Of all substances, alcohol withdrawal is the most likely to be deadly in extreme cases without proper treatment. Even heroin withdrawal, as difficult as it is, isn’t as dangerous as withdrawal from alcohol. That’s why it’s so essential that alcohol withdrawal protocol is managed by expert physicians who are knowledgeable in the process.

What Is Surprise Circumstance Alcohol Withdrawal?

If an alcoholic suffers a serious accident and is taken to the hospital, they will be unable to drink while being treated, forcing them to undergo withdrawal. We’ve heard stories of people detoxing from alcohol while in the hospital, with the doctors treating them not familiar enough with addiction to realize what’s happening to their patients. Some doctors who are ignorant of what addiction is or how harmful withdrawal can be will not treat the withdrawal process in a misguided attempt to punish the addict and teach them a lesson about the consequences of their actions. While this isn’t sure to happen—there are thousands of great doctors who can provide effective, proper treatment—it’s worth knowing there’s a possibility.

10 Ways Surprise Alcohol Withdrawal Can Occur

1. After a night of heavy drinking, an individual may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, and agitation the next morning.
2. Alcohol withdrawal can occur when an individual has been drinking heavily for an extended period of time and suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake because of family members or work responsibilities.
3. Alcohol withdrawal can also occur in individuals who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to access alcohol due to circumstances such as being in a location where alcohol is not readily available.
4. Alcohol withdrawal can happen unexpectedly in individuals who are prescribed certain medications and are advised to avoid alcohol.
5. Alcohol withdrawal can occur in individuals who have been drinking heavily and then become ill or are hospitalized, leading to a sudden reduction in alcohol intake.
6. Alcohol withdrawal can happen when an individual is participating in a treatment program for alcohol abuse and decides to stop drinking.
7. Alcohol withdrawal can occur in individuals who are incarcerated and do not have access to alcohol.
8. Alcohol withdrawal can happen when an individual is on a religious retreat or pilgrimage and abstains from alcohol.
9. Alcohol withdrawal can occur in individuals who are pregnant and stop drinking due to the potential harm to the fetus.
10. Alcohol withdrawal can happen when an individual is traveling and is unable to access their usual sources of alcohol.

You Might Also Be Interested In

• Alcohol Abuse: Definitions, Causes & Statistics
• Alcohol Detox: Treatment, Symptoms, And Timeline
• The Effects of Alcohol Abuse
• Treatment Plan For Alcohol Use Disorder
• What Are The Different Types of Drinkers?
• The Effects Of Alcohol Abuse
• Alcohol Treatment & Rehab In Ohio
• What To Look For In An Alcohol Rehab Program
• How Genetics Impact Alcoholism
• Why Is Alcohol Use Disorder A Chronic Disease?
• Medication For Alcohol Use Disorder

Should You Get Alcohol Withdrawal With Support From A Doctor?

When doctors manage alcohol withdrawal, the danger of lethal complications dramatically decreases. One way that withdrawal is managed is by the use of prescription benzodiazepines. These drugs are powerful tranquilizers that affect the brain in a way similar to alcohol. Since the worst alcohol withdrawal symptoms—delirium tremens, hallucinations, seizures—come from a hyperactive brain, using a tranquilizer to calm the brain down understandably mitigates the worst effects. We have patients visit us from around the country for alcohol treatment.

Can Alcohol Withdrawal Be Worse When Mixed With Benzos?

Using benzos during alcohol withdrawal carries its own risks that you need a skilled doctor to avoid. Benzos are extremely addictive themselves and have their own difficult withdrawal period. The best way to prevent addiction or withdrawal is for your doctor to prescribe a series of ever-decreasing doses over a set period of time. By weaning off of benzos, you avoid withdrawing from them, and using them only temporarily makes addiction very unlikely.

It’s important to be aware that withdrawal from continued, high amounts of alcohol should be managed by a physician. However, there are situations where one might be forced to withdraw from alcohol without that kind of preparation.

Get Help For Alcohol Withdrawal

The best way to be sure that an alcoholic’s withdrawal process is safely managed according to proper alcohol withdrawal protocol is to get them into a treatment center. The Ridge’s staff physicians can safely oversee alcohol withdrawal, both at The Ridge and at local Cincinnati hospitals. Our residential treatment program will give alcoholics the tools they need to get into recovery and maintain long-term health, happiness, and sobriety.

Increase In Anxiety and Depression Linked to Increased Problem Drinking

Should we be concerned about an increase in alcohol use post-COVID?

In a letter published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in late 2020, public health scientists Dawn Sugarman, PhD, and Shelly Greenfield, MD, of McLean Hospital at Harvard University warned that an increase in alcohol use in response to the stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic raised “significant public health concerns.”

The two doctors cited observed increases in alcohol consumption in the U.K. and Australia as potential indicators of similar increases here at home, and pointed out the disturbing fact of the treatment gap for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD): in the U.S. only 7.9% of people diagnosed with AUD receive the specialized treatment they need to address their disordered alcohol use.

They go on to point out that increased drinking – and substance use – is a common response to trauma, stress, and events involving large-scale suffering, injury, or death. A study published in 2009 analyzed the use of alcohol and drugs in response to one of the most infamous mass-trauma events in U.S. history – the 911 terrorist attacks – and concluded the following:

• 7.3% of a population can be expected to increase alcohol consumption in the first two years following a terrorist event
• There is a 20% probability that 14% of a population will increase alcohol consumption following a terrorist event
• An estimated 16.3% of a population can be expected to increase the use of both prescription and narcotic drugs following a terrorist event

Evidence from the aftermath of the 911 attacks is relevant because, although the coronavirus pandemic is not a terrorist attack, it is a mass casualty scenario. At the time they wrote the letter, we were still early in the pandemic. Sugarman and Greenfield made another critical point: unlike the 911 attack, the coronavirus pandemic was ongoing, and no one knew when it would stop.

Stay-at-Home Orders, Isolation, and Stress

In retrospect, the ongoing nature of the public, pandemic-related trauma was something mental health experts did not appreciate fully. Whereas single-incident events cause significant distress and trauma, their finite nature allows people who experience them to process the experience and move forward. That’s to say that their trauma does not persist. Rather, it means that the traumatic event can be contextualized and understood with the benefit of hindsight. This is not the case with the coronavirus pandemic.

Sugarman and Greenfield identified several layers of ongoing pandemic-related stressors that had the potential to lead to increased alcohol consumption:

1. Fear of contracting SARS-COV-2 itself

2. Psychological distress due to lack of social contact

3. Reduced participation in social support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) due to public health guidelines

4. Reduced access to specialized treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

5. Job loss, income insecurity, and worry about finances

These five groups of potential stressors increased the risk of heavy and/or disordered drinking, which can lead to significant physical and emotional problems. Negative physical consequences of excess drinking include liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, impaired immunity, and fatalities from drunk driving accidents. Negative emotional and psychological consequences of excess drinking include increased risk of depression, suicide, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and child neglect.

According to Sugarman and Greenfield, that was our current situation early in the pandemic: a perfect storm of stress that had the potential to lead to a nationwide alcohol consumption crisis, which, as noted above, itself had the potential to create a new public health emergency, in addition to the coronavirus pandemic.

And it turned out they were right. Studies published in 2020 and 2021 showed:

• Increases in anxiety disorders
• Increases in depressive symptoms
• A 60% increase in alcohol consumption
• An increase heavy drinking and binge drinking

That’s why it’s important for us to look back at the prescient insight Sugarman and Greenfield offered. The steps they recommended we take a year ago are just as important now as they were then. They may even be more important now.

Steps to Take: Awareness, Assessment, and Treatment

In light of the heightened risk of problem drinking related to coronavirus-related stressors, Sugarman and Greenfield recommended a series of proactive steps we, as a nation, can take to “moderate and reduce alcohol consumption in the face of this pandemic.” They reiterated that the full scope of the pandemic was not yet known and that it’s wise to look to the data provided by researchers in other countries in order to prepare for the potential collateral damage the pandemic may cause in the U.S.

Here’s what they recommended:

Step 1:

We should raise awareness about the fact that stress related to the coronavirus pandemic created and continues to create the risk of increased alcohol consumption, which may escalate to another nationwide health crisis in addition to the coronavirus pandemic.

Step 2:

We should realize our response to this risk needs to be nuanced, multi-faceted, and include everyone with any known risk factors for drinking or excess drinking.

Step 3:

We should advocate forward-thinking public health talking points. Public media outlets can counter the cultural messages (present in the form of social media posts and memes) that promote excess drinking. Public officials can prioritize messaging efforts that promote managing anxiety and stress without alcohol and substance use.

Step 4:

We should be ready for an increase in the need for treatment across a “continuum of severity” that includes “drinking-related exacerbation of other co-occurring medical conditions.”

Step 5:

In primary care settings, we should improve efforts to identify addiction and mental health issues early, by being aware of risk factors for increased drinking such as financial insecurity, and the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Step 6:

We should focus attention on targeted interventions for people with alcohol use disorder at risk of relapse, and expand access to telehealth, virtual therapy, and online social support communities for people in recovery. Increased access to these services and expanded insurance coverage for mental health/substance use treatment should last through the pandemic and beyond.

Integrated Effort with Full Collaboration

The open letter published by Sugarman and Greenfield – addressed to the medical community as a whole – is an important reminder that while we strive to manage our response to the primary health crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, the secondary effects of the pandemic, such as misuse of alcohol and an increase in alcohol use disorder (AUD), can create severe, chronic physical, emotional, and social consequences that may persist years after we get COVID-19 under control.

The sooner we can identify at-risk individuals, offer accurate diagnoses of AUD when necessary, and provide appropriate treatment and support, the more likely those individuals are to achieve and maintain sustained, long-term sobriety. Any steps we take in this direction will help to contain the scope of harm caused by the pandemic, and give people hope by offering a lifeline of support.

The Ridge in Cincinnati offers inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities. Besides, alcohol detox programs and other amenities help you identify the extent of the problem and get the right solution. Contact us today!

Opioid addiction is a serious condition that can affect physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and daily life. It can develop from the misuse of prescription pain medications or the use of illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. As opioid-related overdoses continue to affect communities across the country, understanding the risks associated with opioid use is more important than ever.

Learning to recognize the warning signs of opioid addiction and understanding available treatment options can help individuals and families take the first steps toward recovery. 

What Are Opioids? 

Opioids are a class of drugs used to relieve pain. Some opioids are prescribed by healthcare providers to help manage moderate to severe pain, while others are manufactured and distributed illegally. Although opioids can be effective for pain management, they also affect areas of the brain involved in pleasure, reward, and motivation.

Common opioids include:

• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Endocet)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Lorcet)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) 
• Codeine (Tylenol with Codeine) 
• Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq) 
• Heroin

Prescription opioids are often used to treat pain following surgery, injury, or certain medical conditions. When taken as prescribed and closely monitored, these medications can play an important role in medical treatment. However, opioids also have the potential for misuse because of the way they affect the brain and body.

Both prescription opioids and illicit opioids produce similar effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and feelings of euphoria. Repeated opioid use can change how the brain responds to these substances, increasing the risk of developing opioid use disorder. Understanding what opioids are and how they affect the body can help individuals recognize potential problems and seek help when needed.

How Opioid Addiction Develops

Opioid addiction often develops gradually over time. Many people first use opioids after surgery, injury, or treatment for a medical condition, while others may begin using them recreationally. Regardless of how opioid use starts, repeated exposure can change how the brain responds to these substances.

As opioid use continues, the body may develop tolerance. This means a person needs larger or more frequent doses to achieve the same effects. Regular opioid use can also lead to physical dependence, which occurs when the body adapts to the presence of the drug and has difficulty functioning normally without it.

Physical dependence and addiction are not the same thing. However, dependence can increase the risk of developing opioid use disorder, especially when opioid use begins to interfere with a person’s health, relationships, work, finances, or daily responsibilities.

The widespread use of prescription opioids contributed significantly to rising rates of opioid misuse in the United States. As some individuals developed dependence, many turned to illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl when prescription medications became more difficult to obtain. This transition has played a major role in the ongoing opioid crisis and the increase in opioid-related overdose deaths.

Understanding how opioid addiction develops can help individuals recognize when opioid use is becoming problematic and seek professional support before the condition becomes more severe.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction 

The signs of opioid addiction can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience noticeable physical symptoms, while others show changes in their behavior, emotions, or daily functioning. Recognizing these warning signs can help individuals and families identify when professional support may be needed.

Common physical signs of opioid addiction may include:

• Drowsiness or excessive fatigue
• Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
• Nausea or constipation
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Slowed breathing
• Frequent flu-like symptoms when opioids are unavailable

Common behavioral signs of opioid addiction may include: 

• Using opioids more often or in larger amounts than intended
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Financial problems related to opioid use
• Seeking multiple prescriptions or obtaining opioids illegally
• Continuing opioid use despite negative consequences

Common psychological signs of opioid addiction may include: 

• Strong cravings for opioids
• Mood swings or irritability
• Anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has an opioid addiction. However, when opioid use begins to affect daily life, relationships, responsibilities, or overall well-being, a professional assessment can help determine whether treatment may be beneficial.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox 

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when a person who has developed physical dependence on opioids reduces or stops opioid use. Although opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, the symptoms can be intense enough to make quitting difficult without professional support. In many cases, the discomfort associated with withdrawal contributes to continued opioid use and increases the risk of relapse.

Common opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Muscle aches and body pain
• Sweating and chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Yawning
• Runny nose or watery eyes
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• Strong cravings for opioids

The severity and duration of withdrawal vary from person to person. Factors such as the type of opioid used, the amount used, the length of use, and overall health can all influence the withdrawal experience. Symptoms often begin within hours to a few days after the last use and may continue for several days or longer.

Because withdrawal can be physically and emotionally challenging, many individuals benefit from medical detox. A medically supervised detox program can help manage symptoms, provide medical monitoring, and reduce the risk of returning to opioid use during the early stages of recovery. 

Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose Risks 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has become a major contributor to opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed in certain medical settings to manage severe pain, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is frequently found in the illegal drug supply and poses significant risks to individuals who use opioids.

One of the greatest dangers associated with fentanyl is its potency. Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, meaning even small amounts can produce powerful effects and significantly increase the risk of overdose. In recent years, fentanyl has increasingly been found in heroin, counterfeit prescription pills, and other illicit substances. In many cases, individuals may be unaware that fentanyl is present in the drugs they are using.

An opioid overdose can slow or stop breathing, which can quickly become life-threatening. Common signs of an opioid overdose may include:

• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Pinpoint pupils
• Blue or gray lips, fingernails, or skin
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Loss of consciousness

The growing presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply has contributed significantly to rising opioid overdose deaths. Recognizing the warning signs of an overdose and understanding the risks associated with fentanyl can help individuals and families respond quickly during an emergency.

If opioid use has become difficult to control, professional treatment can help reduce the risk of overdose and support long-term recovery.

Treatment for Opioid Addiction 

Opioid addiction is a treatable condition, and many people achieve long-term recovery with professional support. Effective treatment often follows an integrated approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social effects of addiction. Because opioid use disorder can affect many areas of a person’s life, treatment typically involves more than simply stopping opioid use.

Treatment often begins with medical detox to help individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms. After detox, ongoing treatment focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to addiction, developing healthier coping strategies, and building the skills needed to support long-term recovery.

Treatment for opioid addiction may include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including medications such as methadone or buprenorphine
• Residential treatment programs
• Partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient treatment programs
• Individual counseling
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Group therapy
• Family counseling and family support services
• Relapse prevention planning
• Peer support and recovery groups
• Aftercare and ongoing recovery support

Many individuals struggling with opioid addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In these situations, dual diagnosis treatment can help address both addiction and mental health concerns at the same time, supporting more comprehensive and effective recovery.

Because every person’s experience with opioid addiction is different, treatment plans should be individualized to meet specific needs, challenges, and recovery goals. With evidence-based treatment, ongoing support, and a commitment to recovery, many people are able to overcome opioid addiction and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Recovery From Opioid Addiction Is Possible

Recovery from opioid addiction is possible, and many people go on to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives after treatment. While recovery can present challenges, it also creates opportunities to improve physical health, strengthen relationships, rebuild trust, and develop a greater sense of stability and purpose.

There is no single path to recovery. Some individuals benefit from residential treatment, while others continue their recovery through outpatient care, therapy, peer support, and ongoing recovery services. The most effective recovery plans are tailored to an individual’s unique needs, challenges, and long-term goals.

Maintaining sobriety often requires continued commitment and support. Ongoing participation in therapy, recovery groups, aftercare services, and relapse prevention planning can help individuals build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and navigate challenges as they arise. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, professional treatment can help. The Ridge Ohio offers evidence-based treatment programs that address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction, helping individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the opioid crisis a national health emergency. This triggered nationwide, coordinated efforts to stem decades-long increases in opioid misuse, overdose, overdose fatalities, and other opioid-related deaths. The response involved the public and private sectors. Federal, state, municipal, and local authorities participated, from the White House all the way to neighborhood groups. Progress was made. Before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the U.S., total opioid overdose rates began to decline. Although deaths from illicit, synthetic opioids increased from 2017 to 2018, the template for an effective response to this increase is in place.

It’s still a bad situation, but we’re going in the right direction with the opioid crisis.

During the period when opioid use and overdose deaths rose at alarming rates – 2012 to 2018 – the use of another dangerous and addictive drug also increased, also at alarming rates: cocaine. The opioid overdose and addiction numbers dwarf the cocaine addiction numbers, but that doesn’t change the fact that in the U.S., right now, cocaine use, cocaine-related overdose, cocaine-related deaths, and cocaine addiction rates are more than double those reported in the 1980s, when cocaine use was prevalent across a wide range of demographic subgroups.

This article presents the latest statistics on cocaine use, discusses cocaine addiction and withdrawal, and ends with information on the treatment of and recovery from cocaine use disorder, a.k.a. cocaine addiction.

Statistics: Cocaine Use, Cocaine Use Disorder, and Cocaine Overdose in the U.S.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the University of Michigan, conducts an annual research effort called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

The purpose of the NSDHU is to collect and analyze “…information for youths aged 12 to 17 and adults aged 18 or older on drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, as well as substance use disorder (SUD), risk and availability of substance use, treatment, health topics, and alcohol consumption.”

Policymakers, health officials, and medical professionals use the results of the survey – which includes data from over seventy-thousand people – to make evidence-based, data-driven decisions on matters regarding substance use, mental health, and treatment.

The following two sets of statistics were reported in the 2018 NSDUH.

Cocaine Use: Age 12 and older, Age 18-25, Age 26 +

• An estimated 5.5 million people age 12 or older reported using cocaine in the 12 months prior to taking the survey
  • That’s about 2.0% of people age 12 or older in the U.S.
• An estimated 2.0 million young adults age 18-25 reported using cocaine in the 12 months prior to taking the survey
  • That’s about 5.8% of young adults age 18-25 in the U.S.
• An estimated 3.5 million adults reported using cocaine in the 12 months prior to taking the survey
  • That’s about 1.6% of adults aged 26 or older in the U.S.

Now we offer data on cocaine use disorder, a.k.a. cocaine addiction.

Cocaine Use Disorder: Age 12 and older, Age 18-25, Age 26 +

• About 977,000 people aged 12 or older in 2018 had a cocaine use disorder in the 12 months prior to taking the survey
  • That’s 0.4 percent of people age 12 or older in the U.S.
• About 212,000 young adults age 18 to 25 in 2018 had a cocaine use disorder in the 12 months prior to taking the survey.
  • That’s 0.6 percent of young adults age 18-25 in the U.S.
• About 760,000 adults aged 26 or older had a cocaine use disorder in the 12 months prior to taking the survey
  • That’s about 0.4 percent of adults in this age group

To round out the data section of this article, we offer the numbers on cocaine overdose in the U.S. published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Cocaine Overdose: Trends from 1999-2018

• Age adjusted rates for cocaine overdose deaths rose from 1.4 per 100,000 in 1999 to 2.5 per 100,000 in 2006.
  • For 1999, that’s 4,000 overdose deaths
  • For 2006, that’s about 7,500 overdose deaths
• Age adjusted rates for cocaine overdose deaths decreased from 2.5 per 100,000 in 2006 to 1.5 per 100,000 in 2011.
  • For 2006, that’s about 4,000 overdose deaths
  • For 2011, that’s about 4,500 overdose deaths, representing an overall increase, but a decrease as a percentage of the total population
• Age adjusted rates for cocaine overdose deaths rose from 1.4 per 100,000 in 2012 to 4.5 per 100,000 in 2018.
  • For 2012, that’s about 4,400 overdose deaths
  • For 2018, that’s about 14,500 overdose deaths

That last set of numbers – the increase in cocaine overdose deaths from 2012-2018 – represents a total increase of around 200 percent, or over 25 percent per year. That’s why it’s important for us to keep an eye on the trends in drug use for all drugs of misuse – not only opioids. That’s an alarming increase because cocaine use disorder – like opioid use disorder – can cause long-term damage to cocaine users, their families, and society at large.

Now that we’ve presented the latest data on cocaine use, cocaine use disorder (cocaine addiction), and cocaine overdose, we’ll talk about how cocaine works on the brain and body, then offer tips to spot problem cocaine use.

How Cocaine Works

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant derived from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Using cocaine results in short-term euphoria, a burst of energy, and extreme talkativeness. Cocaine also causes a dangerous increase in both heart rate and blood pressure.

Cocaine is most often used in powdered form. Users inhale cocaine powder through the nose, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream through nasal tissue. Cocaine can also be dissolved in water, smoked, or injected directly into the bloodstream. A cocaine high from inhaling or drinking lasts about 15-30 minutes, while the high from smoking cocaine lasts from 10-15 minutes.

When the cocaine high – which users report is intensely euphoric – begins to fade, the user often begins to crave more of the drug immediately.

Cocaine use disorder develops when users take the drug repeatedly, over short periods of time, in order to achieve and maintain its euphoric effects. However, this binge pattern – due in large part to the short duration of the cocaine high – can quickly lead to a state of disordered use. Significant changes in the brain occur – and occur quickly.

These changes cause cocaine users to seek more of the drug at increasingly higher doses.

Inside the brain, cocaine increases the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical that regulates pleasure and movement in the body. Typically, dopamine is recycled back into brain cells relatively quickly. Cocaine, however, prevents dopamine recycling (called reuptake) and causes excessive, unnatural, and atypical amounts to accumulate between neurons. The dopamine then disrupts normal communications within the brain, causing the euphoria associated with the cocaine high. In addition, cocaine impairs cognitive function and rational decision-making, which can lead to impulsive, risky behavior.

Cocaine Use Disorder: Signs and Symptoms

While the signs and symptoms of cocaine use vary from individual to individual, they manifest in three general categories: physical, behavioral, and psychological.

Physical symptoms of cocaine use include, but are not limited to:

• Dilated pupils
• Impaired sense of smell
• Nosebleeds
• Runny nose
• Gastric ulcers
• General gastrointestinal difficulties
• Impaired sexual function

Behavioral symptoms of cocaine addiction include, but are not limited to:

• Excess energy
• Rapid, excited speech
• Financial problems
• Impaired interpersonal relationships
• Difficulty managing work, family, and school responsibilities
• Lying about cocaine use
• Lying about financial problems
• Legal issues

Psychological symptoms of cocaine addiction include, but are not limited to:

• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic

The signs and symptoms listed above may appear obvious in some cases, but in other cases, they may not appear. It’s possible for an individual to develop a cocaine addiction and keep it hidden from almost everyone in their lives. When that happens, the cocaine use disorder may not become visible until the user tries to stop using cocaine – which results in withdrawal or an attempt to detox.

Cocaine Withdrawal: Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include, but are not limited to:

• Intense cravings for cocaine
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Anhedonia: reduced ability to feel pleasure
• Increased appetite
• Decreased energy
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Tremors
• Chills
• Depression
• Anxiety

The prolonged disordered use of cocaine can, in some instances, lead to a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to a group of symptoms that continue to bother an individual after initial withdrawal symptoms pass. PAWS can persist for weeks, months, and, in rare cases, for years.

Characteristics of PAWS include:

• Confusion
• Mood swings (including an outward defensiveness)
• Inconsistent energy levels
• Low enthusiasm
• Impaired cognitive function
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

The difficulties of withdrawal, the intensity of cravings, and the long-term effects of PAWS make recovery from cocaine addiction challenging. Decades of research show the best way to achieve sustained sobriety after cocaine addiction is through clinical treatment delivered by mental health professionals.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

The most effective treatment for cocaine use disorder follows an integrated treatment model. Integrated treatment addresses the entire person, which means it accounts for and supports all areas of life, including biological, psychological, and social factors that may be at play. If an individual with cocaine use disorder is also diagnosed with a co-occurring mental, behavioral, or mood disorder, than any treatment plan must address that diagnosis as well: integrated treatment plans, by definition, must be customized to meet the specific therapeutic needs of each individual.

Evidence-based treatment plans for cocaine use disorder include, but are not limited to:

• Individual counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Group Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Medication (if needed)
• Community/peer support
  • 12 Step groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Lifestyle Modifications
  • Mindfulness
  • Experiential activities
  • Exercise
  • Expressive therapies (art, music, journaling)
• Relapse Prevention
  • Aftercare plans
  • Ongoing community support

When seeking treatment for cocaine addiction, it’s important to locate a treatment center that includes the elements above. Each piece is important. Each contributes to long-term, sustained sobriety. Well-respected treatment programs – residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient – include the elements above, although they may call them by slightly different names.

Finding the Right Program

While effective cocaine addiction treatment options share many common components, each treatment center has its own identity approach to treatment. The best way to find the right program is to gather all the available information, then call or visit to get a feel for the clinical staff, support staff, and general atmosphere of the treatment center. Committing to an addiction rehab program is the first step in a life-changing process. Choosing a program and treatment center that offers the best possible professional support provided in an atmosphere that matches the unique personality, circumstances, and therapeutic needs of the person in treatment increases their chances of creating a sustainable life in recovery.