The intense, yet short-lived pleasurable effects of taking cocaine can make people want to take it again and again, which can soon result in a dangerous addiction.

If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘am I addicted to cocaine?’, the chances are that you’ve already spotted that you have a problem. In this blog, we will explore the effects of cocaine as well as the most common signs of dependency. We will also provide information on the expert cocaine addiction treatment that we offer at Life Works.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is an extremely powerful stimulant. It is usually snorted as a white powder, although it’s also possible for it to be injected.

Taking cocaine causes you to experience a short but very intense high, which can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. The euphoria that is felt can make people want to take cocaine over and over again until they build up a tolerance, where higher doses of cocaine are needed, even more frequently, in order to experience the desired effects. This is how you end up becoming addicted to cocaine.

What are the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction?

As is the case with all forms of addictions, the symptoms of cocaine addiction can vary from person to person. It can also depend on the amount of cocaine that you use. However, the following are all common signs that you may be addicted to cocaine:

• You find that you need to take higher doses of cocaine, and more frequently, in order to experience the desired high
• Even though your cocaine misuse has had a negative impact on your life, you are unable to cut back or stop taking it
• You feel irritable and agitated when you haven’t taken cocaine for a certain length of time
• You can’t stop thinking about where and how you will get hold of your next ‘fix’
• You regularly lie to family and friends about your whereabouts and your cocaine use
• You borrow or steal money, even from loved ones, in order to buy cocaine
• Events and activities that you used to enjoy are no longer important to you, as cocaine has taken over your life
• You find that you only tend to socialise with other people who take cocaine
• You act impulsively, have more energy and feel an overabundance of confidence when you are under the influence of cocaine. This may cause you to behave recklessly and take risks
• You find that you are experiencing a range of physical symptoms as a result of your cocaine abuse, such as frequent nosebleeds from snorting the drug, insomnia, reduced appetite and a rapid heart rate

Help for cocaine dependency at Life Works

If you think you’re addicted to cocaine, seeking help can be daunting. However, it’s a really important step towards overcoming your difficulties and getting your life back on track.

At Life Works, we offer a high quality drug Addiction Treatment Programme, helping you to overcome your cocaine dependency and take steps towards a healthy, addiction-free future.

Cocaine addiction treatment at Life Works consists of:

• A free, no obligation addiction assessment
• Medically assisted withdrawal detoxification for your cocaine addiction, if needed
• Group therapy, family therapy and individual 1:1 therapy programmes
• A wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) informed groups, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) informed groups and mindfulness
• A high quality family programme
• Access to 12-Step support groups
• Access to free aftercare for 12 months following treatment
• Access to free family support for 12 months following treatment

You don’t have to struggle with cocaine addiction; this condition is entirely treatable and it’s possible for you to make a full and lasting recovery.