Cocaine addiction

What is cocaine addiction?

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that produces an intense, brief sensation of euphoria, energy and confidence. It is precisely that intensity, followed by a sharp crash, that makes the addiction take hold so quickly.

Cocaine dependence is above all psychological: the person feels an uncontrollable urge to use again in order to recover the initial sensation or to avoid the discomfort that follows. Over time, use stops being about pleasure and becomes a need in order to function day to day.

It is one of the most common addictions today, and it affects people of all ages and social backgrounds. Like any addiction, it can be treated and it is possible to recover completely.

Symptoms and warning signs

Cocaine addiction is not always easy to detect from the outside, as many people keep up an appearance of normality for a while. Some warning signs are:

• Needing to use more frequently or in larger amounts.
• Abrupt mood swings: euphoria followed by irritability or sadness.
• Sleep problems, anxiety and restlessness.
• Spending more and more money and hiding the use.
• Deterioration of relationships, work or studies.

The intense urge to use, known as craving, is one of the most characteristic features and one of the main targets of treatment.

Causes of cocaine addiction

Like all addictions, cocaine dependence arises from the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. The substance rapidly alters the brain's reward system, which reinforces repeated use.

Often, behind the use there is a search for performance, for social disinhibition or for relief from difficult emotional states such as anxiety, emptiness or low self-esteem. The environment, the availability of the substance and peer pressure also play a part. At Reconectar we explore each person's specific reasons so that we can treat the root of the problem.

Consequences of cocaine use

Cocaine use has serious consequences. Physically it increases the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, high blood pressure and strokes, even in young people. It also damages the nasal septum, causes insomnia and loss of appetite.

Psychologically it can trigger severe anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, depression and, in some cases, psychotic episodes. To this are added the financial, work and family consequences: debts, loss of employment, conflict and isolation. The personal and emotional cost is usually enormous.

Cocaine addiction treatment at Reconectar

At Reconectar we treat cocaine addiction with an outpatient approach that combines the Minnesota Model and cognitive therapy. The person recovers without hospitalisation, keeping up their daily life while they work on their recovery with professional support.

Treatment is individual and personalised. We focus on deactivating the desire to use by working on the beliefs and emotions that sustain it, and we provide tools to manage craving and prevent relapse. All of this takes place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with complete confidentiality.

Our approach includes

• A free initial assessment with no obligation.
• Individual sessions adapted to each person.
• Strategies to control craving and triggers.
• Support for the family within the recovery process.

How to take the first step

Getting off cocaine is possible, and the sooner you ask for help, the easier the process is. You do not need to have lost everything to seek treatment. If you feel that cocaine has become a problem for you or for someone close to you, contacting us commits you to nothing: we listen to your situation and explain how we can help you.