Unfortunately, recent federal data shows otherwise. Cocaine overdose rates have risen by nearly 5%.

With drug overdoses in the United States largely dominated by opioids in recent years, it may be tempting to believe that cocaine addiction is a relic of the past, something memorialized in movies like the 1980s classic Wall Street or more recently The Wolf of Wall Street. Unfortunately, recent federal data shows otherwise. Cocaine overdose rates have risen by nearly 5%. Adding further fuel to the argument that stimulant abuse is far from over, a drug policy expert has noted that every opioid epidemic in American history has been followed by a stimulant epidemic. In other words, cocaine addiction is cyclical. While cocaine overdose deaths actually decreased in the United States from 2006-2012, the numbers began to climb soon after, according to a Centers for Disease Control study.  In 2017, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by more than 34 percent, with nearly 14,000 deaths as a result.

The ABCs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine has a number of discreet and not-so-discreet aliases including big C, blow, flake, freebase, lady, nose candy, rock, snow, snowbirds, and white crack. Whatever you call it, it all comes from the same place: the leaves of the coca plant. This powerful stimulant produces feelings of euphoria that can be snorted, rubbed into the gums, or dissolved in water and injected. Given its immediate rush and the mental clarity it provides, it’s not surprising that cocaine is incredibly addictive, according to drugfreeworld.org. Once it leaves the brain, it’s another story entirely. The short-term buzz — something that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how quickly it’s absorbed — gives way to the inevitable “coke crash.” Instead of feeling excited and energized, depression, irritability, fatigue, and even intense paranoia set in. Cocaine addiction also has a significant impact on body function and overall health. In addition to dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, not to mention insomnia, prolonged cocaine snorting can also lead to damage of the nose’s mucous membrane. While larger amounts of cocaine — several hundred milligrams or more — may intensify the high, it can also lead to bizarre, erratic, or violent behavior. With repeated doses on this level, someone may experience muscle twitches, tremors, vertigo, seizures, or sudden death.

Hope for Those Battling Cocaine Addiction

As with any drug addiction, cocaine misuse can have serious implications for you or someone you love’s well-being and shouldn’t be taken lightly or ignored. At The Meadows Texas, comprehensive healing for every patient is the goal. Not only is medically supervised detox utilized to keep withdrawal symptoms under control and as a preventive measure, but in addition to the treatment of drug addiction, our caring team of experts also focuses on any underlying mental health conditions that may be perpetuating substance abuse. This strategy, the opposite of a quick fix, helps promotes lasting, long-term recovery with an emphasis on overall wellness.
Cocaine Addiction

Get answers to your questions

If you or a loved one would like to know more about treatment at The Meadows Texas, please give us a call to speak to one of our trained intake coordinators for assistance. Call 833-757-5697