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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What are the symptoms of cocaine addiction?
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Dr Toni Metelerkamp
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
As a humanist, I believe everyone wants and deserves happiness, but life sometimes takes us on unexpected paths, making it challenging to be in the … View Profile
Understanding substance use is probably best if we think about use in terms of Dependence and Abuse. Cocaine Dependence describes a stage where it’s more and more difficult not to use whenever cocaine is available, where seeking out the drug feels compulsive. Another aspect of Dependence is the need to have rest days after intense periods of use. Withdrawal symptoms (a comprehensive list is on the Australian Drug Foundation site http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/cocaine#tolerance) are also a sign of Dependence. Some symptoms of withdrawal include strong cravings, fluctuating mood and energy levels vivid, distressing dreams, difficulty getting to sleep or sleeping too much, increased appetite poor concentration, thought disturbances (paranoia, hallucinations) as well as general aches and pains.
Cocaine Abuse refers to situations where episodes of cocaine use result in interpersonal conflict or when responsibilities are neglected as a result of cocaine use.
If you are unsure of your level of use it’s probably best you talk it over with a psychologist. For you, your use may feel like “the norm”, especially if you’ve used for some time. Talking it over with someone who understands substance use can help identify issues you may not be aware of, or it can help explores ways of addressing the issues if you know what they are but feel helpless to change. Best of luck.
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Dr Peter Cantwell
Counselling Psychologist, Psychologist
Peter Cantwell lectures in individual, couples and family therapy, and also sees individuals, couples, families and groups for non-medical psychological issues. He is a registered … View Profile
A symptom of any addiction is that it is difficult to give up the drug. Some of the symptoms that happen when you try to give up cocaine are things like depression, anxiety, compulsive craving, and psychological and physical weakness. It depends a little bit on the person. They are the symptoms that seem to occur when someone tries to give up cocaine. They're need to be noticed and carefully thought through. There may be some need for some professional help if someone is trying to give up cocaine and is finding that these symptoms occur.
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