What is Cocaine Use Disorder?

It first helps to understand what cocaine is. Made from the leaves of the coca plant, this stimulant is listed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II — on par with methamphetamine and fentanyl. It’s highly addictive, too, thanks to the way it prevents the brain from absorbing dopamine.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), that flood of dopamine triggers your reward and reinforcement mechanisms, kickstarting the addiction cycle and eventually leading to Cocaine Use Disorder, or CUD. As CUD sets in, someone might experience financial strain as they struggle to keep up with their addiction; damaged personal and professional relationships; and potential legal troubles.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

As with any other substance abuse disorder, CUD comes with its own indicators — some more obvious than others. Psychology Today, citing the NIDA, says it may manifest in the following ways.

Physical Symptoms

Someone dependent on cocaine may have bloodshot eyes and chronic sniffles. They might also exhibit changes in their dietary habits and sleep cycles, or suddenly lose weight.

Behavioral Shifts

Alongside those physical symptoms, a person addicted to cocaine might start to withdraw from relationships. They could frequently disappear at social events, or even ask loved ones for more and more money to fund their use.

The Risks of Laced Cocaine

Per a research article published in Science Direct, nearly 15% of powdered cocaine samples tested were laced with fentanyl — a highly lethal drug at the forefront of the American opioid crisis.

The Apex Recovery Approach to Cocaine Use Disorder Treatment

We go beyond offering cocaine detox support in San Diego: Each of our personalized treatment plans is rooted in a thorough understanding of your goals and needs. We then handpick a mix of evidence-based (i.e. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and holistic (i.e. mindfulness and nutritional counseling) methodologies to achieve positive long-term outcomes.

What’s more: We operate using an outpatient model. Daily treatment sessions help keep you accountable and provide critical support; every night, you’ll go home to loved ones and have the opportunity to test your skills in the real world.

“Has my cocaine use become an addiction?”

You don’t have to answer that question alone. Call Apex Recovery for a confidential consultation, and one of our experts will recommend a cocaine recovery program near you.

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How Does Cocaine Addiction Affect a Person?

The longer someone uses cocaine, the greater the impact on their physical and emotional health — and the trickier it can be to get clean. Our care team understands that fact: We believe true recovery takes time, and we promise to take however long it needs to set you up for success.

Personally

As cliche as it sounds, a cocaine addiction isn’t cheap. A person can quickly ruin their finances in search of their next high, and the emotional volatility the drug creates can drive rifts between them and their families.

Medically

Repeat cocaine abuse puts heavy strain on your cardiovascular system — elevating blood pressure, causing arrhythmias, and leading to a greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, it can damage your nasal passageways, contribute to chronic insomnia, and more.

What Others are Saying About Apex Recovery

We’ve helped dozens of others break their personal cycle of drug abuse. These are their experiences at our San Diego addiction treatment center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Addiction

Seeking Cocaine Rehab in San Diego?

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