.1 Neurological effects include seizures and the consequences of cocaine-related stroke.1 While rare, some individuals may experience sudden death the first time they use cocaine.1
The chronic, long-term use of cocaine is also associated with a number of effects, including reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, significant weight loss that can lead to malnourishment, inflammation and dysfunction of the heart muscle, as well as aortic rupture.1 Cognitive effects can also occur due to long-term cocaine use, such as problems with attention and impulsivity, poor memory and decision-making skills, and difficulty performing motor tasks.1 An increased risk of movement disorders such as Parkison’s disease may also be associated with long-term cocaine use.1
How Much Cocaine is Too Much?
Some people may use it from time to time, such as when they are at a party, while others may use it daily. However, illicit cocaine use is never safe, as its effects can be dangerous and potentially fatal.1 Regardless of how cocaine is being used, it can be helpful to know when cocaine use is beginning to become problematic.
Not every person who uses cocaine will have the exact same experience, however there may be some signs that point to problematic cocaine use (or any compulsive substance use). These include missing classes or work, losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, neglecting their appearance, and suddenly hanging out with a different group of friends.2 Additional signs that may signal a problem include having more interpersonal problems with friends and family and even experiencing legal troubles.2
What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine addiction, otherwise known as stimulant use disorder, can be diagnosed if people meet certain criteria. These criteria (from the American Psychological Association’s latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-V) serve as a guideline for treatment professionals to evaluate for problematic cocaine use and make a diagnosis of a cocaine use disorder.3
Some signs that a person with a cocaine use disorder might exhibit can include continued use despite negative consequences of that use, using cocaine in risky situations, wanting to stop using but being unable to, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug isn’t being used.3 For the full list of criteria to diagnose a cocaine addiction, click here.
How Can I Get Help for a Cocaine Addiction?
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to cocaine, we can help. Call our compassionate rehab admissions navigators right now to learn more about the levels of care we provide, as well as how to determine health insurance coverage for rehab and different payment options.
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