Cocaine

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Cocaine

 

Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from leaves from coca bush.

Stimulant drugs increase brain activity and intensify the messages between the brain and the body.

Other names:

Coke, Nose candy, Snow, White lady, Blow, White dust, Charlie.

What are the possible short-term effects?

People may use cocaine to feel euphoric, or to feel alert and confident. Short-term effects include:

  • Happiness and confidence.
  • Talking more.
  • Feeling energetic and alert.
  • Quiet contemplation and rapture.
  • Feeling physically strong and mentally sharp.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Enlarged (dilated) pupils.
  • High blood pressure and increased heart rate.
  • Increased body temperature.
  • Increased sex drive.
  • Unpredictable, violent or aggressive behaviour.
  • Agitation.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Paranoia.

What are the possible long-term effects?

Cocaine affects people differently depending on a range of factors including how strong it is, how much is consumed, whether it is used with other drugs, whether the person is used to taking it, and the individual characteristics of the person (size, weight and health).

It is important to know that there is no safe level of cocaine use.

Long-term effects include:

  • Blood-borne viruses (Hepatitis B & C, HIV & AIDs) from needle use.
  • Insomnia and exhaustion.
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety, paranoia and psychosis.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Decreased motivation.
  • Mood swings.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Heart disease.
  • Death.

Snorting cocaine may also cause:

  • Runny nose and nose bleeds.
  • Nose infection.
  • A hole in the tissue separating the nostrils.
  • Long term damage to the nasal cavity and sinuses.

What are the signs of a COCAINE problem?

  • Spending a large amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects
  • Using greater amounts, or for longer than originally planned.
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect.
  • Having cravings, difficulties stopping/reducing use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Agitation.
  • Depression or anxiety.
  • Irritability.
  • Intense hunger.
  • Cocaine cravings.
  • Restless sleep.
  • Extreme tiredness.
  • Social problems including relationship issues.
  • Financial problems.
  • Impacts on study or work.
  • Legal problems.

Treatment.

When a person is dependent on a drug, withdrawal of the drug carries risks of physical harm, psychological trauma and (rarely) death. As a result, our team work closely with the patient to withdraw the drug safely from the body. During this phase, we may supply short-term medications to modify the withdrawal process, making it safer and more tolerable.

In some cases, we may suggest we refer you to a specialist facility for 24 hour medical supervision during the withdrawal phase. In such cases, we will discuss this with you when devising your treatment plan.

Following the withdrawal, our team will work with the patient to help them maintain their abstinence. This will include skills training for relapse prevention. It will also normally include a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relation or spiritual health of the individual.

The withdrawal process may also unmask underlying mental illnesses or symptoms. If these are identified, we will work with the patient to treat these medical conditions. This may include medication and/or counselling/psychological therapies.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by cocaine addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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