Cocaine is a drug derived from the leaves of from cocaine use is rare; however some PSYCHOSIS the coca plant. Slang or street names include people have a severe reaction to even small One of the risks of cocaine use is drug- blow, charlie, coke, crack and snow. doses of the drug. induced psychosis. The symptoms Background Information Overdose first aid are similar to those of schizophrenia. Cocaine is a naturally occurring ingredient What to do if someone passes out or Symptoms of psychosis may appear found in the leaves of the coca bush. The experiences other complications: quickly, and can last a few hours or days. leaves have been chewed and used for • People may experience panic attacks or Symptoms of cocaine psychosis have been religious, social, nutritional and medicinal hyperventilate – in this case they may need described as being particularly intense, purposes by South American natives for reassurance and encouragement to slow and may include: hundreds of years. Eventually it found its down their breathing. • Visual hallucinations way to Europe, and until 1916 was sold • If the person becomes unconscious, turn • Paranoia and suspiciousness over-the-counter. Cocaine was widely used them on their side to reduce the risk of • Blunted, flat or inappropriate emotions in medicinal tonics. In 1886, it was part them vomiting and choking. • Social isolation and withdrawal of the original formula for Coca Cola, and • Make sure their airways are clear, and do • Severe anxiety and panic attacks promoted both as a brain-tonic and a healthy not leave them alone. • Paranoid delusions alternative to alcohol. It was also a popular • Call an ambulance immediately on 000 or • Change in perceptual experiences such remedy for anxiety and other such “nervous 112 from a mobile phone (you don’t need as smell, sound or colour afflictions”, and until 1903 an average credit or to be in range) • Disorientation and memory problems drink contained around 60mg of cocaine. • If breathing has stopped, give mouth • Uncontrolled violent behaviour. In modern Western countries, cocaine to mouth resuscitation – if there is no These symptoms usually disappear a was used by popular intellectuals, artists, pulse, commence CPR (cardio-pulmonary few days after drug use has stopped. In politicians, and musicians such as Sir Arthur resuscitation) if you are trained. many cases, mental health intervention Conan Doyle (author of the famous Sherlock If a person is psychotic and may is required. However the user remains Homes detective stories) and Sigmund vulnerable to further episodes of psychosis Freud, notable neurologist and psychiatrist. be violent Do not put yourself or your family at risk. if the drug is used again. Forms of the drug Do not physically try to stop or restrain the When cocaine and alcohol are taken, Cocaine comes in various forms. COCAINE person, unless in self-defence. the two drugs combine to produce Cocaine hydrochloride is the most common Create a calm, non-threatening atmosphere. cocaethylene in the bloodstream. This form in Australia. It is a white powder which Talk slowly, quietly and simply. Reduce any substance creates more damage to the can be snorted (sniffed through the nose) or one hour for a single dose. As the effects hepatitis C and HIV (AIDS). permanent loss of dopamine can occur as distractions and noise – turn off the TV or brain than taking alcohol or cocaine injected. It cannot be smoked as the heating of cocaine tend to wear off quickly, people EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS a result of long-term cocaine use. This may individually. often take a number of small doses in quick contribute to long-term depression, mood radio. process breaks it down. • Heavy use may contribute to feelings of succession which increases the risk of swings and other disorders similar to those Don’t get too close to the person as it may Free-base cocaine is a converted form of the anger and a risk of violent and aggressive REDUCING THE RISKS overdose. found in people with Parkinson disease, even make them feel trapped and threatened. drug which can be smoked and the effects behaviour It is safer not to ‘snort’ than inject cocaine after use has stopped. Avoid direct eye contact. Try to get the person are experienced quickly when smoked. Problems associated with cocaine use may • Cocaine can make people feel uninhibited, – if it is injected, always use new needles to sit down, so the person feels more at ease include: and may contribute to risk-taking behaviour Dependency and syringes, sterile water and clean Crack cocaine is a less common form in and less likely to lash out. If you are talking to PHYSICAL PROBLEMS such as unwanted or unsafe sex, unsafe Cocaine is known to be extremely physically equipment (swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass Australia, a type of free-base cocaine which the person, sit side-by-side. addictive. Laboratory animals trained to usually comes in the form of small crystals • Snorting may lead to nose bleeds, sinus driving, use of other drugs, and reckless and filter). press a lever to deliver an injection of Do not threaten, shout or argue with the or ‘rocks’. Most street cocaine is heavily cut problems and damage to blood vessels behaviour leading to accidents Use with people you trust, and avoid cocaine will do so up to 300 times to receive person. Express empathy for the person’s with various additives. Pure cocaine is rarely which may cause holes in the supporting • Irritability, restlessness and inability to participating in risky activities. handle pressure or stress a single dose. If given an unlimited supply, emotional distress, and acknowledge they found on the streets. tissue of the nose Monitor how much cocaine you use and • Impact on family and personal they will continue to dose themselves until are frightened. Drug Effects • Rapid and irregular heartbeat, heart pain, how often, and don’t drink alcohol with high blood pressure and heart attacks relationships they die of exhaustion or a heart seizure. If they are experiencing delusions, voices Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. cocaine as it can cause complications. • Smoking freebase can cause breathing • Loss of motivation The pleasurable brain effects and feelings or hallucinations do not try to convince the Cocaine acts on the brain’s pleasure and Carry condoms and/or dental dams and difficulties, cough and lung damage • Poor work performance, financial difficulties of increased confidence are thought to person they are not real, or play along. reward system, and floods the brain with have sex safely. • Skin sores, especially in heavy users and legal problems. contribute greatly to the addictive nature of If you are really scared, or the violence is the naturally occurring neurotransmitter, • Delusions of ‘crawling insects under the MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS cocaine. escalating, call the police – let the police dopamine. Dopamine is normally associated TIPS FOR FAMILIES skin’ creates the urge to scratch; pimples, • Increased feelings of suspicion and Withdrawal know the person is showing symptoms of with the same pleasurable feelings Some tips for supporting a loved one with sores and spots can easily become paranoia, and severity of mood swings The withdrawal is known as cocaine psychosis. Contact a mental health crisis experienced during sex or satisfying hunger a cocaine problem are to avoid panicking infected • Increased risk of drug-induced psychosis dysphoria, comedown or crash. Cocaine team for further advice – however they will or thirst. The brain quickly associates the and get informed about the effects of • Development of repetitive behaviour e.g. (see Psychosis opposite) with symptoms withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to most likely be accompanied by the police if memory of taking cocaine with the stimulation cocaine use. Keep communicating, but facial tics such as hyperactivity, delusions, increased manage, as reactions can be unpredictable there is violence or risk of weapons. of its pleasure centres. avoid pleading or nagging, and don’t • Increased risk of dizziness, headaches, aggression and visual hallucinations such and sudden. You will need to keep a close Detox and treatment only talk about the problem. Choose your The short-term effects of using cocaine may strokes and seizures as bright lights or floating spots (snow watch for depression and suicidal thoughts, Phone your local community health centre moment to express your concern. include: • Gastrointestinal complications such as blindness) which could lead to a suicide attempt. If you or Alcohol & Drug Information Service for • Immediate feelings of well-being and abdominal pain and nausea • May aggravate symptoms of mental illness, If they are detoxing at home, they will need are worried for any reason, call an ambulance details of services providing cocaine detox euphoria • Reduced resistance to infections and and increase the risk of manic episodes if a to be monitored for any complications and immediately by dialling 000 or 112 from a and support programs (see the rear cover). • Increased alertness and energy viruses, malnutrition person has bipolar disorder may need lots of calm, gentle reassurance. mobile. Symptoms include: Home detox from cocaine is possible with • Increase in heart rate and body • Brain cell damage, resulting in reduced • Aggravate depression, anxiety, mood • Irritability the assistance of medical supervision and a Learn the signs of overdose and psychotic temperature memory function and concentration swings and panic attacks • Extremes of hunger support worker. If the user has a history of episodes, and how to respond. Have • Pupils of the eyes dilate (enlarge) • Chronic sleep problems • Restlessness and irritability. • Deep depression and suicidal feelings mental illness, heart disease, fits, high blood contact numbers readily available, and a • Reduced appetite • Increased breathing rate and risk of If there has been a previous psychotic • Nausea and vomiting pressure or angina, detox would be better in safety plan for possible violence. Being • Increase in sexual drive. respiratory failure (the higher the dose, the episode, cocaine use may create more • Fatigue, weakness and muscle pain. a clinical setting. supportive doesn’t mean you have to be higher the risk of complications) at risk. The desired effects are usually short-acting confusion, risk of auditory and visual Overdose and occur rapidly, with most users reporting • Injecting users also face the risk of hallucinations, and chances of another FDS - acknowledgement to National Drug and Alcohol Risk of overdose is severely increased when Research Centre (NDARC) It’s okay to talk about it. Get support for effects lasting between 30 minutes and contracting infectious diseases such as psychotic episode. It is thought that a combined with other drugs or alcohol. Death yourself even if they don’t want help. 75 © 2007 Family Drug Support www.fds.org.au © 2007 Family Drug Support www.fds.org.au 76