Cocaine Detox

The objective of detoxification is to assist the cocaine addict in ending the use of the drug as quickly and safely as possible, in a supervised environment. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily substitute another drug (such as methadone) which has fewer side effects.

Cocaine Facts

Cocaine's potential for abuse and cocaine addiction is no wonder, considering it is the world's most powerful natural stimulant. Its powerful euphoric effects are the result of the drug's interaction with the brain's dopamine receptors in the central nervous system.

The chemical component that produces the "high" is found in the leaves of the South American coca tree. As with other opiates, its appearance in the Western world (in the mid-1800's) was originally greeted warmly. It was marketed as a "pick-me-up" in tonics and other patent medicines, and was an ingredient in the original formulation of Coca-Cola (removed in 1904).

In its powder form, the drug is sniffed (or "snorted"), where it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. This "quick and convenient" method of using produces a cascade of pleasurable feelings that can last between 15-30 minutes.

When the drug is smoked (in a form known as "crack") or injected, the intensity of the euphoric effects are much stronger; however, the "high" is of shorter duration. The resulting "crash" creates a sense of urgency to consume more cocaine. Addicts call this roller coaster effect "chasing the high."

Although the user feels a strong compulsion to use again and again (in order to experience the same pleasurable feelings), achieving the same level of euphoria requires using a greater amount of cocaine.

In some cases, sudden death (from heart attack) can occur on the first use of cocaine. Researchers have not identified what makes some otherwise-healthy individuals susceptible to this or other heart conditions.

Heavy or long-term cocaine users may display aggressive paranoid behavior. Often, the euphoria is followed by depression. This is thought to be the trigger for the cycle of psychological dependency: once depression hits, the addict needs to use again to alleviate the depression. The physical and social repercussions become less and less important, as the addict focuses on the drug as the solution to the problem, rather than as the problem.