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Cocaine use has existed for centuries. Cocaine leaves
have been found in 600 year old tombs of South American Indians. The South American Indian has used this drug in the form
of chewing cocoa leaves, and it has not presented a problem to their lives or culture. Cocaine s relationship to man changed
in the late 1800 s when it was first purified in Germany. Today cocaine dependence from purified cocaine is as much a problem
in South America as it is in North America.
The drugs chemical characteristics were initially described by a group of European
scientists. In an effort to better describe its physical effects upon humans, they injected the drug into their skin and muscle.
From these experiments they discovered it local anesthetic and euphoric effect. They also became addicted. Most did not recover,
but developed a life long addiction to cocaine. Cocaine was initially seen as a suitable medical intervention for a number
of medical problems including depression, alcoholism, and malaise. It was a number of years before the full price of this
treatment was appreciated.
The first epidemic of cocaine addiction occurred in the early 1900 s. This was a result of its
effectiveness is changing peoples mood. It addictive effects were not known, and cocaine abuse was one of the motivators for
the Congress of the United States to pass the first drug control laws. For many years cocaine addiction was rare in this country,
but it once again became popular in the late 1970's. This popularity was fueled by attitudes towards drugs in general which
occurred during the 1960's, and also the mistaken belief that during the 70's and 80's that cocaine wasn't addicting. Since
cocaine did not have an easily identifiable withdrawal syndrome like alcohol or narcotics, it was felt to be safe for recreational
use. We have learned that cocaine does have a withdrawal syndrome which accounts for its severe addictability. We also know
now that the withdrawal syndrome lasts for months. It certainly lasts longer than traditional short term treatment programs
holds patients. This persistent withdrawal syndrome helps accounts for the rapid and high relapse rates upon discharge from
these programs.
In the last ten years, cocaine has severely addicted a great number of people. It has become endemic in
certain minorities. It has cost the culture many millions of dollars. It has driven crime, HIV disease, and disruption and
dislocation of families. It has also proven resistant to traditional treatment programs.
Are there drugs to help
me stay off cocaine?
Researches have not found any one drug that is effective in preventing cocaine relapse. Some people
have found some relief from cocaine urges with several different types of drugs. These include the antidepressants, the major
tranquilizers, and mild sedatives. Many people use alcohol and other sedative drugs to help with cocaine agitation when they
are using cocaine. These other drugs do need medically supervised detoxification even if they were not the drug of choice
(cocaine).
I usually feel OK once I have been off the drug for a couple of days, but I end up using again. What
is wrong?
The pattern you describe is the most common pattern in cocaine addicted people. The detoxification syndrome
is mild but powerful. More than any other drug, the saying "quitting is easy, it is staying quit that is hard" is true. Cocaine
addicted people have to become seriously involved in their recovery, or their chances of staying clean are small. The cocaine
addicted person is especially sensitive to "triggers", and until they know these triggers and effective way of getting around
these triggers, their chances of success are small.
Are there any thing I should do that is different from people
recovering from other drugs?
Cocaine addicts do have different needs. Some simple things that have been found the aid
recovery from cocaine include exercise. If you have had chest pain while using cocaine, or you have a history of heart disease,
you should not begin to exercise without your physicians approval. The exercise helps bleed away some of the excessive energy
and irritability that cocaine addicts experience in the first few months of recovery.
For the first month, drinking a lot
of water is important. I recommend a minimum of six to eight glasses a day.
Cocaine addicts to not tolerate a lot of free
time. They become irritable, it is important to have your day well planned and busy. Recovery activities should be a part
of every day.
People addicted to cocaine generally eat poorly and find they have huge appetites for a week or two. Proper
nutrition during this time is very important. It is important to rebuild your body with healthy food. Fast food, snacks, and
lots of sweet food are not good.
What do I do about all the extra weight I gain when I stop cocaine?
Many
people who use cocaine have had histories of overweight. Usually the problem is the type and quantity of food you eat. You
may have an eating disorder. You should inform your physician about your problem and get a proper evaluation.
How
long do I have to do this recovery stuff?
Cocaine addicted people need a strong structured recovery program for the
first one to two years. I oflen will recommend that cocaine addicted people go to two or three AAINA meeting a day for three
to six months. It is important to accept that idle time is the enemy of early recovery from cocaine.
How can I get
more information about recovery from cocaine?
There are several books available that can give you additional information.
One well known book is "1-800-COCAINE" by Mark Gold, MD. Another good book is by Al Moony, MD, "The Recovery Book". Both books
should be at your local bookstore or library.
You may also call my office (813-931-5560), and any of my staff will be happy
to answer any of your questions.
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