What is cocaine use disorder?

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a chronic disease characterized by a pattern of repeated cocaine use that makes it difficult for sufferers to control the amount they consume, even when it causes problems in their life.

CUD is considered a public health crisis, which affects millions of people around the world. In the United States, around 2.2 million people regularly use cocaine, with 1.5 million of those using enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for CUD.

_{“Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD): Current Clinical Perspectives.” NCBI, 3 September 2022. Accessed 12 September 2024.}

What are the symptoms of cocaine use disorder?

Two key signs of CUD include “tolerance” or a reduced sense of euphoria from a person’s typical dose (and so, the need to take a higher, more frequent, or differently administered dose to get the same effect) and withdrawal.

When a person with CUD suddenly stops using cocaine, symptoms may include fatigue, slowed physical reaction time, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, and an intense craving to use the drug again.

Symptoms of long-term use include:

Difficulty maintaining attention

Impulsive behavior

Memory loss

Difficulty speaking and reacting to stimuli

What are the treatments for cocaine use disorder?

Treatments for cocaine use disorder are highly individualized, but often require continuing support – as it is considered a chronic condition.

Since people with CUD may have co-occurring mental health conditions – or even struggle with other types of substance use – professionals tend to treat them together.

Treatments include:

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

Is it possible to stop using cocaine?

CUD is a chronic disease. This means that it is not curable – but it is treatable with tools and methods that help patients manage their condition for the long term.

Treatments for getting sober can be just as successful as treating any other disease.

Prognosis depends on:

The severity of the disorder

The patient’s commitment to abstinence

The degree of dependence

The patient’s emotional stability

The duration of treatment

The patient’s genetics

A note about relapse.

Recovery is a lifelong process that takes strength, determination, and support. However, even with the right resources, relapses can happen.

It is important to know that relapse is not a defeat. It does not negate all the hard work you’ve done to get sober. Instead, consider it a sign to go back to basics and recover those healthier habits. That’s where we come in: whether relapse happens tomorrow or 10 years from now, we’re here for you.