Addiction to cocaine still affects millions of Americans. In light of that, it’s odd to realize that at one time, cocaine was available over the counter as a common remedy and even used in the original Coca-Cola recipe. Eventually, its addictive qualities were understood, and it was classified as a Schedule II drug. If you or someone you know is living with cocaine misuse, a cocaine addiction treatment program can help.
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® provides addiction treatment for young women. You can call us at 828.518.6941 to learn about our treatment. We want to help you heal so you can thrive.
The Stigma of Cocaine Use
Cocaine addiction is often associated with a certain stereotype or stigma. Many people view it as a drug of choice for wealthy individuals or those who live lavish and dangerous lifestyles. However, this misconception overlooks the fact that cocaine use can affect anyone regardless of their social status, income level, race, or gender.
In reality, cocaine addiction can begin innocently enough through recreational use at parties or in social settings. However, over time, the individual may develop a dependence on the drug and eventually struggle with addiction.
Furthermore, the stigma surrounding cocaine use can prevent individuals from seeking help for their addiction. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they have a problem because of societal pressure or fear of judgment. This can lead to individuals suffering in silence and not receiving the necessary treatment.
Women and Cocaine
Women deal with unique pressures and stressors that can contribute to the development of a cocaine addiction. As the primary caregivers in many households, women may experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead them to turn to drugs like cocaine for relief.
Additionally, societal expectations and stereotypes can also play a role in women’s likelihood of developing a cocaine addiction. Women may feel pressure to maintain a certain image or keep up with societal standards, leading them to use substances like cocaine as a way to cope.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is frequently binged over many hours or even days. To avoid a crash, people will continue to introduce the drug into an already overtaxed body. Binging can shorten the time it takes to become addicted to cocaine. How do you know if occasionally dabbling with cocaine has become a serious problem? If any of the signs below sound familiar to you or apply to a friend or loved one, consider addiction treatment.
- Mental health symptoms – Because it is a stimulant, cocaine binges end in a crash. After a period of recovery, another binge cycle may begin right away, leading to a not-so-funpark ride of high highs and low lows, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mania. For people with existing mental health disorders, cocaine can easily worsen symptoms. Cocaine can also lead to delusions and paranoia.
- Physical signs – The physical signs differ based on how you take cocaine. Snorting cocaine leads to nosebleeds, chronic nasal drip, sniffling, sore throat, and sometimes perforation of the septum or other nasal tissues. Eating cocaine can result in serious bowel problems, including decay and gangrene. Injection comes with a risk of track marks, scars, and infection. Users of cocaine all share physical signs like dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. Weight loss is also very common.
- Financial symptoms – Cocaine addiction can drain your account and make you less effective at work, which may lead to censure and termination. If you are thinking about draining your retirement account or stealing from your parents to buy cocaine, seek help now.
- Interpersonal symptoms – Relationships suffer when cocaine addiction is at play. Addiction can lead to dishonesty, secrecy, verbally and physically aggressive behavior, and manipulation, often because of the secrecy and the urgent need to acquire cocaine and hide its use from everyone you know. Addiction can also lead to social isolation and bouts of depression. All of this takes a serious toll on interpersonal relationships.
- Withdrawal symptoms – Proof of addiction is the onset of withdrawal when cocaine is not available anymore or is withheld. Withdrawal signs include strong cravings, physical pain, mental turmoil, and also symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, hypertension, and heart palpitations.
Once you know you want to stop using cocaine, you may still have evidence in your body of your prior use. How long does that evidence last?
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
When you are tested for cocaine abuse, samples are taken, such as blood or urine. What the tests are looking for are called metabolites, which are byproducts created by the body’s metabolism when it breaks down food, drugs, other chemicals, or even its own fat or muscle. Since the body swiftly breaks cocaine down into metabolites, the tests look for those in certain areas of your system.
- How long does cocaine stay in your blood? – About two days after you last took cocaine.
- How long does cocaine stay in your spit? – Also about two days.
- How long does cocaine stay in your urine? – Up to four days.
- How long does cocaine stay in your hair? – Cocaine can be detected in hair for up to three months.
However, after cocaine is no longer detectable in blood, saliva, or urine, your system is no longer under the drug’s influence, and you can begin recovery.
Contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® Today for Cocaine Addiction Treatment
We offer numerous cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments to young women seeking to begin a lasting recovery from cocaine abuse and addiction. Contact us by calling 828.518.6941 or filling out this form. We can speak to you about any concerns you have, invite you to come to visit and answer all your questions.
Don’t wait. Let your journey to reclaimed health and happiness begin now.
