Cocaine is a psychoactive drug that affects areas of the brain associated with pleasure. Long term cocaine use can lead to a variety of psychological, physical and social problems.

It is often crushed up and snorted ('coke') using a straw. Sharing straws can spread germs and lead to infections. It can also be dissolved in water and injected ('shelving'). This can lead to soft tissue damage and increased sensitivity.

History

Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that comes from the Erythroxylon coca plant, native to the jungles of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and other South American countries. Historically, people in these regions chewed the leaves of the coca plant for its stimulant and analgesic effects. European explorers and colonists observed this custom and eventually adopted the habit themselves. Word of these effects spread to Europe, where chemists began exploring ways to extract and use the cocaine alkaloid.

By the early 1900s, scientists had developed a process to refine and purify cocaine, producing the water-soluble hydrochloride salt. This finely powdered substance could be easily snorted, entering the well-vascularized mucous membranes in the nose to enter the bloodstream and brain relatively quickly. It was also dissolved in alcohol and snorted orally, or mixed with other substances such as cocoa butter to produce a smooth, white smokable powder that could be chewed or rubbed on the gums. Other forms of cocaine include a solid rock crystal that can be injected with a needle, and a smokable form called crack cocaine that is heated to remove the hydrochloride salt and produce the more pure cocaine base.

Symptoms

A person addicted to cocaine may become moody, with periods of euphoria and agitation. He or she may spend a lot of time and energy obtaining cocaine, which can isolate the individual from family and friends and lead to criminal activity such as theft or burglary to obtain funds to purchase the drug. Cocaine abuse can also cause a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, damage to the lungs, heart attacks and stroke.

When someone uses cocaine regularly, he or she develops a tolerance to the drug and requires larger doses to achieve the same effects. He or she may experience withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using cocaine, such as fatigue, insomnia, irritability and depression. He or she also may experience psychosis, with auditory hallucinations. Cocaine use can also cause addiction to other drugs such as heroin or crack cocaine. This is known as a polydrug addiction, and it can be very dangerous.

Treatment

Cocaine is a stimulant that can make it harder to think clearly and may cause heart, lung and stomach problems. It can also trigger depression and anxiety.

Long-term cocaine use changes brain chemistry and increases the risk of addiction and overdose. People can develop a tolerance to cocaine and need higher doses to feel the same high. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms like tremors, nausea and sleep problems.

Treatment for cocaine addiction includes behavioral therapy and support groups. Therapists help individuals recognize the negative thoughts and feelings that may serve as triggers to relapse and learn new constructive ways of coping.

Residential rehab programs provide a safe environment for individuals to overcome their addiction to cocaine and other substances. They may offer a variety of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a popular treatment method. Some residential treatment programs may also incorporate contingency management (CM), an approach that uses vouchers for goods or services to promote abstinence from drugs like cocaine.

Prevention

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can affect the mental and physical health of a person. Even a single use can cause addiction, and abuse can lead to serious consequences such as heart attack, stroke, seizures and death. A wide variety of treatment methods are available to help people stop using cocaine.

A doctor can assess a person’s risk for developing an addiction to cocaine and can recommend treatment options. These treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management (CM).

Loved ones can play a role in helping a person to recover from cocaine addiction by watching for potential warning signs of relapse. It is also important to support the person with new hobbies and interests that don’t involve drugs. It is common for drug abuse to cause a loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, leading to relationship problems. It is also a good idea to keep a drug diary and note the dates and times of use.