What are the main symptoms of cocaine addiction?

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance made from the leaves of the coca plant, and repeated use can lead to a cocaine use disorder, also known as addiction. Symptoms of addiction extend beyond physical dependence to include a chronic brain disorder that drives a person to continue using despite the problems it causes in their life, such as health issues and an inability to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home. Obtaining and using cocaine becomes the primary focus of the person's life [1].

Short-term symptoms of cocaine use

Cocaine is a stimulant that can make people feel an increase in energy and alertness. However, it can also cause feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and paranoia. Large doses of cocaine may lead to bizarre, unpredictable, and violent behavior. Cocaine's effects appear almost immediately and disappear within minutes to an hour, and the duration and intensity of the effects depend on the method of use [1].

Long-term and physical symptoms

Long-term cocaine use can cause various health problems, depending on the route of administration:

• Inhalation: Can lead to loss of smell, nosebleeds, damage to the nasal cavity, and difficulty swallowing [1].
• Smoking: Can cause coughing, asthma, difficulty breathing, and an increased risk of infections such as pneumonia [1].
• Injection: May lead to skin or soft tissue infections, as well as scarring and collapsed veins. Injection also increases the risk of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C [1].

Other long-term effects include malnutrition and movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease [1].

Withdrawal symptoms and dependence

Repeated cocaine use leads to drug tolerance, meaning users need larger doses to achieve the same effect. Over time, the body becomes dependent on cocaine. If a person dependent on cocaine stops using it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

• Depression [1], [2]
• Restlessness [1], [2]
• Fatigue [1], [2]
• Increased appetite [1], [2]
• Unpleasant dreams and insomnia [1], [2]
• Slowed thinking [1]
• General feeling of discomfort [2]
• Irritable behavior [2]
• Anxiety and paranoia (in cases of acute withdrawal) [2]

Intense cravings for cocaine and depression can persist for months after stopping heavy, long-term use. Withdrawal symptoms may also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people [2].

Overdose risks

A cocaine overdose is possible and occurs when a person uses such a large amount of cocaine that it causes a life-threatening reaction or death. Using cocaine with other drugs or alcohol may increase the risk of overdose. A cocaine overdose can cause serious health problems such as stroke, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, or a heart attack [1].

If you or someone you know is experiencing acute symptoms such as seizures, chest pain, or loss of consciousness after using cocaine, you must seek emergency medical help immediately. There is no specific medication to treat a cocaine overdose, and healthcare providers focus on treating the specific health problems caused by the overdose [1].

Getting help

If you are struggling with cocaine addiction, it is important to seek help. The treatments available for cocaine addiction are various types of behavioral therapies, and there are currently no specific medications to treat it [1]. Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs can be effective, and medications may be used to treat withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision [2]. For more information on treatment options, you can visit Cocaine Addiction: Symptoms, Risks, and Effective Treatment Options (Arabic).

Medical references

• Cocaine
• Cocaine withdrawal