Cocaine addiction can have several causes. The risk of addiction is particularly high when coke is used to boost self-confidence or temporarily relieve stress. Cocaine has long been regarded by many as an elite drug and it is precisely in the upper social classes that these are the most common reasons for using cocaine.
Cocaine addiction
Society is making ever-greater demands and professionals are therefore forced to set the bar high for themselves. Think, for example, of entrepreneurs and the self-employed, but also of people working in the media, lawyers, doctors, accountants, politicians and judges. The speed with which they have to react, the cut-throat competition both inside and outside of companies, the economic tensions and a frantic battle at the top often lead to stress and burn-out symptoms.
The way out for these people is to use cocaine. But once the coke wears off? Then the addict often feels dejected and depressed. The temptation to use again is then even greater, because of the desire to regain the euphoric and self-confident feeling during use. However, this sensation diminishes with repeated use (habituation occurs), requiring more and more frequent use to create the same feeling. This increases the risk of overdose and (sometimes serious) health problems.
The effects of cocaine
Coke affects a number of substances in the brain, the so-called neurotransmitters. These are, in particular, dopamine and norepinephrine.
- dopamine acts on the reward system in the brain and makes you feel good and self-confident.
- noradrenaline plays a role in our natural fight or flight behavior, when there is a dangerous life-threatening situation. It increases energy, blood pressure and heart rate.
- cocaine acts slightly, but less than XTC, on the substance serotonin. An increase in serotonin also has positive, desirable effects on mood.
- cocaine primarily inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin into brain cells. The result is a temporary, sharp increase in these substances in the brain. This gives the user a feeling of extra energy.
Desired effects
- active, bright, desire to do things.
- feeling of well-being, cheerful and happy.
- full of self-confidence.
- at low doses and occasional use, it may be sexually stimulating.
Undesirable effects and side effects
- palpitations and other heart problems.
- rapid breathing.
- restlessness, anxiousness, overwrought.
- undesirable psychological effects may occur after prolonged and severe use even at small doses.
- at higher doses and frequent use: no desire for sex, impotence
- reduced menstruation (due to constricted blood vessels in the endometrium).
- afterwards tiredness, sleep disorders.
withdrawal symptoms from cocaine
Withdrawal from cocaine can cause withdrawal symptoms. It makes quitting difficult and increases the chance of a relapse. Withdrawal symptoms occur when there is a longer period between taking cocaine or when someone stops completely. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and their severity depends on various factors. In particular, the longevity of the addiction, its severity, physical health and sensitivity. It is strongly discouraged to go through withdrawal without counseling, as it increases the risk of relapse and overdose.
Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine: Short term
When you decide to quit, you are on the right track. It is the first step. Unfortunately, stopping often comes with withdrawal symptoms. These can be experienced as severe, but fortunately they will pass in time. The short term withdrawal symptoms of cocaine are:
- varying moods
- gloom and depression
- suspicion
- trembling
- hallucinations
- low energy
- increased appetite
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms: Long term
As the name implies, short-term withdrawal symptoms are gone within a few weeks. However, it is important to keep an eye on the long term withdrawal symptoms. These can be categorized into the following points:
- feelings of control and self-assurance only to relapse.
- depressive feelings.
- developing another addiction.
- stages of cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
When you stop using coke, there are several stages of cocaine withdrawal symptoms. The first week you suffer from very variable moods. Then comes a period of about ten weeks during which you are very self-confident and think you have everything under control. You have the feeling that you are no longer suffering from the withdrawal symptoms of coke and that you can easily leave coke at home.
This is followed by a period in which you can become depressed. This period can last for more than half a year. Sometimes a person can experience all these emotions as a withdrawal symptom from coke in 24 hours. If the period of depression becomes too heavy, it is advisable to seek help. Professional guidance is highly recommended for the various stages of cocaine withdrawal.
Relapse
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. It is therefore possible that you will relapse and reach for the cocaine again. Do not be too hard on yourself. See it as a learning process and raise the alarm when you start experiencing symptoms of a relapse. Seek help from your safetynet and talk about it. This way you can prevent a serious relapse and an overdose.
Tips for kicking the habit
You don’t have to solve an addiction on your own. The urge to use again because of the withdrawal symptoms can be great. The tips below will help you get started:
- think about the consequences if you start again: family, friends and work.
- don’t tell yourself you can’t do it.
- list the downsides of use. Physically and emotionally.
- exercise.
- get professional help
