Drug Addiction Treatment in New York City: Signs of Cocaine Use

New York City comprises five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. It’s a vibrant and diverse city with 8.4 million people speaking over 200 languages. However, it also faces the challenge of cocaine addiction. Cocaine is commonly involved in unintentional drug poisoning (overdose) deaths, accounting for 46% of overdose deaths in New York City (NYC) in 2016. [1] In the opioid crisis, cocaine is still making things worse. IN 2020, there were 2,062 overdose deaths in NYC, and about 49% of all overdoses involving opioids also have cocaine involved. [2]

What makes people use cocaine? How can we recognize it? Identifying the signs of cocaine abuse in our loved ones is critical. By familiarizing ourselves with these indicators, we can provide the necessary support and guide them toward professional assistance, ensuring they receive the comprehensive help they deserve. Cocaine makes users feel euphoric, energetic, and talkative while heightening sensory sensitivity. It can also suppress appetite and sleep. Physically, the signs of cocaine use involve heightened body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Using too much can also lead to odd behavior, psychological distress, and severe medical issues like heart problems, neurological troubles, and stomach pains.

Despite the risks of cocaine abuse, there’s hope through treatment. It helps people break free from addiction’s grip, teaching them healthy ways to cope and live without drugs. With guidance from drug treatment programs in NYC, successful treatment can lead to sobriety and lower the risk of going back to drug use. Treatment addresses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs to improve well-being. As recognized by top-rated and accredited drug treatment centers in New York, professional addiction rehabilitation supports recovery in health, home life, purpose, and community involvement. Contact our admissions line today to get started. We can help you explore recovery programs and options.

What Is the Crack Law in NYC?

Under federal law, possessing crack cocaine is known as simple possession. Unlike New York’s laws, there are no different levels of charges based on how much crack you use and carry. Instead, your punishment depends on your criminal record. [3]

• You could get up to a year in jail for a first offense and a $1,000 fine.
• A second offense might mean 15 days to 2 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
• A third offense could lead to 90 days to 3 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. 

Crack cocaine and powder cocaine are two forms of the same drug. Powder cocaine is a fine white powder often snorted, giving a feeling of energy and euphoria. Crack cocaine is made by mixing powder cocaine with water and baking soda, forming small rocks. Crack is smoked for a quick and intense high and is cheaper. In New York, possessing crack falls under laws for controlled substances. Possession charges vary from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the amount. Possessing large amounts of crack can lead to life imprisonment.

Cocaine addiction is a severe health condition that often requires professional support. Treatment typically involves various levels of care tailored to individual needs and the severity of substance use disorder. These levels of care can include:

• Detoxification (Detox): The initial stage involves medically supervised withdrawal from crack cocaine. Detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation: Inpatient or residential treatment provides 24-hour care in a structured environment. It includes therapy, counseling, education, and activities aimed at addressing addiction and promoting recovery.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP offers intensive treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. It typically includes therapy, group sessions, and medical monitoring.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP provides structured treatment several times a week, allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines. It includes therapy, counseling, and support groups.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment offers ongoing support while allowing individuals to live at home and continue with work or school. It typically involves individual counseling, group therapy, and access to support networks.
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: This phase involves ongoing support and resources to help individuals maintain sobriety after completing formal treatment. It may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to prevent relapse.

Each level of care addresses different aspects of addiction and recovery, providing individuals with the necessary support and resources to overcome crack cocaine addiction and lead a healthier, drug-free life. Also, by residing in transitional housing, individuals can gradually transition back into society while receiving ongoing support and guidance from peers and professionals. This environment fosters the development of healthy habits, coping skills, and social connections, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term sobriety. Locate halfway houses in New York now and start a new life committed and determined for a change.

Why Does Cocaine Make Me Tired?

After using cocaine, you might feel tired because of the “crash” when the drug’s effects wear off. While cocaine initially boosts energy and mood, coming down from it can lead to exhaustion. Also, stopping cocaine suddenly can cause withdrawal, bringing on intense tiredness.

The most common signs and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include: 

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness.
• Increased appetite.
• Disturbed sleep patterns, including insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams.
• Depression.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.
• Irritability or agitation.
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
• Decreased energy or motivation.
• Cravings for cocaine.
• Restlessness or agitation.
• Slowed thinking or cognitive impairments.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (in severe cases).
• Physical symptoms such as muscle aches, tremors, chills, or sweating.
• Increased sensitivity to stimuli (lights, sounds, etc.)
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Shakiness or tremors.
• Increased heart rate or palpitations.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on factors such as the individual’s history of cocaine use, the amount and frequency of use, and overall physical and mental health. Seeking medical supervision and support during withdrawal is recommended to manage symptoms and ensure safety.

Does Cocaine Have a Scent?

A reliable way to tell if someone we care about is dealing with drug addiction is by looking at their drug-related items and noticing any unusual smells. However, cocaine has a unique smell that’s hard to describe accurately. People often struggle to compare its scent to anything specific.

Generally, cocaine often smells like chemicals or has a bitter odor. Some people say it’s like gasoline, ether, or new plastic. But the exact smell can be hard to pinpoint because it changes based on factors like how pure it is or what it’s mixed with. The production process involves different chemicals, which give cocaine its unique smell. Plus, the scent might stick around on things that have touched the drug, even if the cocaine isn’t there anymore.

Here are some signs that someone might be using cocaine:

• Energetic or hyperactive behavior.
• Dilated pupils.
• Increased talkativeness or rapid speech.
• Restlessness or agitation.
• Heightened alertness or paranoia.
• Mood swings or erratic behavior.
• Nosebleeds or frequent sniffing.
• Financial problems or sudden financial strain.
• Weight loss or changes in appetite.
• Track marks or injection sites (for those injecting cocaine).
• Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia.
• Secretive behavior or lying about whereabouts.
• Increased social isolation or withdrawal from family and friends.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Finding drug paraphernalia such as small bags, razor blades, straws, or pipes.

If you suspect someone is using cocaine, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care and seek professional help.

Understanding the Signs of Cocaine Use and Getting Help: NYC Drug Addiction Treatment

Between 2000 and 2016, 6,061 New Yorkers aged 45 to 84 died from unintentional drug overdoses. Out of those, cocaine was involved in 53% of cases. [4] The amount of cocaine needed to overdose isn’t always precise and can vary from person to person. Even a tiny amount can be toxic for some, while others can take much more without overdosing. Cocaine sold on the streets is also often mixed with other substances, so its strength can differ a lot between batches.

When people use cocaine heavily, especially those with addiction, the risk of overdose skyrockets. They might binge on the drug, taking a lot at once. This can lead to severe short-term effects like heart attacks. They might also experience serious neurological problems like headaches or even coma. If they mix cocaine with alcohol or heroin, it’s even riskier for their heart and overall health.

If you or someone you care about is showing signs of cocaine use or addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help for effective treatment and support. Cocaine use can lead to severe health complications and addiction, impacting various aspects of physical and mental well-being. Moreover, individuals struggling with cocaine addiction may exhibit withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and intense cravings when attempting to quit. Understanding the neurobiological effects of cocaine on the brain, including disruptions in dopamine transmission and alterations in brain structure, highlights the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches. Seeking treatment from accredited New York drug treatment centers offers access to evidence-based interventions, including detoxification, behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups. These interventions aim to address the complex nature of cocaine addiction, providing individuals with the tools and support necessary for long-term recovery and improved quality of life. If you or your loved one is facing cocaine use disorder, reaching out to professional drug treatments in New York City can be the first step towards healing and recovery.

Resources: 

[1] Han BH, Tuazon E, Kunins HV, Mantha S, Paone D. Unintentional drug overdose deaths involving cocaine among middle-aged and older adults in New York City. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 May 1;198:121-125. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.042. Epub 2019 Mar 14. PMID: 30909019; PMCID: PMC6467745.

[2] Unintentional Drug Poisoning (Overdose) Deaths in New York City in 2020 – NYC (.gov)

[3] Crack Possession in New York – https://criminaldefense.1800nynylaw.com/new-york-crack-possession.html

[4] Unintentional drug overdose deaths involving cocaine among middle-aged and older adults in New York City – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871619300742