Last reviewed:
Nov 21st 2022
PharmD, BCPS
Cocaine use disorder is a stimulant use disorder where people continue to take cocaine despite its negative side effects. When stopping cocaine, they can experience withdrawal symptoms because of their addiction [1]. In addition, repeated cocaine users may experience side effects such as paranoia, nausea and tremors [2]. Medical professionals can treat it through therapeutic methods.
Like other stimulant use disorders, cocaine use disorder is where an individual is addicted to cocaine. It occurs when someone continues to take cocaine - a highly addictive drug - despite the noticeable harm it is causing and the adverse effects they experience. They will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it.
Side effects of cocaine use disorder can occur immediately after taking it and after long-term use. As with other drug use disorders, there are risks you expose yourself to depending on how you take the drug, such as contracting an infection through needles.
Immediate side effects can include: [2]
Long-term use can lead to: [2]
There are many options for treatment. These include: [3]
People with cocaine use disorder can experience different symptoms depending on how they take the illegal drug. [2]
Cocaine works by increasing the build-up of dopamine in your brain. However, this can have some severe long-term effects that can be behavioral, physical, and psychological.
Diagnosis for cocaine use disorder is based on the DSM-5 criteria for ‘stimulant use disorders.’ Diagnoses can be mild (2-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (more than 6), depending on how many of the following symptoms you have experienced. [1]
As well as your doctor asking you about what symptoms of the DSM-5 criteria you have experienced, they may also ask if there is any family history of addiction. They can also run blood tests to determine how much cocaine you take accurately.
Cocaine use disorder is caused because of changes in dopamine levels in the brain over time. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain, and after repeated cocaine use, changes in the number of dopamine receptors result in tolerance. This process means that you will need more and more cocaine to get the same effect. When you take cocaine, dopamine builds up in the synapse. This increased amount of dopamine is what causes the feelings referred to as the ‘high.’ [7]
After repeated cocaine use, the more tolerant you become. It is this cycle that causes addiction.
It is thought that people aged between 24 and 26 are most at risk of developing cocaine use disorder if they start taking it. [8]
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for cocaine use disorder. The most effective treatments for cocaine addiction have been found to be therapeutic methods.
When helping a friend or loved one with cocaine use disorder, it is important to be considerate of what you say and supportive through all stages of recovery.
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