Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by
Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr John Motl MD
Table of Contents:
Cocaine Addiction — Shocking Statistics
Cocaine addiction has not gone away. Cocaine overdose deaths in the US from 2012 to 2019 have tripled.1 “Coke” is an exceptionally strong stimulant drug commonly abused as a recreational drug. Though snorting is the most common way of using the drug, cocaine can also be smoked or injected.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and is illegal. It is classified as a schedule II drug — as it does have some medical uses, with severe restrictions.2
Is cocaine addiction CHEATING you out of true happiness?
Cocaine addiction is potentially ruinous. Cocaine abuse typically follows cyclical patterns, where the user up and quits after a binge — but then compulsively returns to heavy use. The mechanics of this pattern are described in the accompanying video presentation. This pattern can repeat for a very long time before one comes to the realization that cocaine addiction has become a problem. Alternative to Meds has helped many persons in this situation to reclaim their health and stability, and a renewed sense of joy in day to day life without drugs. We have published evidence regarding our nearly 18 years of client success in recovery.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, which works by targeting (stimulating) the natural reward system of the CNS and brain. Using cocaine results in highly pleasurable effects. Repeated use of the drug over time eventually alters the way the brain works. Cocaine addiction results in the compulsive drive to seek such drug effects, despite other negative consequences.
Drug cravings
The good news is that after the acute cocaine withdrawal phase, an individual experiences an “extinction” of the cravings and dependence symptoms. Recovering cocaine addicts rarely experience the life-threatening symptoms that are common with alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid withdrawals.
That means, in part, we need to balance dopamine levels. We use multiple methods of detoxification and therapies to balance neurochemical levels naturally. We also employ multiple techniques of detoxification and therapy, during and after the initial withdrawal process.
