How To Overcome Cocaine Addiction Part 2


Welcome back – let’s look deeper into how cocaine does its evil work on the body.

Cocaine is one of the world’s most powerful stimulants of natural origin. As the drug is consumed by the user it enhances the secretion of NRTs in their brain resulting in feelings of euphoria, heightened alertness, increased concentration and strength and a sense of invincibility. Once the cocaine is metabolized (broken down) by the addict’s system, the intense surge of NRTs halts, and the natural production of NRTs is drastically reduced. This leaves the brain in a significantly deficient state of NRTs. After experiencing unnaturally high levels of energy and euphoria they now experience a debilitating level of lethargy, diminished self-confidence, and a devastating deep depression. These elated feelings (the “high”) followed by the post-cocaine low (the “crash”) keep the addict coming back for more. As the addict continues in their addiction their bodies begin to adjust to the increased levels of NRTs, caused by their cocaine use, by diminishing their own natural production of NRTs. Less available NRTs in their brain makes them less able to experience pleasure from normal activities and less able to experience pleasure from the drug the next time they use it. What has happened? The addict has developed a tolerance to the drugs effect. The user then needs more cocaine, more frequently, with less time between hits for their body to feel any where close to normal. The addict at this stage is not necessarily looking to get high but attempting to have a sense of normality in their life again. The addict’s life begins to center around cocaine without regard for food, family, sleep, or safety. All of these necessities of life become irrelevant to them for they fail to supply any pleasure. This vicious cycle that the addict enters into is a physiological recipe for disaster. As the usage of cocaine intensifies disability (strokes, heart attacks, etc) and death can occur. In fact disability and death can occur the first time someone uses cocaine. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizure activity followed by respitory arrest. Unfortunately I have seen death as a result of cocaine use all too often.

Withdrawal from cocaine is a very serious issue. As the addict continues in their addiction, the drug causes biological changes to occur in their brain. Because of these changes the addict experiences both psychological and physical symptoms as they withdraw. They can suffer from: agitation, depression, cravings, extreme fatigue, anxiety, decreased motivation, nausea and vomiting, tremors, irritability, muscle pain, disturbed sleep patterns and the like, realizing this list in not exhaustive. I have cared for many individuals going through withdrawal and without exception they describe their worst nightmare.

I am asked almost on a weekly basis by parents or other concerned loved ones, “What are some of the signs to suggest cocaine use?” I give them the following information, but I also reiterate to them that this is not an all inclusive list. Signs to suggest that someone is using cocaine are: runny nose, frequent sniffing, change in eating and sleeping habits, decrease in job and school performance, isolation, careless about personal appearance, amongst others.

Regardless of were the addict is in their struggle with this bondage to cocaine, we must compassionately share with them the good news that there is life after cocaine. In fact what they are experiencing know is existence not life; bondage not freedom. We need to inform them that many have found this life of freedom through the RU curriculum. They must be taught that the only effective way to change their addictive behavior and lead them into a life of freedom is to change their beliefs to which they have held on to for so long. They must reject the lie of cocaine addiction and embrace the Truth. They must accept the Truth and walk in that Truth.

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2 responses to “How To Overcome Cocaine Addiction Part 2”

  1. Seeing many addicted people in the office today. Their lives are devastated. Trying to help them medically and spiritually. Attempting to point them to the TRUTH!

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