Cocaine Addiction

Forms of Cocaine and Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine comes in two forms: powder and mixed with another substance to form a "rock," also known as crack. Cocaine powder can be snorted, smoked or dissolved in water and injected into a vein or up the nose like nasal spray. Crack cocaine can be smoked or broken down, dissolved in water and injected intravenously or sprayed up the nose.

Some use cocaine regularly, to get through the day at work or just to stay awake. Others binge during social occasions or on weekends, mixing coke with alcohol and other drugs. Whether cocaine use is compulsive or a regular habit, any usage at all is dangerous. There is no safe way to use cocaine as even a first time user can experience acute cardiovascular emergencies that result in coma or instant death.

The Canyon's professional staff are fully prepared to handle cocaine addiction and any type of addiction to alcohol and drugs.

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Causes of Cocaine Addiction

In most circumstances, there are a number of factors that come together where cocaine addiction is concerned. Genetic disposition to addictive or compulsive behavior can be one cause. Another may be stressful deadlines; one of cocaine's euphoric effects is high energy and the feeling that eating or sleeping is unnecessary, a feeling that makes staying up late to catch up on work a more feasible prospect. Stress in general is another cause for cocaine addiction. Those who drink to "blow off steam" may find themselves adding other drugs like cocaine to their night out on the town. Unfortunately, the euphoric heightened sensation that comes with the first line quickly dissipates leaving in its wake a craving for more and a slew of negative emotions-paranoia, irritability, depression-that can be overwhelming.

At The Canyon, our staff knows that people with co-occurring disorders-mental, emotional or psychiatric disorders that occur at the same time as drug addiction-must treat both addiction and their other issues simultaneously. Without treatment for both problems, cocaine addicts have a higher chance of relapse when they leave drug rehab.

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Effects of Cocaine Addiction

Regular use of cocaine leads to a number of adverse effects. Some of these vary according to the method of ingestion. For example, if snorting is the usual method of using cocaine, the user will eventually lose sensitivity to smells, experience frequent nosebleeds and constant sniffling due to a runny nose. They will also experience sore throats and inflammation of the nasal septum that may lead to surgery. Poor blood circulation, bowel gangrene and allergic reactions are a risk for those who inject the drug as is exposure to diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV. Any use of cocaine can lead to heart attack, coma or death. In fact, the most common combination of two drugs that results in death is cocaine and alcohol.

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Binges and Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction can occur even if usage isn't regular. Binge users of cocaine can still be addicts if each time they binge they need more and more of the drug. These users may experience paranoid delusions and psychosis in the form of aural and visual hallucinations. Malnourishment and unhealthy weight loss, sallow skin with acne, bloodshot eyes, insomnia, lack of interest in family and work, financial problems and chronic depression usually result.

The Canyon's Master's level staff are prepared to help binge users and chronic users of cocaine and other drugs including alcohol. Call today at and set up an appointment to see if The Canyon is right for you or your loved one.

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