{"id":33,"date":"2013-10-03T12:22:46","date_gmt":"2013-10-03T12:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/?page_id=33"},"modified":"2025-11-02T16:11:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T16:11:59","slug":"cocaine-addiction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/drug-addiction\/cocaine-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Cocaine addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"<header><div class=\"contained\"><div><div><\/div><div class=\"content\"><h1>Cocaine addiction<\/h1><a href=\"#recoveryModal\" class=\"btn submit\" data-toggle=\"modal\">Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header><div id=\"crumbs\" class=\"contained\" data-is-podcasts=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\">Home<\/a>  \/  <span class=\"current\">Page<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide has-2-columns main-page is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"accordion wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is a Cocaine addiction?\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Though cocaine can be used recreationally it is a drug that is highly addictive, and often, recreational                 use turns into addiction. Addiction is characterised by compulsive use, despite negative consequences.                 If someone cannot stop themselves from taking cocaine in the face of harsh consequences, there is a good                 chance that they are addicted. Another tell-tale sign of cocaine addiction is the presence of withdrawal                 symptoms. In these cases, using the drug in large quantities and often, has caused a person to develop a                 physical dependence on the drug. When use suddenly stops, the withdrawal kicks in, often causing the                 person to use again, in an effort to get rid of the symptoms. If using cocaine stops being an occasional                 risky decision at a party, and instead becomes something that is used to maintain normalcy in your life,                 you are addicted.<br><br>      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Methods of use\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cocaine is often used in conjunction with alcohol. The combination of a stimulant (cocaine) and a                 depressant (alcohol) can have serious effects on the body. When the two drugs are metabolized by the                 liver at the same time it produces cocaethylene. While cocaethylene temporarily enhances the high from                 both the cocaine and the alcohol, it also has its own laundry list of side effects and risks associated                 with it. An increase in levels of cocaethylene in the liver has also been linked to sudden death.      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effects on the user\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The cocaine &lsquo;high&rsquo; lasts about 15 to 40 minutes, if used frequently. <br><br><strong>Effects include:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intense euphoria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being talkative<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having feelings of great strength, power and intelligence increased energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of appetite.                 <p>                         The &lsquo;come-down&rsquo; effects of the drug are the complete opposite of the &lsquo;high&rsquo;.                         This episode is referred to as a &lsquo;crash&rsquo;, and can last for several hours after the last usage.                         Indications start immediately after the &lsquo;high&rsquo; diminishes. During the &lsquo;crash&rsquo;, the user will                         experience severe psychological cravings for more of the drug. If more of the drug cannot be                         obtained, the user may suffer from extreme irritability, restlessness and paranoia. In severe                         cases aggressive and violent behaviour, as well as homicidal or suicidal tendencies may be present.                 <\/p>                 <p>                         Cocaine                         psychosis may occur when large doses of the drug have been taken continuously (a binge).                         Psychosis is a mental disorder, characterised by complete disconnection from reality. The                         individual suffers from hallucinations, mainly auditory, behaves in a disorderly manner, has                         disorganised speech, and irrational or paranoid beliefs.                 <\/p>                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harmful side effects and health risks\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It was only at the turn of the 20th century, that the real dangers of cocaine were understood.                 &nbsp;Tolerance develops very quickly with regular use, and more of the drug is required to maintain the                 initial effect. Deep psychological dependence occurs with frequent use of cocaine.<br><br><strong>Adverse effects include:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extreme mental cravings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paranoia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Violent outbursts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aggressive behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>False sensations of being watched, followed, or people are out &lsquo;to get you&rsquo;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dilated pupils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acute respiratory problems, lung trauma and bleeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constriction of the veins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ulcers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nasal passage damage and bleeding.                      <p>Smoking crack cocaine causes severe damage to the mouth, teeth and                             lips (crack lip). <\/p>                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Withdrawal symptoms may last for several months, depending on the extent and frequency of                     use.<\/p><strong>Symptoms include:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Psychological cravings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aggression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severe depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-social behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extreme mood-swings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspicion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paranoid delusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feelings of being unable to cope with daily tasks. <p>Permanent abstinence from cocaine should                             always be undertaken with professional help and support.<\/p>                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overdose potential\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>                 <p>There is a great risk of overdose associated with cocaine abuse, especially during cocaine binges or                     when the drug is injected. An overdose causes an increased and irregular heart rate. an extreme rise                     in body temperature resulting in seizures, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, coma and\/or death.                 <\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<span style=\"margin-top:40px;\" class=\"btn-we-can-help ugb-highlight\">If cocaine is controlling your life, we can help.<\/span>\n<a class=\"link-green\" href=\"#recoveryModal\" data-toggle=\"modal\">TALK TO US NOW<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column treatment is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img width=\"636\" height=\"336\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7832\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/CRRC_PageTreatment_Image_02.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/CRRC_PageTreatment_Image_02.jpg 636w, https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/CRRC_PageTreatment_Image_02-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">12 Steps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Drug Rehabilitation Treatment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n\n The idea of overcoming drug addiction may seem overwhelming, but recovery is possible at Crossroads Recovery Centre.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"\/drug-rehabilitation\">View our treatment program<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"a-call-away\"><div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h2>Addiction Rehabilitation &amp;<br>Treatment is <strong>a Phone Call Away<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centres provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it&rsquo;s just a phone call away. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-details inline\"><div class=\"icon tel\"><div><div>Johannesburg Admissions: <a style=\"color:#A2D23F;font-size: 1.2em;text-decoration: none;\" href=\"tel:+27748951043\">+27 74 895 1043<\/a><\/div><div>Outpatients Admissions: <a style=\"color:#A2D23F;font-size: 1.2em;text-decoration: none;\" href=\"tel:+27824589408\">+27 82 458 9408<\/a><\/div><div>Pretoria Admissions: <a style=\"color:#A2D23F;font-size: 1.2em;text-decoration: none;\" href=\"tel:+27826533311\">+27 82 653 3311<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"testimonials\">\n      <div>\n        <h3>Stories of Recovery<\/h3>\n        <div>\n          <ul>\n                <li data-id=\"1\">\n              <div>The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.<\/div>\n              <div><span>Oliver VG<\/span><\/div>\n              <a style=\"display: inline-block; margin-top: 24px;\" class=\"btn hollow\" href=\"\/testimonials\/oliver-vg\">Read more<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                <li data-id=\"2\">\n              <div>On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.<\/div>\n              <div><span>Johan B<\/span><\/div>\n              <a style=\"display: inline-block; margin-top: 24px;\" class=\"btn hollow\" href=\"\/testimonials\/johan-b\">Read more<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                <li data-id=\"3\">\n              <div>I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!<\/div>\n              <div><span>Carla S<\/span><\/div>\n              <a style=\"display: inline-block; margin-top: 24px;\" class=\"btn hollow\" href=\"\/testimonials\/carla-s\">Read more<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                <li data-id=\"4\">\n              <div>\"Just for today I am more than three years in recovery.  I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build.\"<\/div>\n              <div><span>Angelique J<\/span><\/div>\n              <a style=\"display: inline-block; margin-top: 24px;\" class=\"btn hollow\" href=\"\/testimonials\/angelique-j\">Read more<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n              <\/ul>\n          <div style=\"display: none\">\n            <a href=\"\/testimonials\" class=\"btn hollow\">Read more<\/a>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/testimonials-bg.jpg\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"controls\" data-section=\"stories\">\n            <span class=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/crossroads2019\/img\/arrow-left-circle.svg\" alt=\"Left Arrow\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"right\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/crossroads2019\/img\/arrow-right-circle.svg\" alt=\"Right Arrow\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<div class=\"medical-aids\">\n<h3>Approved Medical Aids<\/h3>\n<div>\n<div class=\"contained\">\n<div>\n<img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Bestmed Logo\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Bestmed-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Bonitas Logo\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Bonitas-2.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"CAMAF Logo\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/CAMAF-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Discovery Health Logo\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/DiscoveryHealth-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Fedhealth Logo\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Fedhealth-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Government Employees Medical Scheme\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/GEMS-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Liberty Corporate\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Liberty-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"Medihelp Medical Scheme\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Medihelp-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Medshield-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Momentum-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Netcare-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/PnP-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Polmed-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/ResolutionHealth-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/SasolMed-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Sizwe-1.jpg\"><img itemprop=\"contentURL\" width=\"100\" height=\"45\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Topmed-1.jpg\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"addiction-types\"><div><div class=\"contained\"><h3>Types of Addictions<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-columns has-5-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h4>Drug Addiction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Is drug addiction controlling your life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"button\"><a href=\"\/drug-addiction\/\">More info<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h4>Alcohol Addiction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have a problem with alcohol? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"button\"><a href=\"\/alcohol-addiction\/\">More info<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h4>Sex Addiction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Is sex addiction controlling your life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"button\"><a href=\"\/sex-addiction\/\">More info<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h4>Gambling Addiction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Is your urge to gamble controlling your life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"button\"><a href=\"\/gambling-addiction\/\">More info<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h4>Food Addiction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Is food your crutch?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"button\"><a href=\"\/food-addiction\/\">More info<\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><p class=\"button-form\"><a href=\"#recoveryModal\" data-toggle=\"modal\">Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cocaine addiction Reach out now, we can help Home \/ Page If cocaine is controlling your life, we can help. TALK TO US NOW Drug Rehabilitation Treatment The idea of overcoming drug addiction may seem overwhelming, but recovery is possible at Crossroads Recovery Centre.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11300,"parent":31,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-33","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat-80x80.jpg",80,80,true],"medium":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false],"large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false],"alm-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cat.jpg",512,288,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Cocaine addictionReach out now, we can helpHome \/ Page What is a Cocaine addiction? Though cocaine can be used recreationally it is a drug that is highly addictive, and often, recreational use turns into addiction. Addiction is characterised by compulsive use, despite negative consequences. If someone cannot stop themselves from taking cocaine in the face of harsh consequences, there is a good chance that they are addicted. Another tell-tale sign of cocaine addiction is the presence of withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, using the drug in large quantities and often, has caused a person to develop a physical dependence on&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"admin","url":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/author\/admin\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}