Cocaine use is common amongst younger people especially and is typically used recreationally on night outs or during events. However, cocaine is an addictive substance which can develop into a serious substance abuse problem.
If you or somebody you know is using cocaine, it may not be obvious that an addiction has developed. Find out some of the most common signs of cocaine addiction here.
Is Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine can be extremely addictive, as over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of cocaine which causes a built-up tolerance. Once a tolerance to cocaine has developed, higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects.
Long term use of cocaine can also lead to dependence which causes individuals to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using cocaine. This further reinforces the cycle of addiction, making it very addictive.
Cocaine addiction can have a number of serious consequences for physical, mental, and social well-being, so it is crucial to seek help and support for recovery and know how to spot the signs of cocaine addiction early on.
Find out more about cocaine addiction below.
Spotting the Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Spotting the signs of a cocaine addiction can be difficult, particularly in yourself. Cocaine use may begin casually in social situations and may not result in an addiction in some people.
However, if cocaine is consumed in large quantities for long periods of time, the chance of an addiction developing increases. This is because cocaine acts on the brain’s reward system and increases the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement.
The surge in dopamine creates intense feelings of euphoria and energy, which can lead to repeated use of the drug to chase the pleasurable effects first experienced.
Some common signs of cocaine abuse include mood changes, signs of depression or anxiety, sweating, insomnia, using the drug at inappropriate times, losing interest in old hobbies, and a preoccupation with obtaining more coke.
See 6 of the most common signs of cocaine addiction:
6 Main Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Symptoms of cocaine addiction are varied, and it is important to be able to spot the signs in yourself or a loved one if you are concerned. From mental health changes to behaviour, see the 6 main signs below:
Change in Behaviour
Cocaine use can lead to neglect of responsibilities and is a common warning sign of cocaine abuse. Individuals addicted to cocaine may prioritise obtaining and using the drug over fulfilling their obligations at work, school, or home.
This behaviour can be seen in various ways, such as missing deadlines, skipping classes or work, neglecting household chores or financial responsibilities, or failing to fulfil commitments to family and friends.
The compulsive urge to seek and use cocaine can overshadow other aspects of life, leading to significant disruptions and consequences in personal and professional spheres.
Increased Tolerance
An increased tolerance to cocaine can be a sign of addiction, as it indicates that cocaine is being consumed regularly. Tolerance occurs when a person needs larger doses of a substance to achieve the desired effects that were previously experienced with lower doses.
In the case of cocaine, developing tolerance often indicates that the individual’s brain and body have adapted to the drug, requiring higher amounts to produce the same euphoric effects.
An increased requirement for a higher dosage is a common feature of addiction and can contribute to the cycle of drug-seeking behaviour as individuals chase the initial pleasurable effects of cocaine.
An increased tolerance to cocaine is a concerning indicator that may suggest the development of addiction and the need for intervention and support.
Mental Health Changes
While cocaine initially produces feelings of euphoria and increased confidence due to its stimulant effects, the comedown or withdrawal from the drug can result in negative psychological symptoms.
Individuals may experience depression, sadness, or low mood, as well as anxiety after cocaine use. This can cause a person to experience excessive worry, restlessness, or panic attacks.
Long term cocaine use can also disrupt the brain’s natural chemistry and contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety even when not actively using the drug, making psychological changes a key sign of addiction.
These mental health symptoms can often co-occur with cocaine addiction and may worsen as the addiction progresses.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When individuals who are addicted to cocaine abruptly stop using the drug or significantly reduce their intake, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms as their body and brain adjust to the absence of the substance.
Common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, increased appetite, vivid dreams or nightmares, slowed thinking, and intense cravings for cocaine.
These symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on factors such as the individual’s level of dependence, frequency and duration of cocaine use, and overall health.
Seeking professional medical and psychological support can help manage cocaine withdrawal symptoms and support the individual through the recovery process.
Cocaine Cravings
If you or someone you know experiences cravings for cocaine, it is very likely that a cocaine addiction exists.
Cravings can be triggered by various factors such as environmental cues, stress, or social situations associated with cocaine use.
Lack of Control
A loss of control over cocaine use can indicate an addiction, especially if a person cannot stop using it in certain situations or if issues arise as a result of cocaine use.
Lack of control is a defining characteristic of addiction and is often accompanied by compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and an inability to resist cravings or urges to use cocaine.
Help and Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
If you are struggling to overcome cocaine addiction or want help for a loved one, get in touch with our team today. We can help you find the best cocaine rehab treatment for your requirements and needs.
Phone us today on 0330 0414 845 or fill out our contact form for more details and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
6 Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine use is common amongst younger people especially and is typically used recreationally on night outs or during events. However,…
Codeine is a type of pain relief that is prescribed by doctors to help with mild and moderate aches and pains as well as coughs. However, it also comes with a darker side and has commonly been described as a double-edged sword, as a result of its addictive properties.
Being aware of the addiction potential is key when taking codeine, and it’s important to be able to identify signs and symptoms of codeine addiction. Here, we reveal exactly that and explain everything you need to know about codeine, how it works and the challenging consequences associated with it.
What is Codeine?
Codeine comes from the same drugs as morphine and is officially classed as an opioid. Medical professionals most commonly prescribe it to help individuals to manage coughs and pains. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, which changes the body’s perception of pain and also reduces the urge to cough. The NHS recommends that codeine is only used for short-term pain relief. This is because prolonged and excessive use of this pain relief medication can result in tolerance, dependence and addiction.
In the UK, codeine is available over the counter in low-dose formulations as well as in combination with other painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol. Unfortunately, this means that some people are unaware of just how addictive these drugs can be – especially when individuals are self-medicating without the appropriate supervision of a medical team.
When prescribed by a medical professional and used as prescribed, codeine is a very safe drug. However, it does, unfortunately, have addictive properties, which is why individuals using it must be monitored and why so many people, unfortunately, abuse the substance.
Understanding Codeine Effects
Codeine and other opioids are known for their ability to reduce pain all around the body. When ingested, the codeine travels to the brain’s receptors. It works in the central nervous system, intercepting pain signals and bringing relief and a state of relaxation to the individual. However, because codeine is such a powerful substance, its effect extends beyond pain relief. It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel a sense of pleasure and contentment, which is another reason why some people abuse its usage.
Why Is Codeine Addictive?
The main reason that codeine is addictive is because of its potential to create a euphoric and pleasurable experience for users. After prolonged exposure to this, the brain begins to adapt and requires higher doses of codeine in order to feel the same happiness. This is what is called tolerance and often paves the way to codeine dependence – when the brain and body require the substance to operate normally – and addiction. Ultimately, when someone is addicted to codeine, they find themselves in a vicious cycle, constantly searching for the same pleasure while suffering from cravings and increasing doses.
Work is being done to regulate codeine, and over the years, measures have been put in place regarding products that contain codeine. This includes restricted pack sizes and stronger labelling, which highlights the risk of tolerance, dependence and addiction. However, codeine addiction in the UK is still a severe and dangerous problem for many.
Psychological and Physical Aspects of Codeine Addiction
Just like other addictions, codeine addiction presents itself in several ways, including both physical and psychological symptoms. The initial pain relief can cause individuals to feel happy, content and euphoric, providing mental relief from pain or emotional distress.
At the same time, the body and brain can begin to rely on codeine in order to operate normally. This can result in cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which come with their own set of symptoms. Some of the most common side effects associated with codeine withdrawal include sickness, mood swings, sweating, agitation and anxiety. While challenging to deal with, these symptoms often lead to individuals continuing to use codeine, which again restarts the cycle of codeine addiction.
Risks and Consequences of Codeine Addiction
Similar to other addictions, the risks and consequences of codeine addiction vary and also extend far beyond physical symptoms.
Individuals addicted to codeine are more likely to suffer from serious health conditions, including exasperated mental health issues, organ damage and respiratory depression. Weight loss, mood swings and changes in behaviour can also occur. Not to mention the fact that addiction can have hugely damaging effects on finances, careers and relationships. Worst of all, as with any addiction, there is a risk of overdose, which can have fatal consequences.
Prevention and Treatment of Codeine Addiction
Prevention first begins with responsible codeine use. You should only take codeine if prescribed by a doctor, and be sure to follow the prescribed doses and duration. This can help to reduce the risk of codeine addiction. If you are concerned about addiction, then looking for non-opioid alternatives to pain relief may be a better option for you. Speaking to your doctor about any concerns you have is essential to ensure the safe and proper use of codeine.
Don’t forget, if you are struggling with a codeine addiction or are worried about your codeine usage, there is help out there. From community support groups, online resources, professional therapy and medically supervised detoxification, there are a variety of treatment methods available that could help you turn your back on codeine for good.
Get Support For Codeine Addiction Today
If you are worried about your codeine use or a loved one’s, then just know there is help out there.
Recovery is a journey and you don’t have to do it alone, however you’re affected by addiction. Understanding how powerful codeine is and being aware of the signs and symptoms of codeine addiction is the first step in using this pain relief medication more safely. But if you have any concerns or questions about opioid addiction, don’t hesitate to get in touch, as doing so could help you access the treatment and advice you need.
Why Is Codeine Addictive?
Codeine is a type of pain relief that is prescribed by doctors to help with mild and moderate aches and…
You wake up on a Sunday morning, your head is hurting from drinking too much alcohol and again, you can’t remember what happened the night before. Does this sound like a regular occurrence to you?
Blacking out after drinking alcohol is a major sign of excessive alcohol consumption and can be dangerous for both your body and your mind, causing serious long-term effects for your overall health and wellbeing.
What is the definition of a Blackout?
The phrase ‘blackout’ is used to refer to a temporary loss of memory, where an individual is unable to remember what happened over a period of time. It is usually mentioned when referring to alcohol activities and is caused as a result of over alcohol consumption.
How Long Does a Blackout Last?
The duration of alcohol blackouts can vary, depending on the individual and the amount of alcohol that they consumed. It can last from hours up to days, but this can depend on a number of factors affecting the duration.
What are the Causes of Blackouts?
It’s no secret that the one main cause of alcohol blackouts is…alcohol consumption, however there are other factors that can affect blackouts from occurring and the intensity or duration of the alcohol blackouts.
When a person drinks a certain amount of alcohol, the body is unable to store memories in the brain so the more a person drinks, then the longer their alcohol blackout is likely to last.
It’s common for individuals suffering with an alcohol addiction to experience blackouts and prolonged periods of memory loss due to the regular misuse of alcohol.
Factors affecting the cause of blackouts
Alcohol affects everyone differently, as we are all wired differently and have different tolerances to alcohol. Factors that can change the effects of alcohol are:
- The amount of alcohol consumed
- The weight of the individual
- The individual’s physiology
- How much the person has eaten that day
The Link Between Alcohol Addiction and Blackouts
It’s common for individuals suffering with an alcohol addiction to experience blackouts and prolonged periods of memory loss due to over consumption.
How to Prevent Blackouts from Happening
There are preventions that you can put in place to stop blackouts from occurring and putting yourself at risk of causing harm to your body. This includes:
- Monitoring how much alcohol you drink
- Eating a large meal before drinking
- Drinking water between alcoholic drinks
- Have a night off and give your body a rest from alcohol!
What are the Health Impacts of Blackouts?
Over consuming alcohol and causing temporary mental blackouts can impact an individual, causing effects on both their body and their mind including:
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Delayed reactions
- Slurred speech
If experiencing regular blackouts, then there can be detrimental long-term effects. Alcohol misuse over months and years can cause damage to the frontal lobe of the brain, causing long term memory loss, and altering their ability to perform activities and decision making.
Why Do I Blackout After Drinking?
You wake up on a Sunday morning, your head is hurting from drinking too much alcohol and again, you can’t…
Painkillers, such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen or Aspirin, are easily accessible for the UK population, as they can be bought in shops and supermarkets or prescribed by local General Practitioners without strict regulations.
As they are so easily accessible and can be purchased within minutes, this has led to a growing painkiller addiction issue in the United Kingdom which has caused devastation to many individuals and their families.
We talk about how painkiller addictions can begin, signs that may suggest you have a painkiller addiction and how you can overcome it.
How Can a Painkiller Addiction Begin?
Painkiller addictions are concerning as they can easily affect anyone, due to the normality of taking painkillers in day-to-day life. Designed to treat illness symptoms, such as headaches, a banged toe or sore throat, or major injuries such as a broken leg, painkillers are commonly used as effective short-term pain prevention, however their addictive tendencies can make them a slippery slope.
Genetic factors
Painkiller addictions can be caused by genetic factors for individuals with family members with addiction tendencies, which can make them more susceptible to being addicted.
Environmental factors
Alternatively, painkiller addictions can also be caused by environmental factors such as consistent health or injury issues. It is common for athletes to be addicted to painkillers due to their repetitive pain symptoms from sports activities.
How Addictive are Painkillers?
After long-term painkiller use, the neurotransmitters in the brain can become dependent on the substance and requires higher doses for the body to function properly. It can take just a matter of weeks for this dependence or addiction to painkillers to occur, which is not a long time.
What are the Signs of a Painkiller Addiction?
Spotting the signs of a painkiller addiction can often be hard for an individual to self-evaluate or a loved one to spot due to the normality of ingesting them. Millions of people in the United Kingdom take painkillers for genuine reasons, whether they have a banging headache from a cold, or hit their knee on the car door. However, it’s important to spot signs that suggest that someone is taking painkillers due to their reliance, such as:
- Faking injury or illness to family members or GP
- Withdrawal symptoms such as low energy
- Poor work performance
- Lack of interest in social activities
How Can You Get Help for a Painkiller Addiction?
If you think you may be showing signs of a painkiller addiction, then it’s important that you are honest with yourself and not in denial. Once you admit that you have an issue, then you should seek help from people around you.
Speak to a GP
If you are suffering with a painkiller addiction, then it’s important that you get help from those around you. Firstly, it’s important that seek medical advice from your local General Practitioner who will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your addiction. They will be able to speak to you about your behaviour and what your best course of action is.
Speak to Family Members
It’s also important that you get help and are open with your family members about your painkiller addiction. You should be able to speak to them about how you feel, and why you think you may be addicted to painkillers.
Visit Rehabilitation
If you want to stop your painkiller addiction for good then it will be beneficial to attend rehabilitation, where you will have the opportunity to safely detox and receive therapy that will prevent future relapse from occurring.
How do People Get Addicted to Painkillers?
Painkillers, such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen or Aspirin, are easily accessible for the UK population, as they can be bought…
Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.
1. Inpatient vs Outpatient
There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery. And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.
2. Location
Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre.
Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.
3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?
Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Art and Music Therapy
- Holistic Treatments
- Alternative Addiction Treatments
4. How Much Does It Cost
Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.
5. Aftercare Options
An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers.
And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.
I’m Still Unsure
If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.
Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.
1. Inpatient vs Outpatient
There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery. And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.
2. Location
Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre.
Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.
3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?
Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Art and Music Therapy
- Holistic Treatments
- Alternative Addiction Treatments
4. How Much Does It Cost
Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.
5. Aftercare Options
An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers.
And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.
I’m Still Unsure
If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.
Top 5 things to consider when choosing a private rehab centre
Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But…
