Addiction Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine Addiction

By American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff

Last updated on July 9th, 2020

Find Fast

Cocaine Statistics
Facts
Addiction Warning Signs
Effects of Use
Long-term Risks
Getting Treatment

According to recent surveys, close to 14 percent of all patients who check into drug abuse recovery programs do so because of cocaine addiction issues. It has been estimated that there are around 1.7 million US citizens who are currently struggling with a cocaine addiction problem. An addiction doesn’t just impact the user’s life, but also everyone in their social circle. There are many cases of estranged families, divorces and abandoned children that can be traced back to a cocaine problem. The truth remains that it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are many qualified cocaine rehab centers located across the country that can provide a proven and effective course of treatment to help folks break addictions cycle and allow them to rejoin a productive life. If you are trying to determine whether you or a loved one are suffered from cocaine addiction, see our list of signs and symptoms.

Cocaine Addiction and Use Statistics

The White House conducted a drug survey in 2008 to assess the prevalence of cocaine use and addiction. This was called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. These are some of the findings:

Around 36 million Americans who were over the age of 12 admitted to trying cocaine even if that meant a single use. This number translates to 14.7 percent of the total US population in that age range.
In the previous year of this study, close to 5.3 million Americans admitted to using cocaine within the last 12 months while 1.9 million admitted to using the drug within the last month.
First-time users over the age of 12 accounted for 722,000 persons who tried cocaine in the past 12 months. This breaks down to around 2,000 new users every day. The good news is this number is actually lower than figures reported for 2007. Overall, there has been a decline in cocaine use since 2001.

Stats on Teens Abuse+

The White House Drug Policy study also delved into the specific area of cocaine use among teenagers. These are the report’s findings:

Of high school and college students, 3.3 percent admit to being current cocaine users.
Eight percent of high school students said they tried out cocaine while they were still in high school.
In terms of access to the drug, 19 percent of eight graders, 28 percent of 10^th graders and 38 percent of teens all told researchers working on the White House Drug Policy that is was easy to get a hold of cocaine when they wanted it.

Cocaine Crime Statistics+

Using, buying or selling cocaine is a crime. Attached to cocaine trafficking and use are many other criminal activities such as gun possession, robbery and murder. In fact, around 17 percent of incarcerated inmates told researchers that they committed some form of crime to pay for their cocaine use. When it comes to importing cocaine, sadly America has become number one on this list.There are even more crime statistics related to cocaine use:

Around 20 percent of the current inmate population was arrested while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
According to the DEA, in 2004 alone illegal cocaine activity accounted for over 12,000 federal drug busts.
The DEA also has found that minute particles of cocaine substances can actually be identified on nearly all the paper money in circulation throughout the country.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that over 27 percent of the prisoner population in 2004 admitted to be frequent cocaine or crack users.

Cocaine Addiction Facts

Ready to learn more about cocaine and its effects?

Cocaine comes from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush.
Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it has the high potential for abuse but can be prescribed by a doctor for legitimate medical purposes.
It is common to combine cocaine with other drugs and use them simultaneously. One common example is heroin and cocaine, also called a “speedball.”
Cocaine can be snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked.
In 2008, about 1.4 million Americans met the criteria for diagnosis of cocaine abuse or addiction in the past year.
Almost a quarter of the two million visits to the emergency room caused by drug abuse involved cocaine, according to the 2008 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report.
Snorting cocaine supplies the slowest onset of the cocaine high of all the different ways to ingest the drug but the high lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Short-term effects of cocaine abuse include increased heart rate, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, and higher blood pressure.
In large amounts, cocaine abuse can lead to violent and irrational behavior and/or intense paranoia.

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

The short-term effects of cocaine use can show up instantly even with first-time use. Among these effects are:

Rise in body temperature
Increase in heart rate
Dilated pupils
High blood pressure
Constricted blood vessels

Any one of those effects could actually trigger many other health concerns. This is why cocaine abuse is the number-one factor in drug-related emergency room visits. The fact that some people experience bouts of high energy or perceived mental alertness can also lead to the cravings to want to use again.

If you read one thing about executive or luxury addiction treatment, read this. Click Here.

Luxury.Rehabs.com is an American Addiction Centers (AAC) resource, and a leading provider in cocaine addiction rehab and recovery. AAC is in-network with many of the top insurance providers in the U.S If you’d like to know if your insurance covers cocaine addiction treatment, call us at +1 1-888-744-0789 Who Answers? Who Answers? or use our online insurance checker.

Long-Term Risks of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is an extremely addictive substance. Habitual users often build up a tolerance for the drug which leads to increased usage. This cycle of addiction also feeds the potential for arrest and/or causes permanent physical damage and in some cases even death.

The most common form of cocaine use is to snort the drug in powdered form. Over time, this continuous snorting can cause damage to nasal membranes that results in frequent nosebleeds and even a loss of smell. A person who injects cocaine on a regular basis runs the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis from shared needle use.

Warnings Signs of Addiction:

Hanging with a New Crowd+

Someone who is caught up with a cocaine addiction problem will most likely be switching out their old circle of friends for a new circle which will include fellow cocaine users and possibly a dealer. This new group of people will quickly become enablers and co-dependents, helping your loved one find the drug and encouraging them to continue using. Part of the cocaine rehab recovery will mean disassociating with this group of so-called friends.

Nosebleeds+

This is one of the most common and easy-to-spot physical symptoms. If a person simply gets a nosebleed, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a cocaine abuser; however, persistent nosebleeds should be a red flag for cocaine use. This is because with constant use, cocaine actually damages nasal membranes, forcing them to collapse and bleed.

Major Money Problems+

A cocaine addict can quickly spiral into financial ruin as they continue to feed their habit. If your loved one is constantly borrowing money, selling off valuables or if you suspect them of stealing from you, it might be an indication of a growing cocaine problem.

Disruption of Sleeping Patterns+

Cocaine abuse often occurs via a pattern of long binges followed by extended periods of crashing out. A person who is spending a lot of daylight time in bed “recovering” from the night before could be having an issue with the drug.

Lapses at Work+

When a person crashes from a cocaine binge, the last thing they want to do is get up for work. This could put their job in jeopardy. Continually missing work could force their manager to dismiss them. This could only increase the pressure for them to find money and use.

Changes in Behavior+

Despite what some people think, cocaine abuse isn’t a lot of fun. In fact, it can cause a person to suffer through panic attacks and experience bouts of paranoia. There will also be mood swings, lashing out and other forms of disruptive behavior as their bodies are thrown into upheaval from the drug use.

The Physical Effects of Long-term Cocaine Use

Cocaine also acts as an appetite suppressant. As a result of ongoing use, a person can begin to experience rapid weight lose which can have a debilitating overall impact on their body.

Fevers
Chest pains
Convulsions
Nausea

Blurred vision
Heart attacks
Respiratory failure

Beyond the physical risks, there are also emotional issues to contend with. A person who finds themselves struggling with cocaine addiction could also be experiencing periods of paranoia, mood swings and hallucinations. They will also begin a pattern of lying and stealing to support their habits. Too often these conditions lead to the dissolution of marriages and the fracturing of families.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Detoxification

The first phase of a cocaine addiction recovery plan involves getting the patient clean of the effects of the drug. This is going to mean draining your body of toxins through withdrawal. The effects of a cocaine detox can be quite debilitating. A person going through this process will generally crash for several days.

There will be increased feels of cravings, agitation and irritability. The person could also experience insomnia, nausea and other physical complications. This is why going through detox at a certified rehab center is so crucial. There will be a medical staff on call around the clock to monitor a patient’s condition.

If the need for supplemental medication is required, it can be provided right away. A patient will also have their vital statistics monitored for any rapid changes. The entire detox process could last anywhere from three days up to a week.

Verify Your Benefits at an American Addiction Centers Facility

The cost of alcohol or drug addiction treatment may appear to be an obstacle, but we are here to help. Insurance may cover all or some of your rehab.

Find out if your insurance covers long-term addiction rehabilitation.

Check Online Now

Cocaine Addiction

Find Fast