How Fast Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine?

Unlike physically addictive drugs like alcohol and heroin, cocaine is psychologically addictive. In fact, aside from methamphetamine, cocaine is considered to create the most significant psychological dependence of any drug. CESAR (the Center for Substance Abuse Research) classifies cocaine as “highly addictive,” particularly when processed into the crack and smoked. According to CESAR, “A person can become addicted after his or her first time trying crack cocaine.”

Cocaine: The Basics

Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the coca plant leaves native to South America and is considered illegal. As a street drug, cocaine looks like a fine, white crystal powder.

People use the drug in a few ways: they snort cocaine powder through their noses or rub it on their gums. Some mix it with water or heroin and inject it into the bloodstream (the combination of cocaine and heroin is called a speedball). Others smoke cocaine that has been processed into a crystal (crack cocaine).

When you use cocaine, it affects the brain almost immediately. You’ll have feelings of intense well-being and be very talkative, energetic, and confident (hence, it is often referred to as a party drug).

But the high you get from consuming cocaine only lasts a short while (about 15-30 minutes). That’s why so many people take it in binges, using it multiple times in a small window while increasing doses. Many people wonder, “is cocaine physically addictive?” which it indeed can be with heavy use.

The more you use cocaine, the stronger and faster the addiction becomes. Here are 6 warning signs of cocaine addiction. Consider treatment if you’re:

• Suffering from anxiety and depression because of your cocaine use
• Asking for money to buy cocaine without the ability to repay it
• Regretting the decisions, you make while under the influence of cocaine.
• Planning your day around cocaine use
• Stealing, lying, or breaking the law to get cocaine.
• Choosing cocaine over your interests

The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction

Side effects of cocaine use include:

• Irritability and paranoia
• Bizarre, unpredictable, and violent behavior
• Constricted blood vessels
• Increased body temperature, blood pressure, and heartbeat
• Tremors and muscle twitches
• Loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, frequent runny nose, and problems swallowing.
• Severe bowel decay from reduced blood flow
• Higher risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases

Seeking Treatment

If you think you’re dependent on cocaine, seek treatment today. Our addiction recovery center in California is designed to help you gain the knowledge, courage, and determination you need to maintain a drug-free lifestyle while considering your individual needs to ensure you reach your goal of recovery. Facing your addiction alone can be overwhelming. Cycles of Change Recovery Services is here to help. Fill out this form or call us at (661) 630-4176.

Sources

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine