Get help today 877-969-1934 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Withdrawal Syndrome of Cocaine

Get Sober Today

AAC is one of the largest substance abuse treatment providers in the US with facilities coast to coast. We have helped thousands get sober and lead a life free from addiction.

We are available 24/7 to help you or your loved one

Helpline Information
  • Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms, Dangers, Detox, and Addiction Treatment

    Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from leaves of the coca plant, grown primarily in South America. 1 It is an addictive substance that produces euphoric effects and has a high potential for misuse. 1 Someone who chronically uses cocaine can build ...

    ... withdrawal. Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline Stimulant withdrawal can ... withdrawal, chronic withdrawal, extended withdrawal, post-acute withdrawal syndrome , protracted abstinence, subacute withdrawal, or long-term withdrawal ... continue reading
  • How to Help Someone Addicted to Cocaine

    Knowing how to help a friend, family member, peer, or coworker with an addiction to cocaine is difficult. Addiction can take a serious toll on relationships, making a conversation about addiction treatment even more challenging. While this type of ...

    ... known as coke, blow, and snow, cocaine is a highly addictive drug that looks like fine, white powder. Cocaine is usually ... staff onsite to help you through any withdrawal symptoms you might experience, such as depression ... continue reading
  • Snorting Cocaine Side Effects, Signs, Dangers, and Addiction Treatment

    Cocaine is a stimulant drug with highly addictive properties that is derived from the coca plant. 1 Also known as “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? ...

    ... “coke,” “snow,” and “blow,” cocaine is a white, crystal-like powder that provides a euphoric high. How Is Cocaine Taken? Cocaine is ... centers to monitor clients during the withdrawal process to reduce the likelihood of ... continue reading
  • You Are Not Alone.

    DrugAbuse.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC). We are here to help you understand your addiction treatment options

    Helpline Information
  • Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

    Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...

    ... been developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage cocaine withdrawal symptoms. 10 Since withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine usually does not involve intense patient discomfort or medical danger, the ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Meetings, 12 Steps, and Addiction Treatment

    Cocaine addiction is a complex disease that has significant short- and long-term implications for a person's physical and mental health. 1 Treating cocaine addiction often involves behavioral interventions such as individual, family, and group-based ...

    ... CA meetings are hosted daily in many parts of the U.S., across the globe, and online. When joining Cocaine Anonymous, people typically find a group in their local community. This group is considered the Home Group and is ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs

    Cocaine use and addiction can be dangerous for a person's physical and mental health and have a detrimental impact on their life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, you know how difficult it can be to stop using ...

    ... to feel its effects and/or have to keep taking it to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms . 3 Many people use cocaine in binges, meaning they take it repeatedly at increasing doses to maintain their high, which can ... continue reading
  • What Is Crack Cocaine? Side Effects, Crack Withdrawal, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Crack Cocaine? Crack cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is the rock crystal form of powdered cocaine. 1,2,5 Crack cocaine is a more potent form of cocaine that is processed so that it can be smoked, which provides an immediate high. ...

    ... developing lung infections such as pneumonia. Seizures. Unpredictable or violent behavior. Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms When you use crack cocaine regularly for a prolonged period of time, your brain and body adapt ... continue reading
  • Effects of Cocaine Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, & Side Effects

    Cocaine is a Schedule II illegal stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is often used recreationally, and there is a range of dangers associated with the use of cocaine. This page will talk about: What cocaine is and how it is used. Cocaine's ...

    ... ideally be tailored to meet your needs and may include multiple settings, including: Detox : While cocaine withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, the severity of your symptoms may influence the level of care that ... continue reading
  • Risks of Using Cocaine While Breastfeeding

    Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a high milk-to-plasma ratio, meaning a significant amount of the drug may pass from a mother's blood into her breast milk. 1 Cocaine is the ...

    ... of the drug will likely be higher in their milk than in their blood. 5 The high people feel after using cocaine is relatively short, but it takes the body time to metabolize the drug and clear it out of the system. 5 ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    Cocaine overdose can be a serious concern for anyone who uses cocaine. This article will help you understand what a cocaine overdose is, cocaine overdose effects, and potential risk factors for cocaine overdose. We will also discuss what you can do ...

    ... refer you to treatment or rehab. 13 Different treatment concerns related to cocaine use, such as uncomfortable cocaine withdrawal symptoms like fatigue or slowed thinking, or co-occurring disorders like depression ... continue reading
  • Related results

  • Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

    Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...

    ... withdrawal symptoms with various types of substances, from marijuana and alcohol to stimulants such as cocaine ... . What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome? While addiction withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, they ... continue reading
  • How to Treat Stimulant Addiction: Rehab and Stimulant Treatment Options

    Stimulants are a broad class of substances that affect the nervous system in a way that leads to increased activity across a number of mental and physical processes—serving, in varying degrees, to boost energy and attention, but also capable of ...

    ... the acute stimulant withdrawal syndrome . If use has already ended, withdrawal symptoms should be monitored ... stimulants nonmedically. About 1.5 million people currently used cocaine . Of the 1.5 million, about 350,000 ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Alcohol and Drug Addiction Effects

    The longer an addiction to drugs or alcohol lasts, the more stress and strain it places on an individual. There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The following ...

    ... 4 Other drugs, like benzodiazepines, can bring about increased anxiety as part of their withdrawal syndromes. 5 Paranoia: Some drugs, like cocaine and marijuana , can cause feelings of paranoia that may be amplified with ... continue reading
  • Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Are Stimulants Used For? Stimulants are a class of substances that increase certain types of cell signaling and amplify various physiologic processes throughout the brain and body. In particular, many types of stimulant drugs are associated ...

    ... , dependent individuals may experience a stimulant withdrawal syndrome when use of the drug stops or ... by substance. For example, users of drugs like cocaine , which is metabolized by the body relatively quickly, ... continue reading
  • Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters

    For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...

    ... stimulants include: Methamphetamine (or crystal meth ). Cocaine . In the brain, dopamine is involved in ... suddenly. This phenomenon is referred to as withdrawal syndrome. Development of Addiction Drug-induced changes in ... continue reading
  • Why Are Prescription Stimulants So Addictive?

    Prescription stimulants are very prevalent pharmaceutical agents. They are frequently used for the management of narcolepsy and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drugs that fall in this category include: Dextroamphetamine and ...

    ... very similar to those of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine . Specifically, stimulants cause a buildup in ... relapse as a response to the unpleasant withdrawal syndrome, as well as safeguard against dangerous ... continue reading
  • What Are Hallucinogens? Short- and Long-Term Side Effects and Treatment

    Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the user's thinking processes and perception in a manner that leads to significant distortions of reality. 1 To many, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness and, ...

    ... . 20 It is often used in conjunction with cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy). 20 ... withdrawal symptoms in some individuals, but insufficient research exists to support a ketamine withdrawal syndrome ... continue reading
  • Long-Term Effects of Molly, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    MDMA Drug Information Ecstasy is the more common street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—a highly addictive, illicit drug also known as MDMA , or “Molly.” This drug shares chemical structural similarities with both amphetamine and ...

    ... MDMA in a similar way to how they self-administer cocaine, although to a lesser degree. 8 MDMA use may ... an uncomfortable withdrawal syndrome when not on the drug. Some MDMA users report withdrawal symptoms such ... continue reading
  • If Old Drug Ads Told the Truth

    Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Through the late 19th century and mid-20th century, many of today's illicit drugs of abuse were available legally in the United States. Products containing cocaine, heroin, or amphetamine were readily available for ...

    ... for all nervous affections.” But as we've seen, cocaine's relationship to the brain is one of toxin rather than tonic ... . The phenomena of tolerance, painful withdrawal syndromes, chemical dependency, the development of ... continue reading
  • Risks of Substance Abuse While Pregnant & Treatment Options

    Drinking alcohol or using drugs while pregnant can cause a number of negative health outcomes for both mother and child. It can affect a growing fetus because substances travel easily from the placenta, creating great potential for harm. 4 While not ...

    ... of developmental issues in your child, such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) —the most severe example on the spectrum of ... may be born with NAS, experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms after birth. Cigarettes and Pregnancy ... continue reading
  • Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

    How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

    ... the drugs their mothers take and go through withdrawal shortly after birth. This is common in ... hours between the last drink and breastfeeding. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)—SIDS is the leading cause of infant death ... continue reading
  • Zoloft Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

    What Is Zoloft Used For? Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by boosting the activity of the ...

    ... . Zoloft and Cocaine Addiction Treatment While research on the use of antidepressants during withdrawal is somewhat limited ... 6 Suicidality. Serotonin syndrome. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Hyponatremia (dangerously low ... continue reading
  • Side Effects of Librium Use, Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Librium Used For? Librium—which is a brand name formulation of chlordiazepoxide—belongs to a class of sedative medications known as benzodiazepines. Librium has been widely used as a treatment for anxiety and for managing the symptoms of ...

    ... managing the symptoms of alcohol and other sedative withdrawal syndromes. 1,2,3,4 Benzodiazepines are controlled ... manage symptoms of opioid or alcohol withdrawal . Come down from a cocaine high. Increase the euphoric high ... continue reading
  • Snorting Xanax (Alprazolam): Side Effects & Dangers

    What Does Snorting Xanax Do? Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety. 1,2 While taking Xanax as ...

    ... mitigate the risk of a severe acute withdrawal syndrome. Medically supervised detox is frequently encouraged ... people addicted to Xanax to also abuse alcohol, cocaine , and other prescription drugs. 8 Addiction treatment ... continue reading
  • Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

    Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. 1,2 When Valium is taken as ...

    ... it may damage the nose in ways similar to cocaine. Trying to quit benzodiazepines like Valium can be ... to quit is important, since the acute withdrawal syndrome often associated with quitting can pose serious risks ... continue reading
  • Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Addiction Treatment Programs

    For some time now, the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent national problem. In more recent years, however, our country has seen an alarming rise in prescription drug abuse . ...

    ... the abuse of illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin has been a persistent ... same effect) , as well as a marked withdrawal syndrome should they be stopped. Both of these phenomena ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

    Substance addiction is a chronic condition involving compulsive drug and/or alcohol use. People who are addicted to substances may continue to drink or use drugs despite the potentially serious problems such substance use causes in their lives. 1 ...

    ... significantly unpleasant and/or risky acute withdrawal syndromes, medical detox management may be ... model was developed to help those using stimulants, such as cocaine, but it is now used in addiction treatment for other ... continue reading
  • Flexeril Abuse Side Effects, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Flexeril? Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a central nervous system (CNS) muscle relaxant commonly prescribed as short-term treatment for muscle injuries, pain, spasms, and tenderness. When it is taken as prescribed, Flexeril's side effects are ...

    ... also sometimes used in combination with drugs like cocaine and amphetamines , as people may abuse it ... opiates , alcohol, and benzodiazepines. That said, some withdrawal symptoms may occur . They are typically more common ... continue reading
  • From Snort to Synapse: We Map Out Cocaine's Trip in Your Brain

    The powder is perfectly lined on the table. With no straw handy, you roll up a Washington and seconds later, the snow is gone. Inhaled into your nostril, this stimulant drug has started a trip that will change your brain… forever. What does this ...

    ... and/or paranoia Changing You Forever in a Moment Researchers have intently studied this coke trip under the microscope; they tell us a single dose of cocaine changes your brain's reward center. And that's partly why it's ... continue reading
  • Crack Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain (Simple Animation)

    “Crack is whack”—that much is widely understood and accepted. But, what exactly is crack? How is crack different from cocaine? Is it possible that crack gets a bad rap, or is it as lethal as it seems? AsapSCIENCE breaks down what we need to ...

    ... a powder to a solid. The new solid resembles a rock, hence the term “crack rock.” Why do people smoke crack cocaine , and how does the drug interact with the body when it's absorbed through the lungs? Because crack has a ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Could Mess With Your Brain's Ability to Recognize Sadness and Fear

    Cocaine is a stimulant drug with a reputation for making people more social but, in reality, it tends to make users paranoid and insufferable. And according to a new study , this may be in part because people who use cocaine are less capable of ...

    ... they were seriously sad or just a little angry. Researchers also found that the subjects who had taken cocaine had increased heart rates and higher levels of cortisol, the hormone that regulates how the body responds to ... continue reading
  • Women Are More Likely to Get Hooked on Cocaine—But Why?

    Women are generally more vulnerable to cocaine addiction than men, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. They're also more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take drugs in larger quantities, and have ...

    ... , used male and female mice—they have the same brain organization and dopamine system as humans—to observe how cocaine use affects the brain's reward pathway. What her team found was that the increased estrogen levels in ... continue reading
  • Take the Backdoor: Why Your Brain Can't Refrain From Cocaine

    Ted just snorted 2 lines of cocaine. If we could see inside his brain, we'd see some pretty alarming results. The blood vessels of Ted's brain are shrinking and blood flow is restricted, diminishing his ability to think, remember, and function. ...

    ... new pathway (or backdoor) means that, once Ted is addicted, he may not even be aware of his desire to use cocaine. Much like the lab rats, Ted will eventually lose control of his compulsion to “just say no.” He'll start ... continue reading
  • Dangerous Additives: What's Really in Your Cocaine?

    Cocaine is one of the most lethal illegal substances. This can be explained by the extraordinary psychoactive and biological effects of the drug. Cocaine is the single most powerful central nervous system stimulant. At high doses, it can stop the ...

    ... supply. The United Kingdom's Forensic Science Service reported an average purity of just 26.4% in their 2000+ cocaine seizures for 2013, down from 45% in 2005. Here we will highlight some of the more insidious additives ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Relapse Warning Signs, Prevention, and Addiction Treatment

    Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.3 million Americans met the criteria for cocaine addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...

    ... feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation in users. Because cocaine is highly addictive, people may relapse due to strong cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 2 What Is a Relapse? Relapse can be defined ... continue reading
  • Free Cocaine Addiction Hotline Numbers

    Call American Addiction Centers now at What Is Cocaine Addiction? Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can hook users with its rewarding high and eventually lead them down a dangerous path toward addiction. 1 The hallmark of any addiction is that a ...

    ... at . Calling for a Loved One? If you're calling for someone you care about who has a cocaine addiction, it can help to have some information ready beforehand, including: How long they've been abusing substances. Which ... continue reading
  • Cocaine Addiction: Have Scientists Finally Found a Cure?

    The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans use cocaine. In 2015, our nation saw more than 6,700 cocaine-related deaths. Research indicates that around 40% of drug-related emergency department visits involve ...

    ... a constant supply of the drug is needed to avoid withdrawal. If deprived of the drug, symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can include severe emotional and physical effects, such as: Fatigue Nervousness and anxiety Depression ... continue reading
  • Common Street Names for Drugs

    People actively misusing legal or illicit substances use slang terms for many reasons—ranging from avoiding detection by law enforcement to ensuring privacy in written and verbal communication. If you suspect that someone you love is misusing ...

    ... commonly abused for its euphoric stimulant effects . Some street names include: Blow Bump C Charlie Coke Snow Toot Coca Soda Cot Street Names for Crack Crack Cocaine —The yellowish rock known as “crack” is a version of ... continue reading
  • Common Neurological Risks of Drug Abuse

    Brain Damage From Drugs While substance misuse may cause a user to feel short-lived euphoria or impart a sense of temporary wellbeing, the adverse effects of drugs can be dangerous and, in some instances, may lead to permanent brain damage. Chronic ...

    ... of the leading causes of cocaine-related deaths in users. 7 Long-term cocaine abuse appears to cause a ... seizures and/or a coma. 14 Sudden sniffing death syndrome, in which irregular heart rate causes fatal heart failure ... continue reading
  • 30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...

    ... the Boston Celtics, two days later died of a cocaine overdose . 11. Marcus Camby Toronto Raptor Marcus Camby was ... having struggled with drugs early on in his rookie season—”coke was the only bright spot in my future,” he ... continue reading
  • Let’s Talk Truth: Exactly How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

    If you throw back a beer on Friday night, it's out of your system by Monday morning. But, what about other drugs? Most drugs linger a bit longer than alcohol. In fact, some of them stick around for a long time. This slower processing can surprise ...

    ... It's likely Joe and his friends just played their last game. Coke-Laiden Pink Slip After six months of searching, Kevin finally landed a great job. He uses cocaine frequently, but managed to pass his employer's drug test ... continue reading
  • I’m a Millionaire and I Need to Go to Rehab. Where Do I Go?

    You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid running into someone who might ...

    You've realized you have an issue, whether it's a heroin or coke addiction or a sex addiction, so you need to find somewhere nice to attend rehab. Naturally, you want somewhere that's a little more exclusive to avoid ... continue reading
  • 8 Tips for Coming Out of the Addiction Closet

    To many, the term “alcoholic” carries a very negative connotation - one that implies being a loser or a failure. It's no mystery, then, why admitting such a thing is feared by so many. But “coming out” doesn't have to be a burdensome ...

    ... , I was better equipped at admitting my drinking problem and prison experience to strangers. Tip 6: Cushion the Blow Chances are, your friends and family already know that you have a drinking problem. Maybe it was the ... continue reading
  • Seized

    In 2015, Border Patrol prevented more than 1.5 million pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth from entering the United States. 1 In the same year, the Coast Guard intercepted 72 vessels and more than 150,000 pounds of drugs. 2 These ...

    ... They are also at least a year or two old, with the most recent complete figures for the “big four” - marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and meth 5 - being from 2014. 6 A lot has happened since then. Seven states have passed new ... continue reading
  • IV Drug Use: Signs, Dangers, and Treatment

    Injection is a method used by individuals who misuse drugs to obtain a quick and powerful effect. 1 Intravenous (IV) injection, or injection into a vein, is the practice referred to throughout this article as IV drug use. Injection into a vein or ...

    ... 3 main drug types: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. 2 However, nearly any type of drug— ... paraphernalia among their possessions. 4 Symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal , depending on the time since their last use. ... continue reading
  • Drugs A-Z

    What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...

    ... underlies its exquisitely reinforcing, pleasurable effects. Learn more about the effects of cocaine use , cocaine withdrawal , and cocaine overdose symptoms . What Is Codeine? Codeine is a prescription opioid analgesic ... continue reading
  • Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction

    Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...

    ... drug or alcohol use, many people will experience withdrawal symptoms if the person reduces their dose or ... sites on the body may be used. 21 Heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are some of the most commonly injected drugs ... continue reading
  • The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

    Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

    ... to illicit drug use such as heroin and cocaine. #4 Cocaine Cocaine has a reputation as a “rich man's ... mixed with other drugs, or when a person goes into withdrawal . #9 Synthetic Drugs Synthetic drugs are a new group ... continue reading
  • What Drugs Cause the Most Insane Behavior?

    Many substances that are addictive cause mental changes or unusual behavior. Even if a substance does not inherently have mind-altering properties, people who are addicted to it may display strange behavior if they need the drug are unable to obtain ...

    ... in a brutal attack has drawn media attention to the drug. Cocaine Cocaine is an illegal, addictive drug that has stimulant properties. It ... drug can cause bizarre behavior during withdrawal , some drugs are especially prone ... continue reading
  • 20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

    Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

    ... opium or laudanum. He even wrote about suffering withdrawal symptoms when he ran out. However, this merely ... the creator of Sherlock Holmes, gave him a major cocaine addiction —so much so Conan Doyle wrote that Holmes ... continue reading
  • Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

    Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

    ... self-assessment quiz is designed to help evaluate whether you may have a dependence on or are misusing cocaine. While this assessment does not replace a clinical diagnosis from a professional, it can be helpful in ... continue reading
  • 12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

    Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

    ... dependent on alcohol, where if they stop drinking they develop withdrawal symptoms. 16 Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. 17 Cocaine/Crack Cocaine is a stimulant drug that causes dangerous physical effects such ... continue reading
  • Why Don’t We Have Addiction Vaccines?

    After three decades of research, people with addiction still have few medication options. While there are a handful of modestly effective FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol, nicotine and opioid-use disorders, there are none at all for cocaine, ...

    ... of Pennsylvania. 2 “You want it to take away withdrawal symptoms, you want it to reduce craving and you want ... robust to flush out the molecules. 20 As for cocaine, simply taking more of the drug overcomes the effect of ... continue reading
  • Dangers of Snorting and Sniffing Drugs

    Different routes of administration like snorting, sniffing, smoking, or injecting when you are using drugs can produce various effects based on how quickly the drug is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. 1 Methods like smoking or injecting ...

    ... or using a house key to “bump” powdered substances like cocaine, as they can carry germs that cause infection. 3 In some ... your body goes from acute intoxication to withdrawal. Inpatient substance misuse treatment , which ... continue reading
  • 25 Great Writers Who Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    Drug and Alcohol Addiction Can Affect Anyone Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, and writers are notorious for having some sort of addiction. Whether it's alcohol to numb the noise of the world or speed or LSD to “inspire” ...

    ... He died at the age of 39 thanks to his excessive drinking . Stephen King The master of horror and cocaine, King churned out thousands of pages of work year after year. His family staged an intervention and showed him how ... continue reading
  • Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

    Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...

    ... dates, he finds it difficult to approach anyone while at a bar or club. To overcome this inhibition, he snorts cocaine before going out with his friends. Suddenly, he meets lots of women. In fact, he's having sex with a ... continue reading
  • Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid

    Suboxone is a popular, prescription-only drug that effectively suppresses opioid cravings and reduces the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Although Suboxone has assisted thousands of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the drug is not ...

    ... in the bloodstream of a Suboxone user, which may quickly lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Combining cocaine and Suboxone also increases the risk of a cocaine overdose. As a depressant, Suboxone reduces the effects of ... continue reading
  • The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

    Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

    ... thought of “drugs of abuse,” such as cocaine and heroin, people may still begin to manifest ... used as a stimulant, a painkiller, and a remedy for opiate withdrawal . This plant has now emerged in the United States as a ... continue reading
  • Mixing Alcohol With Drugs

    Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illicit drugs (known as polysubstance use), can have dangerous health effects that many people may not realize. Since alcohol is such a commonly used substance, it's even more important to understand how it ...

    ... risk of alcohol overdose. 8,11 Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth Ecstasy Heroin Ketamine Marijuana Meth Steroids ... challenging because of the often more complicated withdrawal management that needs to take place, as ... continue reading
  • Stimulant Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment

    Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of several neurotransmitter systems throughout the brain and are capable of creating a state of heightened energy and alertness. Additionally, many stimulant drugs elevate physiological processes ...

    ... Some common stimulants include: ADHD medications (amphetamine, methylphenidate). Cocaine/crack cocaine. Methamphetamine (including crystal meth). Signs of Withdrawal From Stimulants When a person stops using stimulants , ... continue reading
  • 30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

    1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...

    ... B.I.G. Famous rapper Notorious B.I.G. was notorious not only for his music, but also for his cocaine and marijuana use. 22. Aaron Carter Aaron Carter was pulled over for speeding and possession of two ounces of marijuana ... continue reading
  • The Forefathers of Modern Illicit Drugs

    While illicit drugs are a major concern in today's society, many of them didn't start off as recreational. On the contrary, many started off with medicinal and anesthetic purposes. Here's a look at some of the forefathers of modern illicit drugs, ...

    ... fountain drink we know today. Ten years later, the Coca-Cola company ran into controversy after it was discovered cocaine was an addictive and dangerous substance. A glass used to 9 mg of its primary secret - now illegal ... continue reading
  • Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

    Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...

    ... to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be just as dangerous if not more so than drugs like heroin, cocaine , and marijuana . Designer drugs are drugs created in a lab to mimic popular drugs. Because they are ... continue reading
  • Wellbutrin Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Wellbutrin Used For? Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Zyban) is a drug that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, as well as to help people stop smoking. 1 Doctors ...

    ... Wellbutrin high as similar to that of stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamine . 2,5,7 In at least one ... abusing bupropion, some abusers have experienced Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms when they stopped taking the drug, ... continue reading
  • Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

    What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...

    ... . One of these chemicals is the same carcinogen found in cigarettes and gasoline, benzene. 15 Cocaine . It is a common for cocaine dealers to add other substances to the drug to create more of the product and boost ... continue reading
  • A Decade of American Drug Use

    In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...

    ... as well. Among these were drug scourges that have incited public outcry in decades past, such as crack cocaine and methamphetamine . The public also used PCP at substantially lower rates in 2016 than in 2004, a very ... continue reading
  • Stimulant Drug Abuse: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

    Stimulants—both illicit and prescription—are known to increase energy and alertness. Prescription stimulants can offer therapeutic benefits when used as prescribed. However, both prescription and illicit stimulants have a high propensity for ...

    ... survey of substance use patterns among Americans aged 12 and older showed that 5.5 million people reported using cocaine within the last year. In that same time period, 4.9 million people in this same age group reported ... continue reading
  • Drugs on Mars and Venus

    Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

    ... When it comes to gender differences, 1.7 times more men than women said they had used cocaine at least once before, and for crack cocaine, twice as many men said they'd tried it. Heroin, although it has one of the lowest ... continue reading
  • Dark Web Oxy Dealer Could Get 20 Years in Prison

    Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money laundering; he's facing at ...

    Frenchman Guy Vallerius - aka the “OxyMonster”- is accused of selling the illicit drugs oxycodone , cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web. In May, Vallerius plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and money ... continue reading
  • A Look at the Physical Anatomy of an Overdose

    A drug overdose occurs when the body has been overloaded with either prescription medication or an illicit substance. Under normal circumstances, our body's metabolism would be able to detoxify the substance in order to avoid its potentially harmful ...

    ... certain high. Stimulants affect two key areas of the body: the brain and the heart. The effects of cocaine and meth focus on the central nervous system, increasing the production of dopamine. With increased amounts, the ... continue reading
  • Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

    We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don't take the threat seriously or they're simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances. Most Dangerous Drug ...

    ... like they cancel one another out. It can become more difficult to “gauge” your magnitude of opioid or cocaine intoxication, which can more easily lead to accidental overdose . How to Get Help for Substance Misuse Whether ... continue reading
  • Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction

    Psychoactive substances, by definition, change the way people think and feel. Hallucinogens do this in a unique way, by altering the way that humans sense and perceive the world—making false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations seem real. One ...

    ... of time. While LSD won't induce powerful physical cravings in the same way that drugs like heroin and cocaine will, the effects can become so desirable for the user that they continue to use it despite mounting negative ... continue reading
  • Is Fentanyl Abuse More Deadly Than Heroin?

    Fentanyl, a drug previously unheard of by many, has become notorious in recent years due to the spike in overdose deaths from heroin laced with the potent prescription narcotic. It gained even more notoriety when the April 2016 death of iconic ...

    ... the potency of heroin and lead quickly to fatal respiratory depression. It may also compound the toxic influence of cocaine. Some buyers may hear of certain brands of heroin as being potent or a strong high and use it ... continue reading
  • Country vs. City Addictions: Are They Different?

    Urban and rural addicts don't seem to have a whole lot in common, according to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In gathering data for this particular study, researchers looked at addiction ...

    ... city addicts say heroin is their drug of choice (vs. 3.1 percent in the country), while 11.9 percent claim cocaine as a drug of choice (vs. 5.6 percent rural). Rural addicts began using drugs at a younger age (between 15 ... continue reading
  • 30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism

    1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...

    ... . Tatum O'Neal As a result of dealing with her mentally unstable mother, Oscar winner Tatum O'Neal turned to cocaine by age 20. 20. Johnny Depp Johnny Depp became a heavy drinker simply because of his claim to fame . He ... continue reading
  • Heroin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    How Is Heroin Consumed? Heroin is one of the most common, addictive, and lethal drugs in the world. A morphine derivative, heroin is sold illegally in the form of white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” In ...

    ... response that somewhat opposes the effects of heroin . Because cocaine, for example, is a stimulant and heroin is ... , or naltrexone—to alleviate the more several withdrawal symptoms and cravings in order to reduce relapse ... continue reading
  • 12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups for Addiction

    12-Step recovery programs have become an integral aspect of maintaining sobriety post-addiction. 1 They usually operate on the basis of abstinence while creating a community of people who are living sober lives. 1 A 12-Step program helps establish ...

    ... using drugs and alcohol. Find Meetings Near You Adult Children of Alcoholics Al-Anon/Alateen Cocaine Anonymous Crystal Meth Anonymous Co-Anon Co-Dependents Anonymous Heroin Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous Nar-Anon Pills ... continue reading
  • The 10 Most Insane Drug Addict Movie Characters

    Insanity is a hard thing to define, but there are a number of characters in films who are definitely nuts in some way. Here's a quick rundown: 1. Francis Begbie Francis Begbie from Trainspotting was played by Robert Carlyle. A violent, intimidating ...

    ... drug deal. 2. Eddie Nash Eddie Nash was a cocaine trader in the film Wonderland. A kingpin of the Los ... film about the drug trade in Miami, and it's a coked-up Tony Montana who gets the insane label. Played by Al Pacino ... continue reading
  • Making Sense Out of the Confusing World of Ritalin

    Sharon is at another meeting with her son's teacher. Aiden's teacher says he's unfocused and disruptive in class. Sharon knows her son behaves the same way at home. Last night's battle over homework fresh in her mind - and she doesn't know what to ...

    ... , brain hemorrhage, hair loss, growth stunting, seizures or stroke. Can My Teen Abuse It? Ritalin is similar to cocaine in its chemical make-up. In fact, it's classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a ... continue reading
  • DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana

    With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...

    ... abuse and no accepted medical benefits. In other words, it's in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine . Even the staunchest anti-drug supporters have hard a time putting pot on equal footing with heroin. In fact ... continue reading
  • You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana

    Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...

    ... . Retraining Traditionally, law enforcement agencies taught their dogs to sniff out heroin, crack, cocaine, meth and marijuana. However, there's no way for the dogs to indicate a specific substance or the amount present ... continue reading
  • Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…

    Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...

    ... 't normally expect from them - it might be due to the influence of drugs . For example, cocaine can cause jaw clenching/grinding, excessive talking, and paranoia. Heroin, on the other hand, can cause extreme sleepiness ... continue reading
  • Addiction and Your Hormones: Pointing the Finger at Estrogen

    Could a hormone imbalance be to blame for your chemical dependency ? The answer might surprise you. If you're a woman, chances are you're familiar with the effects of a fluctuating estrogen level. Symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression ...

    ... in the high-estrogen phase of her menstrual cycle and she takes a certain drug - think meth or cocaine - she feels more enjoyment. Those increased feelings of pleasure often lead women to associate the high with greater ... continue reading
  • Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

    ... are seeking help for a problem with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, or any other ... is taken away (or the dose significantly reduced) withdrawal symptoms emerge as the body re-adjusts to not ... continue reading
  • History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Throughout the World

    What Is the History of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation? As drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for just as long. For as long as drugs have been used, there have been those who have abused ...

    ... twice with China to keep opium trade routes open, and these naturally became known as the Opium Wars. Cocaine was isolated in 1884 and quickly became yet another widespread drug of abuse. Heroin and other opiates were ... continue reading
  • Drug Addiction Quiz

    The drug addiction quiz is designed to provide you an idea of whether a drug addiction or drug abuse problem exists. The drug addiction quiz is not perfect and the drug addiction quiz should only be seen as a guide. Take the drug addiction quiz ...

    ... When you stop taking your drug, do you experience any withdrawal symptoms or feel sick? Yes No Has your drug use ... determine the level of your adderall dependence and abuse. Cocaine Test A short test we've created to help ... continue reading
  • Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

    More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...

    ... while fewer people are addicted to marijuana than cocaine or alcohol, marijuana addiction is very real. The ... not recover these IQ points. 7 Warning Signs & Withdrawal Symptoms For those concerned about whether they or a ... continue reading
  • Ibogaine: Can it Cure My Addiction?

    What does it take to quit using heroin or other opioids? This is a question that is very much on the minds of millions of Americans. The scientific community continues to look for the best way to quit using drugs and everyone wants to know what will ...

    ... know what will help curb cravings and decrease withdrawal side effects. Some individuals have looked back far ... previously claimed that ibogaine helped treat opiate , cocaine , and poly-drug dependence disorders. In fact ... continue reading
  • Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics

    It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can have detrimental consequences on your mind, body, and life. They are indiscriminate in who they affect; anyone who abuses alcohol or drugs is at risk for developing an addiction. Although they are sometimes ...

    ... to severe adverse health effects and life-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms . 4. An estimated 88,000 people die ... 's possible to die the first time you use cocaine; consumption quadruples the risk of sudden death. 5 ... continue reading
  • Are These 7 Things Really as Addictive as Drugs?

    When you think about the disease of addiction, images of illicit drugs or empty whisky bottles likely come to mind. But addiction isn't limited to these substances. In fact, experts have determined that humans can become addicted to anything that ...

    ... Medicine says “can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding and attractive.” 1 2 ... Young has personally witnessed the severe withdrawal symptoms experienced by game addicts. ... continue reading
  • Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

    There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...

    ... way to escape this reality. 8. Enhanced Experiences Drugs and alcohol are often used to enhance certain experiences. Cocaine and Adderall are commonly used to enhance energy and focus when they feel like they can't do ... continue reading
  • MDMA/Ecstasy Dangers of Use, Addictive Potential, and Treatment Options

    Ecstasy is an illicitly manufactured, synthetic drug used by many people for different reasons, such as to increase feelings of well-being or feel emotional closeness to others. 1 Although ecstasy initially became popular for use at raves or ...

    ... One of the uncomfortable effects of ecstasy use can be withdrawal, which refers to the symptoms that can occur when ... 2,6 Ecstasy use frequently occurs in combination with cocaine , alcohol , and marijuana use , which can ... continue reading
  • The Effects of Adderall Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    What Is Adderall Used For? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are ...

    ... safety of the process. Once withdrawal is completed, effective behavioral interventions are available for Adderall abuse. These follow a similar path as treatments for cocaine and methamphetamine addictions. Treatments ... continue reading
  • Snorting Adderall: Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

    What Does Adderall Do? Adderall is a prescription stimulant used and abused for its ability to increase energy and mental focus, as well as for its potential to elicit pleasurable feelings at high enough doses. 1 It is prescribed for the treatment ...

    ... stimulant, they will often experience a set of withdrawal symptoms that may make quitting extremely difficult. Tolerance ... may cause side effects similar to those of snorting cocaine , such as: 6,7 Impaired sense of smell ... continue reading
  • The 7 Most Addictive Prescription Medications

    Prescription drugs are commonly given to people suffering from with injuries or illnesses. They're legal when you've been prescribed the medication by a legitimate medical provider. However, these drugs still can be addictive when taken as ...

    ... “House M.D.” faced issues of Vicodin addiction and withdrawal throughout the series, and you know how serious the ... it also can be used as a substitute for cocaine when snorted or injected. This drug can cause increases ... continue reading
  • Bath Salts Overdose Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment

    What Are Bath Salts? Synthetic cathinones —commonly referred to as “bath salts”—belong to a group of drugs health officials call “new psychoactive substances.” These are psychoactive drugs that mimic the effects of existing illegal drugs ...

    ... though, as MDVP is reportedly 10 times more powerful than cocaine . 1 Signs and Symptoms of Bath Salts Overdose An article ... during detox to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms . After detox is complete, there ... continue reading
  • Risk of Counterfeit and Laced Drugs

    Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 27 million people aged 12 and older were current illicit drug users. This figure amounts to 1 in every 10 people having used illegal drugs in the past month. With ...

    ... Drugs With Other Substances Below are some of the more commonly encountered cutting agents found in popularly abused drugs. Cocaine may contain: Lidocaine : a local anesthetic with numbing qualities similar to those of ... continue reading
  • Effects of Flakka Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

    Is Flakka Harmful? Flakka is a street drug with origins in South Florida. One of the newer chemicals in the booming category of synthetic or designer drugs, Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the ...

    ... can rival those of some of the strongest crystal meth and cocaine . Long-Term Effects of Flakka Use Long-term effects of ... the first phase of treatment is detox. Withdrawal can be very painful and uncomfortable, and it ... continue reading
  • Neurontin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

    What Is Neurontin/Gabapentin? Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin . Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medication. Its intended use is to treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures and nerve pain related to shingles. However, the drug is ...

    ... high was similar to that of cocaine . All 5 inmates had a history of cocaine abuse and received Neurontin for pain or a psychiatric diagnosis. 8 Neurontin Abuse Treatment Types Withdrawal can occur among people who use ... continue reading
  • Trafficking Statistics

    Drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, and individuals seeking to abuse drugs generally have little trouble finding those substances. Abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioids continues to be the public health crisis of our ...

    ... types accounted for nearly all drug trafficking offenses: 3 Methamphetamine: 33.6% Cocaine: 19.8% Marijuana: 17.6% Heroin: 14.4% Crack: 8 ... and more to get high? Go through withdrawal when unable to use? Answering yes to ... continue reading
Show More Results