How Addictive Is Cocaine? What to Do If You Can’t Stop Using

How addictive is cocaine? Cocaine is one of the most addictive substances. According to PMC, about 20% (1 in 5) of users develop dependence on it.¹ Cocaine releases a substance called dopamine in the body that has a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for users to quit cocaine.

If you can not stop using cocaine, please know that addiction is a medical condition, not a lack of willpower. ChoicePoint addiction specialists in NJ can help you recover safely through outpatient cocaine rehab, telehealth support, and behavioral therapies. Call 844.445.2565 for personalized assistance. 

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How Addictive Is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is an extremely addictive and dangerous psychotic drug. Even the first use can start conditioning the brain to crave the dopamine rush it provides. Many people immediately desire to use more after the initial effects fade, which can quickly lead to repeated use and dependency. 

In the US alone, among 2.2 million people who use cocaine, 1.5 million were diagnosed with cocaine addiction. 2 In addition to being very addictive, it is also extremely dangerous, as 20% of drug overdose deaths in 2017 were cocaine-related. ²

How Addictive is Crack Cocaine?

Crack cocaine is far more addictive than regular powdered cocaine because it reaches the brain faster and produces a more intense but short-lived high. Compared to many other drugs, crack’s addiction risk is extremely high, similar to or greater than methamphetamine and heroin. Even a few uses can trigger strong psychological dependence and compulsive use, making professional help necessary to treat crack cocaine dependence. ³

What Makes Cocaine Addictive?

Cocaine is a fast-acting drug. Snorting or injecting it produces a buildup of the neurotransmitter dopamine, resulting in a brief but intense euphoria. It gives a person a quick escape, a false sense of confidence, and an intense high. ⁴  This quick, powerful rush makes people crave more almost immediately, making them reliant on the drug to experience happiness. ⁴

The Difference Between Physical and Psychological Addiction

Cocaine addiction extends beyond just physical dependence. Since it is a psychotic stimulant drug, a person may experience both physical and psychological addiction.

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine After One Use?

It is possible to get addicted to cocaine after the first use. The risk of dependence significantly increases if a person is using crack cocaine or mixing it with alcohol or other substances such as opioids (Fentanyl), etc. According to the NCBI, you do not have to use cocaine every day to get addicted. You are developing dependence if you think you need cocaine to feel happy, to concentrate, or for daily functioning. ⁵

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Cocaine?

Depending on the factors, it could take hours or even years to become addicted to coke or cocaine:

• The difference in tolerance of every individual
• Family history
• Genetics 
• Gender 
• Way of taking cocaine (snorting cocaine or injecting it)
• Polydrug abuse (Mixing cocaine with alcohol and other drugs)

However, if cocaine abuse continues, tolerance will set in, leading to addiction. You can check within minutes, through our free addiction self-evaluation test, to know if you are suffering from addiction.

Signs You Are Getting Addicted to Cocaine

What Happens When You Use Cocaine For The First Time?

When someone uses cocaine for the first time, the effects can be intense and short-lived. Cocaine rapidly increases dopamine levels in the brain, producing an immediate “rush” or sense of euphoria. Some of the short-term effects include:

• A sudden burst of energy and alertness
• Heightened confidence or talkativeness
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light or sound
• Decreased appetite and need for sleep

These effects usually last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how the drug is used. When the high wears off, users often experience a “crash” that includes fatigue, depression, or strong cravings for more cocaine. Even a single use can cause harmful effects, such as: 

• Irregular heartbeat or heart attack
• Stroke or seizure
• Elevated body temperature
• Nosebleeds or nasal damage (if snorted)
• Risk of overdose due to unknown purity levels

Read more: How long does cocaine stay in your system?

What Happens When You Stop Using Cocaine? Cocaine Withdrawal

When someone stops using cocaine after regular or heavy use, their brain and body react strongly to the sudden absence of the drug. This reaction is known as cocaine withdrawal.

As soon as a person stops using, they may experience a sudden crash. Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Strong cravings and obsessive thoughts about cocaine
  Anxiety or agitation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Mood swings or paranoia

Cocaine withdrawal is dangerous and can increase the risk of relapse and suicidal thoughts due to severe depression or cravings. That is why medical and psychological support is strongly recommended.

What To Do If You Can Not Stop Using Cocaine? Clinically-Backed Treatment Options 

What can stop cocaine addiction, or how to quit cocaine, may be at the top of your mind. The truth is that quitting cocaine or any other drugs may be challenging on your own. However, the process can be much easier with 100% confidential professional care. 

Some of the treatment options at cocaine rehab near you may include:

a. Medical Cocaine Detox and Medication-assisted Treatment 

A cocaine detox is getting cocaine out of your system and helps you safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine detox is most likely to be successful if it is a part of a comprehensive care plan.

During medical cocaine detox, healthcare professionals treat the cause of addiction and psychological withdrawal (depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts) through behavioral therapies. Whereas physical symptoms are treated with medication-assisted therapy. Though there are no widely approved medications specifically for cocaine recovery, off-label medications include: ⁶

• Antidepressants 
• Anticonvulasant 
• GABAergic medications such as Baclofen and Topiramate for relapse prevention
• Disulfiram 
• Sleep medications 

After detox, you may be recommended maintenance treatments to prevent a relapse. These are provided through outpatient, telehealth, or inpatient rehabs. 

b. Cocaine Outpatient Rehab

Cocaine outpatient rehab offers various levels of care according to your diagnosis to provide the treatment that best fits your schedule.

• Standard Outpatient Rehab
• IOP Rehab For Cocaine Recovery
• Partial Care or PHP

c. Cocaine Inpatient Rehab

An inpatient cocaine rehab may be more suitable if you are diagnosed with poly-substance abuse or dual diagnosis. Since cocaine withdrawal is life-threatening in case of severe addiction, 24/7 medical monitoring and care may be more beneficial for you. 

d. At-Home Strategies

Completing rehab is a significant first step toward long-term cocaine recovery. However, the real challenge begins after detox: maintaining sobriety.

Here are a few tips to prevent a relapse and home care strategies for cocaine addiction:

1. Take online therapy or counseling sessions 
2. Join virtual or in-person support groups like CBT groups
3. Avoid old social circles or environments associated with drug use.
4. Limit exposure to alcohol and late-night gatherings that can trigger cravings.
5. Develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing, walking, or calling a support contact, when urges arise.

e. Telehealth Care 

Telehealth addiction treatment delivers therapy, counseling, and medical support through secure video conferencing and digital platforms. You can access the following cocaine addiction treatments:

• At-home drug testing kits
• Online medication prescriptions
• Online therapy
• Virtual urgent care
• Virtual counseling

Call 844.445.2565 to schedule a same-day appointment. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

FAQs Related to Is Cocaine Addictive

We have answered more of your questions below:

1. Is Cocaine More Addictive Than Other Drugs?

Yes, many online sources claim cocaine to be more addictive than alcohol and nicotine.

2. Is Cocaine Addiction Hard to Beat?

No, cocaine addiction may be challenging to overcome, but it is not hard to treat with the correct treatment strategies. Most individuals recover between 1 and 3 months, depending on the severity of addiction.

3. What is the hardest drug to quit?

Heroin is considered to be the most addictive drug.

4. How addictive is cocaine compared to other drugs?

Cocaine, especially crack cocaine, is considered to be highly addictive. It is considered more addictive than nicotine and alcohol. But an accurate comparison can not be made since addiction potential depends on a number of factors, such as dosage, method of ingestion, etc. 

References

1. Sartor, C. E., Kranzler, H. R., & Gelernter, J. (2014). Rate of progression from first use to dependence on cocaine or opioids: a cross-substance examination of associated demographic, psychiatric, and childhood risk factors. Addictive behaviors, 39(2), 473–479.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.10.021
2. Schwartz, E. K. C., Wolkowicz, N. R., De Aquino, J. P., MacLean, R. R., & Sofuoglu, M. (2022). Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD): Current Clinical Perspectives. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 13, 25–46.
   https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S337338
3. Hatsukami DK, Fischman MW. Crack Cocaine and Cocaine Hydrochloride: Are the Differences Myth or Reality? JAMA. 1996;276(19):1580–1588. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03540190052029
4. Nestler E. J. (2005). The neurobiology of cocaine addiction. Science & practice perspectives, 3(1), 4–10. https://doi.org/10.1151/spp05314
5. Schwartz, E. K. C., Wolkowicz, N. R., De Aquino, J. P., MacLean, R. R., & Sofuoglu, M. (2022). Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD): Current Clinical Perspectives. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 13, 25–46.
   https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S337338
6. Kampman K. M. (2005). New medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 2(12), 44–48.