This page has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK.
Cocaine is used recreationally for a short-term surge in energy and confidence, usually in powder form.
While use is normalised in film and often thought of as a way to cope with high-pressure careers, treating this highly addictive stimulant as a short-term solution is extremely dangerous, as regular use can quickly become an addiction.
Over time, the dopamine spikes change how the brain processes reward. Eventually, users will no longer be looking for a confidence boost or high, but trying to avoid the discomfort that comes with a crash.
If you're concerned about yourself or someone close to you, talking with a specialist is a low-pressure way to explore what help actually looks like.
The idea of starting rehab for cocaine addiction can be uncomfortable, but getting help as soon as possible is crucial to help recovery. Ultimately, rehab is a positive and life-changing experience for many people.
A residential rehab setting provides a safe space for the person involved to take an honest look at themselves, their cocaine dependency, and its effects on their behaviour and mental health. A combination of individual therapy and group therapy means treatment can be tailored to an individual’s needs, helping to tackle the dependency holistically and develop coping mechanisms.
Cocaine can be physically addictive primarily due to its profound impact on the brain's reward system. Here are the key reasons why cocaine is addictive.
- Dopamine release. Cocaine blocks the reabsorption of dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward), triggering an intense euphoria.
- Reinforcement. The brain associates the drug with this extreme pleasure, creating a compulsion to seek out the drug and replicate the pleasurable experience.
- Altered brain chemistry. The brain adapts to the increased dopamine levels by reducing the number of dopamine receptors or decreasing their sensitivity, making it harder to feel good without cocaine and leading to larger and more frequent doses.
- Highs and crashes. The euphoria is intense but fades quickly, causing a dangerous cycle to try to sustain the high.
- Withdrawal. Stopping can trigger a hard crash, including depression, anxiety and intense cravings.
If you need to learn more, speak to our Treatment Advisors for personalised advice.
