For those trying to fight cocaine addiction they will most likely have already been through the stage of what are known as cravings. Cocaine cravings are an overwhelming want and need to use the drug. It is this powerful craving that results in the relapse of recovering addicts.
It is important for cocaine users to understand that cocaine cravings are normal. Cocaine is a very addictive drug and once the body is deprived of cocaine, it craves and wants to get more.
Cocaine addiction is not a physical addiction; rather, it is an emotional one. The complete dependence on the drug occurs in the brain, however, even without any obvious physical symptoms appearing, cocaine is still considered an addictive drug.
Cocaine use may begin as a way to get through day-to-day life but can easily develop into a severe cocaine addiction. Signs of cocaine use include hyperactivity, rapid pulse, runny or stuffy nose, a decrease in appetite and an inflated sense of power. Signs of cocaine addiction include psychotic behaviours, severe weight loss, collapse of the nasal septum, and social and financial problems.
Cocaine is considered an addictive drug because people who use it have difficulty controlling the amount of cocaine that they use. Even though it is disruptive, or even destroying their lives, they will continue to use the drug. The thought of total abstinence from using cocaine is an incredibly difficult part of rehabilitation for cocaine users.