Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a potent stimulant that is derived from the South American coca plant. It is usually ingested nasally as a white powder but can also be injected or smoked in its “crack” form.

Cocaine’s effects are both rapid and intense, instilling the user with extra energy, confidence and alertness. These effects make cocaine a popular recreational drug and also a performance-enhancing drug, helping individuals stay alert and work longer hours.

However, there are also numerous cocaine side effects that users may experience, including cocaine addiction and various other short- and long-term health effects.

On a purely pharmacological level, cocaine’s addictive potential is due to its effects on the brain’s reward system. By elevating levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, cocaine creates an intense but short-lived euphoria. The brain’s adaptation to these elevated dopamine levels diminishes the ability to derive pleasure from non-cocaine sources, driving a compulsive need for the drug.

However, various personal and sociological factors contribute to cocaine addiction. These often include a high-stress job, a culture of drug use among friends or colleagues, using cocaine to manage underlying mental health issues and potentially a genetic predisposition to substance use and addiction.

Cocaine addiction is a significant concern within the UK, which now has the second-highest rate of cocaine use globally. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a troubling rise in cocaine-related fatalities in England and Wales, with 857 deaths in 2022 alone.

In addition to these deaths, the 2022/2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales highlighted the prevalence of cocaine use across every demographic finding that 2.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 used cocaine in the previous year. These troubling cocaine abuse statistics were mirrored in those for treatment with 23,529 starting treatment for cocaine addiction in 2023, the most since records began.

Cocaine addiction poses severe risks to physical and mental health as well as the welfare of your family, career prospects and personal security. Some of the most serious health effects include:

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events
• Heightened body temperature and hyperactivity, which can lead to physical exhaustion
• Decreased appetite, often resulting in significant weight loss
• Increased aggression, potentially leading to conflict, violence or other dangerous situations
• Chronic cardiovascular issues, including heart disease
• Respiratory complications and neurological impairments such as seizures and strokes
• Severe gastrointestinal problems and malnutrition
• Persistent nosebleeds and loss of the sense of smell (for those who snort cocaine)
• Increased susceptibility to infectious diseases (for those who inject cocaine)
• Heightened anxiety and paranoia
• Mood swings, depression and suicidal thoughts due to the cycle of intense highs and debilitating crashes

There are also a number of personal long-term side effects of cocaine addiction. These include:

• Trouble at work due to preoccupation with cocaine or drug-reduced productivity
• Conflict with partners, children, colleagues and clients
• Legal issues as a result of possession, supply or crimes committed to fund a cocaine addiction
• Reputational damage to associated businesses or persons

As can be seen from the fatality figures, cocaine abuse and addiction can result in a potentially lethal cocaine overdose. This can come as a result of taking too much cocaine on its own or often from mixing cocaine with alcohol or other drugs. Cocaine overdose symptoms to be aware of include:

• Dangerously high blood pressure
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Severe chest pain and headaches
• Seizures and respiratory distress
• Hyperthermia
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Heart attack and death

A cocaine overdose is a critical medical emergency that demands immediate attention.

The most effective cocaine addiction treatment takes a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s unique needs. At UKAT London Clinic, we provide this through a bespoke treatment plan that focuses on the physical, psychological and environmental facets of cocaine addiction. Our plans incorporate three main stages:

1. Cocaine detox

This initial phase involves medically supervised detoxification at our cutting-edge recovery centre. We provide complete discretion and give our clients the support and time needed to wean themselves off cocaine gradually. Detox is completed under the careful supervision of our world-leading experts, who have years of experience guiding individuals through the process.

2. Bespoke cocaine rehab treatment

What sets UKAT London Clinic apart from other recovery centres is that we offer completely bespoke rehab treatment programmes for each client. Our team works with each individual to create a rehab programme that includes all the therapies and treatment modalities needed for their recovery. We have an extensive selection available, from traditional behavioural therapies to holistic treatments to cutting-edge techniques like esketamine therapy, all of which can bring something new and insightful to your cocaine addiction treatment experience.

3. Ongoing personalised support

Recovery is an ongoing journey, and UKAT London clinic provides continuous support to fit each client’s schedule. This may include continuing with some of the original rehab programme’s therapies and assisting in planning and implementing personal relapse prevention strategies. Our aim is to help our clients maintain their sobriety and achieve long-term success in all areas of their lives.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, seeking help is the first and most important step towards recovery. At UKAT London Clinic, we understand the challenges of finding time for yourself with all your other personal and professional responsibilities. We provide expert-led treatment to fit your schedule and bespoke cocaine recovery programmes to suit your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more and begin your path to lasting sobriety.