Are You Worried About Cocaine Use & Mental Health?
Cocaine use is often associated with high energy, confidence, and euphoria—but cocaine use effects on mental health are far more complex and, in many cases, damaging. While the drug provides a temporary boost, its long-term impact can be severe, contributing to anxiety, depression, paranoia, and even cocaine-induced psychosis. For individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, cocaine use can worsen symptoms, making treatment more challenging.1
This article explores the intricate relationship between cocaine use and mental health problems, shedding light on how the drug affects the brain, the risks of addiction, and the importance of seeking professional support.
Cocaine is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the UK. It a stimulative drug which is highly addictive. Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant, and is typically snorted as a powder. It can also be smoked in a crystal form called ‘crack cocaine’, or sometimes it is injected. Cocaine causes short term euphoria and increased energy, but the physical and mental health effects of cocaine can be long-lasting.1,2
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Anyone can become addicted to cocaine. For people who use cocaine regularly, the effect of addiction may be gradual and hard to notice. There are a number of signs of cocaine dependence to be aware of 1:
- Increased use of cocaine
- Thinking more about cocaine
- Needing more cocaine to get the same effect
- Prioritising cocaine over work
- Prioritising cocaine over family life
- Cocaine use affecting your finances
- Taking cocaine despite negative impacts on yourself and others
- Experiencing withdrawal effects if you stop taking cocaine
Occasional cocaine use can quickly turn into dependence for many cocaine users. It is therefore important to seek help sooner rather than later. If you or a loved one are struggling with cocaine misuse, our team at CATCH Recovery offers assessments for people showing signs of cocaine misuse. If you or someone you know could be at risk, contact our friendly and professional team today.
Effects of Cocaine on Mental Health
Cocaine use and mental health problems are strongly connected. Cocaine is a psychoactive drug, meaning that it can change how we feel, think and behave. By activating the reward system in our brain and increasing dopamine levels, cocaine can make us feel happy, alert and more talkative. However, everyone is different and some people can experience less positive effects. Common effects of cocaine include 1-3:
- Increased energy
- Euphoria (feelings of intense happiness)
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Overconfidence
- Mood swings
Withdrawing from cocaine can also impact your mental health, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, depression and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Long-term cocaine dependence can result in cocaine-induced mood disorders and cocaine-induced psychosis, which involves a detachment from reality and experiencing things that aren’t really there. These symptoms can all lead to decreased mood and lack of enjoyment in other activities.
Cocaine misuse can affect relationships with family and friends, and can lead to feelings of isolation. It can also reduce your ability to sleep, exercise, and care for yourself. Addiction influences your ability to work, and may lead to unemployment and financial pressures. All of these effects can put you at risk of problems including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.1,2
Impact of Physical Symptoms on Mental Health
In addition to the psychological symptoms of cocaine misuse and addiction, cocaine can cause physical health problems. Cocaine affects the cardiovascular system causing blood vessels to harden, leading to cause irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure. This can put you at greater risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Cocaine is often taken with alcohol and other street drugs, which can be harmful. Mixing cocaine with alcohol makes a toxic chemical called ‘cocaethylene’. This can exert harmful effects on your cardiovascular and immune systems and put you at greater risk of an overdose. Cocaine is also very harmful when mixed with heroin. This can slow your breathing and be very dangerous.
Cocaine is often mixed with other drugs before being sold, in fact, research on cocaine dependence shows that up to 80% of cocaine is made from other substances. This can include powerful drugs such as fentanyl, which even in small amounts, increases your risk of overdose and death.
These physical effects can put you at risk of harm and overdoses can result in death. If left untreated, physical problems can also have a knock on effect on your mental well-being. Seeking effective treatment can help you to physically recover and improve your mental health.1,2
Dual Diagnosis (Co-Occurring Disorders)
If you are struggling with cocaine use and mental health problems like anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, you may require a dual diagnosis to help provide comprehensive treatment to manage both. Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders) is when a person is diagnosed with a mental health disorder and substance misuse issues at the same time (co-occurrence). For example, a person who is using cocaine and who also suffers with anxiety disorder will require a dual diagnosis during treatment, to effectively manage the symptoms of both.
If you need dual diagnosis treatment for cocaine or other drug use and a co-occurring mental health disorder, the first step is to complete a confidential assessment with our team. We will review your mental health, family history, substance use patterns, and any prescribed psychiatric or other medication you are currently taking. Contact our team today to find out how we can help.
Benefits of Cocaine Addiction Therapy on Mental Health
Effective treatment for cocaine misuse can have many positive mental health effects. Abstinence can reduce the psychiatric symptoms of cocaine addiction and help improve your mood.
The positive mental health effects of abstaining from regular cocaine use can include improved memory and concentration, improved sleep, and more sustained energy levels. Reducing your dependence on cocaine can help you prioritise other aspects of your health such as diet and exercise, helping to improve your overall well-being.1
If cocaine addiction has impacted your family and friends, stopping use can be an important step in repairing relationships. This can help you to build a trusted support network, which can support you in avoiding and overcoming relapses.
At CATCH Recovery, our team of highly experienced and qualified psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and recovery coaches is dedicated to providing exceptional care and bespoke treatment for a range of addictions and mental health conditions. We also offer family therapy to help your loved ones learn more about your addiction, where they will learn skills and strategies to communicate more effectively, manage stress through adversity, and build a better connection.
Treatment Options for Cocaine Use and Mental Health
Treatment options vary when it comes to treating cocaine use and addiction. It is important to seek advice from your GP first if you have any immediate or serious concerns about your health. They can refer you to addiction services where you can seek long-term treatment for addiction. Treatment can include addiction therapy, residential rehab treatment, or even support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Cocaine use can have a serious impact on your mental and physical health. CATCH Recovery offers a number of flexible outpatient treatment options including therapy to support your mental health.
As part of the Castle Health Group, we can also refer you for inpatient cocaine rehab services. This can be beneficial for people who need more intensive support, particularly when managing the initial withdrawal symptoms during a detox and withdrawal period. Learn more about our inpatient rehabilitation at our sister rehab, Castle Craig.4
What’s Next?
Find your nearest CATCH Recovery clinic location for in-person therapy, or access our services online. You can also find out more information about cocaine addiction and how we treat it during cocaine rehab.
Cocaine Addiction and Misuse
Find out more information regarding cocaine addiction and misuse and find out more information about how we treat it online an in-person.
Cocaine Rehab
Access information to how we treat cocaine addiction during cocaine rehab. Learn more about the services we offer and find your nearest location, or access treatment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How Do I Know I Am Addicted to Cocaine?
A: If you have experienced any of the signs of cocaine addiction, such as difficulty controlling your cocaine use, using more to get the same effects, neglecting usual responsibilities and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you should reach out for help. CATCH Recovery offers a screening assessment by one of our expert team, to help assess your situation and guide you through treatment options. You can book a free assessment through our website or by calling us directly.
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Q: What Treatment Options Are Available for Cocaine Addiction?
A:
At CATCH Recovery, we offer addiction therapy to help you stop cocaine and achieve lasting sobriety. After an initial assessment to formulate a treatment plan, you will be assigned a dedicated therapist to help you through your recovery. Our services involve outpatient rehabilitation, which includes online therapy sessions or in-person therapy sessions. These sessions may be in one-to-one or group settings.
Our dedicated and experienced team deliver a range of evidence-based therapies. For example, talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. These approaches can support you in understanding the causes of cocaine addiction and help you to develop effective strategies for mitigating dependence. We also offer support groups to patients in recovery to facilitate peer learning and sharing of recovery experiences.
Our medical team is also available to help you to manage cocaine withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification period
.Patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation can be referred to one of our residential sister rehab centres, such as Castle Craig. -
Q: What Happens If I Relapse?
A: Addiction therapy provides professional support to help you stop using cocaine. Seeking help, having a dedicated therapist and building up a support network can all minimise the risk of a relapse. However, you can never completely reduce the risk and if you do relapse, it is important not to panic. At CATCH Recovery, we offer ongoing support to patients who have gone through our rehabilitation treatment programs. Our team is experienced in helping patients cope with relapses and putting the right support in place to help them achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Contact Us
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References
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- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Cocaine Dependence. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/cocaine-dependence. URL [Accessed February 2025].
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- NHS inform. Cocaine. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/drugs-and-drug-use/common-drugs/cocaine/. URL [March 2025].
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- National Institute of Health (NIH). National Cancer Institute. ‘Psychoactive Substance’. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/psychoactive-substance. URL URL [Accessed February 2025].
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- Castle Craig. Cocaine Addiction. https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/cocaine-addiction/. URL [Accessed February 2025].
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