Acute Mental Health:

Cocaine Addiction

How are Cocaine and Crack Cocaine used?

Cocaine is generally inhaled but is sometimes injected or smoked. If sniffed the effects come on gradually and peak after about 15 - 30 minutes. When injected the effects are almost immediate and much more intense.

When Crack is smoked the effects are similar but much shorter acting and are generally associated with an intense 'rush', the pleasurable effects may last from 30 seconds to 2 - 3 minutes and occasionally longer.

There appears to be no ceiling for the use of Crack cocaine hence the often unlimited use of vast quantities of the drug over a short period of time leading to large debt or crime.

What are the effects of Cocaine and Crack?

Generally a feeling of alertness, exhilaration, well being and confidence are reported.
Suppression of appetite
These effects are more intense when crack is smoked
Both produce a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.

Problems Associated with Cocaine and Crack

Progressively using more, leading to compulsive use of cocaine; spending large amounts of money on it and time involved with it
It can enable the abuser to consume large quantities of alcohol therefore complicating the addiction cycle sometimes leading to a dependence on alcohol.
Personal, social and work relationships can breakdown.
Insomnia (sleeplessness).
Judgement becomes impaired.
Psychological and physical symptoms while using or post using can include depression, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and a 'crawling' sensation over the skin.
The risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis if sharing syringes or pipes.
Smoking crack can lead to breathing problems and lung damage.
Repeated snorting or sniffing damages nasal membrane.
Excessive use or high dose use can cause epileptic fits, stroke or a heart attack.

How can Cygnet Health help?

Cocaine is not physically addictive and there is no medical detoxification required. However, compulsive use can mimic symptoms of mental illness such as paranoia depression and anxiety and these can be medically managed. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety and anger. Brief inpatient care should be considered in these cases and can also help by starting to break the psychological dependence.

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