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Talking therapies, going to rehabs, and Incentives.

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If cocaine is damaging your relationships, work, money situation or health, you can get help to stop on the NHS.
You do not have to be taking cocaine, or crack cocaine, every day to be addicted to it. A sign of addiction is that you've tried to cut down or stop but are unable to.

There are effective treatments available to help you stop.

Treatment for cocaine: where to start

You can go to see a GP, who can refer you for treatment.

Or, if you prefer, you can refer yourself directly to your local drug treatment service.

At your first appointment you'll be asked lots of questions about your health and drug use. This is so a tailored treatment plan can be put together for you.

You'll be given a key worker who will support you throughout your treatment plan.

Which treatments work for cocaine addiction?

Treatments that are known to be effective for cocaine addiction include:

Talking therapies - therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help you to understand your addiction and to change your thoughts and behaviour. This will either be as part of a group or one to one with a specialist drugs counsellor or therapist.

Couples therapy - you may be offered this if you have a partner who does not use cocaine.

Incentives - you may be offered rewards, such as vouchers, for sticking with your treatment and for staying off cocaine when it finishes.

Unlike treatment for heroin, there are no medicines that work as substitutes for powder cocaine, crack cocaine and other stimulants.

However, you may be offered medicines to help with related symptoms, such as sleep problems. These are often used on a short-term basis because long-term use of medicines that can help you sleep can also be addictive in itself.

If you're addicted to alcohol as well as cocaine, you may be prescribed Antabuse (disulfiram).

Other help for cocaine addiction

Some people find mutual support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous useful. These are based on the same 12-step principles as Alcoholics Anonymous.

SMART Recovery is an alternative science-based programme that helps people recover from addictions.

Cocaine Anonymous offers a recovery solution for anyone who has a problem with drug or alcohol misuse. They use the proven 12-step recovery programme.

Some cocaine users also have problems with alcohol or cannabis.

If you're also addicted to these or any other substances, you should be offered specialised help with this too.

Where will I have my treatment?

You'll normally stay living at home while being treated for cocaine addiction.

Residential rehab is usually only recommended if your situation is particularly severe or complicated.

Does treatment for cocaine addiction work?

Most people who have treatment for cocaine addiction have good results.

The majority of people treated for a powder cocaine addiction remain drug free.

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If cocaine is damaging your relationships, work, money situation or health, you can get help to stop on the NHS. You do not have to be taking cocaine, or crack cocaine, every day to be addicted to it. A sign of addiction is that you've tried to cut down or stop but are unable to.

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Powdered cocaine can be snorted or injected into the veins after dissolving in water.

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Cocaine-2020.pdf

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Blow, Coke, Crack, Flake, Snow, Soda cot, and more.

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Cocaine is an intense, euphoria-producing stimulant drug with strong addictive potential. Cocaine is a schedule two drug.

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Cocaine-2020.pdf

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Constricted blood vessels, Dilated pupils, Increased boy temperature, Increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.

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Find out about the short and long-term effects that cocaine can have on your physical and mental health. If you are struggling with cocaine abuse or addiction, you can also discover valuable information on recovery, and find out about the support and treatment that is available here at Priory.

Short-term effects of cocaine

The direct effects that can occur when using cocaine include the following:

Constricted blood vessels

Dilated pupils

Increased body temperature

Increased heart rate

High blood pressure

As the constricted blood vessels disrupt the flow of blood in the body, this can lead to stomach pain, a reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The increased heart rate and blood pressure, along with the restricted blood flow through the arteries, can also see the risk of a heart attack rise.

The direct use of cocaine can also cause behavioural changes as it increases the amount of dopamine in the brain's reward centre. It can lead to a person becoming more erratic and violent, and feeling more confident and invincible, which can increase the likelihood of them becoming involved in reckless behaviours where they have the potential to be injured.

Long-term effects of cocaine

Regular and long-term use of cocaine can cause a person to build up a tolerance to the drug, where more of it is needed in order for them to feel the same effects. When upping the dose or frequency of use, this can increase the effects that cocaine then has on their mental and physical health.

The nose and mouth

Snorting cocaine damages the mucous membranes within the nose, creating a dry environment with less blood flow. This can seriously damage the soft tissue and cartilage, and heavy use can cause a person to perforate their septum, leading to the collapse of the nasal structure. This can also happen to the upper plate of the mouth.

Cocaine use can also lead to an individual's sense of smell being lost, as well as nosebleeds, problems swallowing and overall irritation of the nasal septum.

The heart

Chronic cocaine use can increase the risk of blood clots, which in turn can lead to heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, strokes and deep vein thrombosis. It can also cause inflammation and death of the heart muscle, deterioration of the heart's ability to contract as well as aortic ruptures, angina and permanently increased blood pressure.

Breathing and respiration

Smoking cocaine can cause serious respiratory problems as it stops oxygen from being able to enter the blood stream, and destroys capillaries that carry oxygen to the rest of the body. It can lead to a higher risk of problems such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and asthma.

The brain

As cocaine causes blood vessels to constrict, consistent use can reduce the amount of oxygen the brain receives, which can lead to brain damage and increase the possibility of aneurysms. Further risks include strokes, seizures, cerebral atrophy (brain shrinking) and cerebral vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and/or spinal column).

Long-term use can also cause a person's cognitive functions to become impaired, affecting areas such as their attention span, impulse inhibition, decision making and motor skills. Cocaine can also age the brain, leading to long-term memory problems, while also impacting on a person's mental health.

The digestive system

Cocaine can reduce the blood flow to the stomach and intestines, leading to tears and ulcers. It can also increase the risk of ischemic colitis, where the large intestine becomes injured and inflamed.

Your kidneys and liver

Chronic or acute cocaine use causes muscles fibres to die, and the contents to enter the blood stream. This can lead to rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage) and have serious complications for the kidney. The toxicity of cocaine as it metabolises can also significantly injure the liver.

Infectious diseases

When injected, cocaine can also lead to gangrene, ulcers, vein collapse and infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

The effects of cocaine abuse and addiction on quality of life

Cocaine misuse and addiction can have a serious impact on a person's quality of life as well as their physical and mental health, and can result in the following:

Family problems

Academic failure

Financial problems

Withdrawal from social situations

Substandard occupational performance

Job loss and unemployment

Arrest and imprisonment

Suicidal thoughts

Recovery from cocaine addiction

If you are looking to receive support for cocaine abuse or addiction, Priory has addiction treatment centres across the UK that can provide you with access to the right help and support. Within these centres, we offer free initial assessments, where you can come and speak to our team to discover more about our services and find out how we can help you on your journey to recovery.

Our detoxification programmes can help you to rid your body of substances, and our residential stays give you the opportunity to address your addiction and learn strategies for life going forward.

Priory also has secondary addiction services, day care and outpatient programmes, which can act as a valuable 'step down' after a residential stay, where you are able to begin picking back up personal and professional responsibilities while still being supported by your Priory team.

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The short and long-term effects of cocaine on the body

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Find out about the short and long-term effects that cocaine can have on your physical and mental health. If you are struggling with cocaine abuse or addiction , you can also discover valuable information on recovery, and find out about the support and treatment that is available here at Priory.

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Crack users only receive their high for a fleeting amount of time, which causes them to have to smoke more frequently to obtain the same high. This kind of usage can lead to a very costly and dangerous addiction. HOW LONG-15 minutes of high.

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Stimulants such as crack cocaine are among the most commonly abused drugs in the world and also one of the toughest for addicts to quit, according to Harvard Health. It first appeared in the 1980s and since then has become one of the most highly addictive drugs on the street.

Crack is a rock version of cocaine, which is inhaled either by itself or with marijuana or cigarettes. By smoking the drug users are able to get faster results and a more intense high than snorting it like powdered cocaine because it travels into the bloodstream much faster.

Crack users only receive their high for a fleeting amount of time, which causes them to have to smoke more frequently to obtain the same high. This kind of usage can lead to a very costly and dangerous addiction.

As reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2013 there were 22.4 million adults aged 18 or older who currently used illicit drugs representing 9.4 percent of adults. Within this number about 1.5% were crack users aged 18-25 and 4.1% were crack users aged 25 or older, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

With illicit drug use on the rise, many of these users will become addicted and need some form of treatment for crack addiction. Not to mention, most of these users don't understand the short- and long-term effects of crack to their health, body, and mind.

Short-Term Effects Of Crack

Crack cocaine takes effect almost immediately after a user inhales a dose. The high they get will usually disappear in as little as 15 minutes. Trading one end of the spectrum for the other, the intense high will cause an equally intense low.

Once the initial "rush," wears off, people who have smoked crack will feel many effects ranging from feeling on edge, depression, and powerful cravings. Crack is also known to cause extreme paranoia, anger, hostility, and anxiety even when a user is not high, or the drug has completely worn off.

Crack use can produce many short-term physiological effects including:

Restlessness.

Irritability.

Anxiety.

Panic.

Nausea.

Depression.

Dilated pupils.

Increased body temperature.

Increased heart rate.

Muscle spasms or twitching.

Convulsions.

Hallucinations.

Vertigo.

Panic and psychosis.

Long-Term Effects Of Crack

Smoking crack on a continual basis can cause permanent damage to most internal organs in a user. Crack can hook someone immediately, and they also stand the chance to be killed on their first try.

Crack users often suffer from respiratory problems, such as severe coughing, shortness of breath and damage or bleeding in the lungs. In addition, some other long-term effects of crack use include:

Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and death.

Liver, kidney and lung damage.

Severe chest pains.

Respiratory failure.

Severe depression.

Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected.

Disorientation, confusion, and exhaustion.

Irritability and mood disturbances.

Oral issues including infection, tooth decay, broken and yellow teeth.

Systemic toxicity resulting from smoking the fumes of ammonia or other harmful compounds found in the crack.

Higher risk for developing "crack lung." This type of injury to the lung is caused by crack smoke as it narrows the blood vessels in the lungs, blocking circulation.

Malnutrition and severe weight loss.

Hallucinations.

Sexual problems such as dysfunction.

Delirium or psychosis.

Sleep deprivation.

Tolerance and addiction.

Seizures or convulsions.

Health Effects Of Crack

There are a series of health risks associated with smoking crack. It is typically mixed with substances that create toxic fumes when burned and many users often suffer from blistered lips known as "crack lips," from having an extremely hot pipe against their lips consistently.

Not to mention, crack also increases the risk that the person will have a respiratory failure, heart attack, stroke or a seizure, all of which could end in sudden death.

Psychological Effects Of Crack

Aside from severe anxiety and depression, as the dopamine center inside a person's brain is heavily affected by crack, it can create other psychological consequences.

Over the long-term, permanent damage to a person's brain can even cause psychosis or extreme paranoia, which can cause them to become aggressive, violent, and desperate to score more, especially when they begin to experience withdrawal. Other psychotic conditions and permanent hallucinations can also be the result of long-term crack abuse, leaving even a recovered user with lasting disorders.

Getting Help

Inpatient treatment facilities are the best choice for people who have become crack dependent because treatment centers help to keep them away from access to the drug. Inpatient programs provide therapy and counseling to help a crack user in their recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is using or has become addicted to crack, there are treatment programs available. Contact us today to speak with one of our professional medical staff and learn what options may be best for you.

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Short- And Long-Term Effects of Crack - Orlando Recovery Center

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Learn more about the short- and long-term effects of crack use on the body, including the health and psychological effects of crack.

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"Cocaine as medicine is no longer a common practice, and for a good reason."

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The war on drugs has solidified the position that substances like cocaine have in society as a threat to public health. This is undoubtedly true, considering the rising number of Americans that have succumbed to overdoses in recent years. However, some may be surprised to learn of cocaine's documented history in the world of medicine. Today, Banyan explores the concept of medical cocaine.

History of Cocaine as Medicine

Cocaine is a stimulant extracted from the coca leaves native to South America. It was first isolated as far back as 1860 when Peru's Incan empire was noted for utilizing the substance as a medicine. But it was ophthalmologist Karl Koller that discovered its ability to effectively numb tissue before surgery. In 1884, the first official demonstration of him using cocaine as an anesthetic to help the medical community was seen. Before this discovery, eye surgery was particularly troublesome due to the delicate reflexes of the organ.

Over the next 20 years, there was an increase in instances of cocaine used in medicine, noted for its ability to cure a wide range of illnesses and diseases. Unfortunately, its reputation of addiction quickly spread, and it went on to be classified as a controlled substance by the United States Government.

What Is Cocaine Used for Medically Today?

Fast forward to the present day. Drug rings continue to be busted daily, highlighting cocaine's turbulent standing in American cities. However, its benefits can still be utilized in controlled settings. The American Academy of Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat specialists) views cocaine as an effective vasoconstricting agent, which means that it can help restrict blood vessels when handled by a licensed physician. The fact that it is so effective as an anesthetic is attributed to its chemical relation to lidocaine, another popular painkiller used during dental surgeries and procedures.

Another way that cocaine is used in medicine is during procedures that involve the upper respiratory tract. It does so by effectively minimizing mucous membranes. To be clear, when the drug is used in medical procedures, it is done so topically with a cocaine hydrochloride solution. This does not mean it is without its risks.

Medical Cocaine Risks

Like any drug, topical cocaine possesses several side effects, including:

There is also an extensive list of drugs that topical cocaine is not advised to be used with. Some examples include:

Is Medical Cocaine Worth the Risks?

Cocaine as medicine is no longer a common practice, and for a good reason. Although benefits are possible, the side effects are plentiful, as are the risks. While the way it is used medically is drastically different from how it is used illicitly, the point still stands that its dangers outweigh its perks.

According to a 2020 survey, over 5 million people above the age of 12 reported using cocaine within a 12-month period. 1 The amount of damage a cocaine addiction can cause is insurmountable, something our Banyan drug rehab is well aware of. All Banyan locations are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to aid you at whatever stage of recovery you may be.
Related Readings Resources

SAMHSA - 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Releases

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Medical Cocaine and Its Uses | Banyan Treatment Centers

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The thought of this drug is fraught with danger, stereotypes, and addiction. Banyan takes a closer look at the unique history of medical cocaine and its uses.

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Blood clots leading to heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis

Angina, or chest pain from tightening of the vessels

Myocardial infarction, or the death of heart muscle from lack of oxygen related to poor blood flow

Permanently increased blood pressure

Tachycardia

Arrhythmia, or irregular heart rate

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Long-term abuse of cocaine can cause a myriad of physical problems. Sometimes, it is possible to reverse the damage done to the body through cocaine or crack cocaine abuse; however, years of abuse may cause irreversible effects. Treating chronic problems leads to a lifetime of medical complications, hospital and doctor visits, and medical bills.

It is important to get cocaine addiction rehabilitation as soon as possible - not just because of the psychological, financial, and social issues associated with substance abuse, but also because of long-term physical harm caused by the drug. It may also be difficult to know exactly how to help someone who may be struggling with cocaine use. However, treatment can prove to be an ideal option for many people who would like to stop using cocaine and recover from their substance abuse issues.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Heart

Cardiovascular damage: Immediate side effects from cocaine and crack cocaine include elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and vasoconstriction in the brain and throughout the body. This reflects the person's experience of high energy, anxiety, stress, and paranoia. Chronic abuse of both cocaine and crack cocaine can damage the cardiovascular system in several ways, including:

Blood clots leading to heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis

Angina, or chest pain from tightening of the vessels

Myocardial infarction, or the death of heart muscle from lack of oxygen related to poor blood flow

Permanently increased blood pressure

Tachycardia

Arrhythmia, or irregular heart rate

Heart attack is the leading cause of death among people who abuse cocaine. One report shows it accounts for 25 percent of deaths among people ages 18-45 who have abused cocaine or crack cocaine.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Sinuses

Damage to the nose and mouth: Snorting cocaine causes direct damage to the mucous membranes in the nose. With drier environments and less blood flow, the soft tissues in the nose will become damaged and eventually die. This will expose the cartilage lining between nasal cavities, which is the septum. Once the septal cartilage is exposed, it too will die, creating a hole. Many people who struggle with cocaine abuse develop septal perforations, which can cause a collapse of the nose structure, and, eventually, breathing problems. Sometimes, this issue can be corrected with plastic surgery but not always.A similar process can occur in the upper palate of the mouth. Palatal perforations are not as common as septal perforations, but they can occur through long-term abuse.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Respiratory System

Respiratory problems and pulmonary damage: Snorting cocaine can cause mucous membrane damage through the sinus cavity, leading to the throat and upper respiratory system; however, smoking crack cocaine is more likely to cause serious respiratory problems. Blood vessels in the lungs constrict; alveolar walls are destroyed so oxygen does not enter the bloodstream as well; and capillaries that carry oxygen to the rest of the body can be destroyed. Chronic cough, higher risk of infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis, acute respiratory distress, asthma, and pulmonary edema are all associated with freebasing cocaine. People who chronically abuse crack cocaine can develop "crack lung," or eosinophilic pneumonitis. Symptoms of this condition include:

Black sputum

Cough

Diffuse wheezing sounds

Pain

Increased presence of white blood cells

Raised body temperature

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Brain

Negative Effects on the Brain: Consistent constricting of blood vessels can reduce the amount of oxygen the brain receives, which can cause brain damage. It also increases the risk of aneurysm due to damage to the vascular walls feeding the brain. Further brain damage from cocaine or crack cocaine can include:

Mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks

Cerebral atrophy, or brain shrinking

Cerebral vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and/or spinal column

Hyperpyrexia, or exceptionally high fever from a disease that requires medical attention

Changes to prefrontal and temporal lobe functioning, which hurts problem-solving, decision-making, spatial understanding, vocabulary, attention, learning, and memory

Changes to neurotransmitter production and absorption, which can lead to mood disorders

Changes to movement, causing tremors, muscle weakness, changes in gait, etc.

More on Long-Term Effects

Additionally, cocaine ages the brain, so dementia risk increases. Long-term memory problems can turn into conditions mimicking Alzheimer's. People who have a higher risk of developing dementia anyway are more likely to trigger this condition earlier in life if they abuse cocaine for a long time.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use on the Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastrointestinal damage: With reduced blood flow throughout the body, several organ systems can be indirectly damaged over time, including the stomach and intestines. Short-term side effects from cocaine abuse include stomach pain, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, and constipation; over time, these side effects will become more permanent, indicating necrotic bowel or death of important tissues in the gastrointestinal system. People who struggle with cocaine abuse are also more likely to get ulcers due to changes in the pH of the stomach. In addition, cocaine abuse can lead to the development of ischemic colitis, which is inflammation and injury of the large intestine; this can cause serious digestive problems and even lead to death.

Liver damage: Long-term cocaine abuse means higher risk of overdose, and cocaine overdose can lead to liver injury, as the body is flooded with toxins that the liver cannot filter out. While most damage to the liver resolves if the person recovers from the overdose or if they get help ending their cocaine addiction, there have been instances of death due to acute liver damage. Chronic liver damage is less likely, unless the person mixed cocaine and alcohol, which can cause the liver to produce cocaethylene, which increases the depressive effects of alcohol, increases aggression, stresses the heart, and damages the liver.

Kidney damage: Chronic cocaine abuse can damage the kidneys in two ways. First, permanently increased blood pressure leads to kidney damage due to loss of blood flow. While many organ systems are damaged through lack of oxygen and high blood pressure, the kidneys are especially susceptible. Second, long-term cocaine abuse causes rhabdomyolysis, or the destruction of skeletal muscles; as these muscles die, toxins are released into the body, and they flood the liver and kidneys. Kidney failure is a late-stage result of rhabdomyolysis.

Cocaine Effects on the Immune System

Infectious diseases: People who struggle with cocaine and crack cocaine addiction are more likely to contract several infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. Sometimes, this is because of needle-sharing; however, more often, the intense stimulant contributes to poor decision-making, increased risk-taking, and enhanced sexual drive, which can lead to risky sexual encounters. Additionally, cocaine abuse impairs the immune system, so diseases spread rapidly through the body.

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Cocaine Addiction Rehabilitation - Long-Term Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse

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Long-term abuse of cocaine can cause a myriad of physical problems. Sometimes, it is possible to reverse the damage done to the body through cocaine or crack cocaine abuse; however, years of abuse may cause irreversible effects. Treating chronic problems leads to a lifetime of medical complications, hospital and doctor visits, and medical bills.

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Cocaine increases levels of the natural chemical messenger dopamine in brain circuits related to the control of movement and reward.

https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Agency%20Publications/Fact%20Sheets/Cocaine.pdf