Cocaine is one of the most used and abused drugs worldwide, with at least 23 million adults between 15 and 64 believed to have used the drug at least once.
While many users will snort, inject or smoke cocaine recreationally, up to 10% of users will develop a dependency and become reliant on the side effects that cocaine provides.
As cocaine misuse in the United Kingdom remains higher than in other Western countries, it is vital to understand the implications that come hand-in-hand with cocaine.
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Cocaine and Physical Health Facts And Statistics
Giving way to many short and long-term illnesses that require medical intervention, cocaine has an undeniable impact on an individual’s physical health. 
Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders are among the health risks associated with cocaine use and abuse. These particular health risks require intense medical treatment and are irreversible.
Long-term cocaine abuse can additionally increase the risk of organ failure, irregular heartbeat and death.
Cocaine and Mental Health Facts and Statistics
Although cocaine users will take advantage of the euphoric and pleasurable sensations that cocaine provides for various reasons, studies highlight that cocaine is abused over a prolonged period to reduce mental health disorders.
However, as the high of cocaine wears off, research shows that many are left experiencing significant levels of anxiety and depression.
To offer greater insight into the impact cocaine use has on mental health, we have shared several cocaine facts and statistics below.
- 14,470 mental health hospital admissions linked to cocaine use were made in 2018.
- Between 68% and 84% of users will experience paranoia as the effects of cocaine alleviate.
- Approximately 34% of men and 50% of women who experience a cocaine addiction attempt to commit suicide due to the psychological effects that cocaine use has.
When cocaine and mental health disorders co-occur, dual diagnosis treatment is the most suitable treatment option.
Cocaine and Other Substances
In a bid to relieve pessimistic thoughts, unwanted feelings and cocaine withdrawal symptoms, cocaine is often mixed with other substances.
Unfortunately, mixing substances is extremely dangerous and leads to a plethora of negative health effects.
Mixing cocaine with alcohol, for example, increases the risk of a heart attack. Meanwhile, when antidepressant medication is mixed with cocaine, the effects of antidepressants drastically reduce. This essentially amplifies depression and anxiety levels.
Treatment and Therapy Options For Cocaine Addiction
Each year, Public Health England reports that approximately 3,657 people secure cocaine addiction treatment via an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation provider.
The NHS provides outpatient cocaine addiction treatment. Often the first port of call for many, the NHS has seen increased demand in recent years. Offering talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, cocaine detoxification and support groups, NHS treatment is beneficial.
However, increased demand for the free treatment provided has caused waiting times to soar, with many individuals forced to wait longer than three weeks to commence treatment.
In addition to NHS cocaine addiction treatment, private cocaine addiction rehabs are located throughout the United Kingdom.
On hand, private rehabs have a much greater success rate to administer several treatments and therapy options for cocaine addictions, with at least 84% of adults maintaining their recovery in the years that follow treatment.
As cocaine addictions often coexist with other substance addictions or mental health disorders, dual diagnosis treatment is also available via private cocaine addiction rehabs.
When administered, dual diagnosis treatment combines cocaine addiction treatments with mental health treatments, such as mindfulness and counselling, to ensure both disorders can be simultaneously overcome.
Life After Cocaine Rehab
Upon completing cocaine addiction treatment, many individuals believe they will be left to continue their recovery alone.
However, as relapse rates are somewhat greater when appropriate aftercare is not provided, all drug rehabs across the United Kingdom provide continued support and treatment through the employment of aftercare support and recovery support groups.
Attending support groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, increases the chance that a long-term recovery will be achieved and guarantees that those in recovery have a safe space to share their concerns and overcome any issues that may otherwise hinder their recovery.
Contact Us Today For Support and Guidance
When a cocaine addiction arises, professional cocaine addiction treatment must be sought as quickly as possible.
To ensure that those in need can locate and attend a suitable rehab within a short period, we have launched a self-referral and family referral service here at Addiction Advocates.
Whether you personally require cocaine addiction treatment or would like to refer a loved one for treatment, contact us today by calling 0800 012 6088.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1] 23 million adults between 15 and 64 believed to have used the drug at least once - https://www.statista.com/statistics/264738/number-of-worldwide-users-of-cocaine-by-region/
- [2] up to 10% of users will develop a dependency and become reliant on the side effects that cocaine provides - https://www.michiganpsychologicalassociation.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&category=neuroscience&id=130:why-do-only-one-in-five-become-addicted-to-cocaine-
- [3] cocaine misuse in the United Kingdom remains higher than in other Western countries - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/673978/clinical_guidelines_2017.pdf
- [4] Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders are among the health risks associated with cocaine use and abuse - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414771/
- [5] irregular heartbeat and death - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2625905/
- [6] 14,470 mental health hospital admissions linked to cocaine use were made in 2018 - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/20/mental-health-hospital-admissions-linked-to-cocaine-use-treble-in-10-years
- [7] Between 68% and 84% of users will experience paranoia as the effects of cocaine alleviate - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181074/
- [8] 34% of men and 50% of women who experience a cocaine addiction attempt to commit suicide - https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232242
- [9] approximately 3,657 people secure cocaine addiction treatment via an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation provider - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/658056/Adult-statistics-from-the-national-drug-treatment-monitoring-system-2016-2017.pdf
- [10] many individuals forced to wait longer than three weeks to commence treatment - https://www.gov.scot/publications/nhsscotland-performance-against-ldp-standards/pages/drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times/
- [11] at least 84% of adults maintaining their recovery in the years that follow treatment - https://executive-rehab-guide.co.uk/which-rehab/success-rates
Seth is an author, addiction recovery expert and fully accredited member of the national counselling society. He has experience working with a wide range of addictions and mental illnesses using a number of evidence-based therapies and programmes such as the SMART models of addiction recovery.
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