Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine

Cocaine addiction in Colorado is more common than you might think.

In 2015, 968,000 Americans over the age of 12 reported using cocaine in the last year.

This number, released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, was up 26% from the prior year.

This powerful and addictive illicit drug lands in the stimulant category.

Cocaine abuse comes with serious side effects, both short and long term.

Any amount of use can be harmful to your health.

Mixing cocaine with other substances, either drugs or alcohol increases the risk of harm.

Cocaine Addiction

Adults between 18 and 25 have higher rates of current cocaine use than any other age group. But, that does not mean that other demographics are safe from its reach.

Cocaine abuse and ensuing side effects affect users across the board.

Demographics aside, cocaine occurs in 40% of drug-related emergency department visits in previous years. This drug is strong and addictive.

Facing down a cocaine addiction is about more than being strong or willful. Many people need help getting their drug addiction under control. Addiction is a disease that alters your brain chemistry over time.

We have spent so much time developing the tools, knowledge, and resources to treat addiction effectively. We want the best for each of our patients, and that is all that we will offer.

At Pathfinders, you will find individualized plans, comprehensive addiction care, and mental health care.

Related Mental Health Concerns

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person.

Things like the length and frequency of abuse can alter your symptoms. These factors can also alter the degree to which you feel them.

Unlike many other illicit drugs, the majority of cocaine withdrawal symptoms are not physical. For example, some illicit drug withdrawal symptoms include shaking and vomiting. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are typically more emotional than physical.

Some of the most common are:

• Agitation or anxiety
• Irritability
• Restless behavior
• Depression
• Fatigue
• General feelings of discomfort
• Increase in appetite
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Slowing of activity
• Paranoia

Intense cravings and depressive episodes are two of the most common. After long-term or heavy use, these may last longer than many others.

Over time, more serious risks appear, such as a heart attack, stroke, or brain damage.

When it is an illicit substance as strong as cocaine, accidental overdoses are another concern.

Combining cocaine with other substances heightens the risk of an accidental overdose. In 2017, 19.8% of all drug overdose deaths involved cocaine. This percentage accounts for 13,942 overdose deaths.

Laced Cocaine

Another risk factor in cocaine addiction in Colorado is lacing illicit cocaine with other substances.

Lacing cocaine is usually done without the user’s knowledge, as it can be nearly impossible to tell the difference. Lacing cocaine with amphetamines, pseudoephedrine, or caffeine can lead to fatal consequences.

Alone, cocaine alters your brain’s dopamine levels. Dopamine is the chemical that is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure, attention, alertness, and energy.

When you add other substances into the mix, they further alter your brain chemistry. Adding other substances may damage your brain cells and nerves, and hasten your body’s drive toward physical tolerance.

As your tolerance builds, you will need more cocaine to produce the feelings you achieved before. As time goes on, this gets harder and harder to do.

How Can We Help?

Cocaine addiction in Colorado is something that you should not have to face alone.

Let us help you find your way to a healthy, sober life.

At Pathfinders, you never have to walk your road alone.

We will help you overcome the challenges of getting sober so that you leave with the tools and knowledge you need.

Call us today for more information and quick and easy insurance verification.