Cocaine Use Disorder
(Cocaine Abuse; Cocaine Dependence)
Definition
Cocaine use disorder is when a person keeps using cocaine despite the cognitive, behavioral, and physical problems it causes. It may also cause a person to become dependent.
The powdered form of cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Crack is cocaine in a rock crystal form. It can be heated so its vapors can be smoked.
Causes TOP
The cause is not known. Things like genetics, the environment, and peer pressure may play a role.
Cocaine causes the brain to release large amounts of a chemical called dopamine. This chemical causes feelings of joy. Over time, more cocaine is needed to cause the same release of chemicals. This leads to misuse.
How it Affects the BrainCocaine helps release a chemical in the brain that causes joy. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Having anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past or current alcohol use disorder
- Misuse of medicines
- Family history of drug use or acting without thinking
Symptoms TOP
Cocaine use disorder can lead to:
- Being unable to stop or limit use
- Craving cocaine
- Making a habit of using cocaine even though it causes problems
- Rapid increase in the amount of cocaine needed
- Use that gets in the way of doing normal things
- Using a lot of effort to get more cocaine
With regular use, the body begins to need cocaine to get through the day. A person may get sick when they stop or use less cocaine. It may result in irritability, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, shaking, and sweating. This can make it harder to stop using.
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your cocaine use. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Blood, urine, saliva, sweat, and hair may also be tested to look for signs of cocaine use.
Treatment TOP
The first step is to stop using cocaine. This is also known as detox. The second step is to change behaviors to stop from using the drug again.
It can take some time to recover. Treatment may be given in a rehabilitation program. Many people may need to be treated several times. It may include one or more of the following:
Medications
Medicines may be given to ease withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of using again. Common ones are:
- Antidepressants
- Topiramate and gabapentin to lower the risk of seizures
- Methylphenidate—a stimulant
- Baclofen—a muscle relaxant
- Modafinil to improve alertness
- Disulfiram to reduce abuse, especially in those who also use alcohol
Therapy
Therapy can help a person learn about the issues and lifestyle choices that lead to cocaine use. This can help a person learn coping and problem-solving skills. A person can also learn how to replace cocaine use behaviors with healthier choices. Therapy sessions may be one on one or with a person's family.
Support Groups TOP
Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program. It helps to support people who are recovering from cocaine use disorder.
RESOURCES:
Cocaine Anonymous
http://www.ca.org
National Institute on Drug Abuse
https://www.drugabuse.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Association of Nova Scotia
http://nadaca.ca
Southern Ontario Cocaine Anonymous
http://ca-on.org
REFERENCES:
DrugFacts: Cocaine. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine. Accessed November 17, 2020.
Kampman K, Jarvis M. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) National Practice Guideline for the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use. J Addict Med. 2015 Sep-Oct;9(5):358-367.
Opioid abuse and dependence. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/opioid-abuse-and-dependence. Accessed November 17, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 4/14/2021