Did you know that traces of cocaine can be found in the UK’s water supply, or that the UK has the highest number of cocaine users in Europe? [1]
This article will explore the history of cocaine use, the effects of this drug on your brain and body and the dangers of using illicit stimulants, as well as highlighting some concerning cocaine statistics across the UK.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, meaning that it can make you feel more alert and energised. It is one of the most common illicit drugs used in the UK and is derived from the leaves of the South American coca plant.
Other names for cocaine include:
Cocaine comes in several forms, the most common being a white powder which is snorted through the nose.
Some people rub the powder on their gums or inject it into their veins after mixing it with water, while others smoke a crystallised form of cocaine known as crack cocaine.
As cocaine enters your system quickly, it causes a short but intense high. Many people will continue to use cocaine at regular intervals to continue the sensation, but this can quickly lead to a psychological addiction.
People have been using cocaine for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest stimulant drugs known to man.
The ancient Incas found that chewing the leaves of the coca plant gave them more energy and helped them to breathe faster, which was useful when living in high altitudes with thin air.
These leaves were also used recreationally and during religious ceremonies by other ancient civilisations until 1859, when a German chemist named Albert Niemann discovered how to extract and isolate cocaine from them.
It was then marketed as a cure for depression and sexual problems, with many medical experts believing that it was a risk-free and effective antidote for many problems.
Cocaine was even added to Coca-Cola to give customers an energetic boost, helping to make it one of the most popular beverages ever created.
Slowly the medical community began to realise the addictive properties and dangers of cocaine, with the UK banning this substance in 1920 under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
However, many people continue to use cocaine despite the warnings and this has led to an explosion of people seeking help for cocaine addiction.
There are many reasons why someone may use cocaine, and understanding why this substance is used can be a key step toward healing an addiction.
Cocaine can make you feel more confident and energetic, leading many people to use this substance during social events such as parties and clubs.
You may feel wide awake, excited and able to socialise with others more effectively after taking cocaine, particularly if you are usually more reserved.
However, parties are not the only place where cocaine use is rampant. This substance can also cause you to feel more alert, and it is not uncommon in many sectors for workers to use cocaine to allow them to complete their tasks and function effectively in their careers.
It has also been known to raise your sex drive in the short term, with some people using cocaine in an effort to improve their sex lives or to allow them to experience certain sexual experiences.
However, studies have found that repeated cocaine use can actually reduce your sex drive in the long term.
Finally, cocaine can induce a rush of euphoria and pleasure, a sensation that can be extremely addictive. Many people spend their lives chasing that initial cocaine high, often because they are experiencing stress or other difficulties in their daily lives.
For some people, using cocaine is the only way they know how to escape from their worries and fears.
When ingested, cocaine is able to raise the amount of dopamine that the body produces. Dopamine causes feelings of pleasure and euphoria but usually has a fleeting effect on the brain as it is carried away by dopamine transmitters.
As well as increasing the levels of dopamine, cocaine also has the ability to block these dopamine transmitters and cause a build-up of trapped dopamine. This results in a longer-lasting and more intense feeling of euphoria and happiness.
If you continue to use cocaine you will eventually build up a tolerance to this drug, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effects.
In some cases, people lose the ability to produce dopamine without the assistance of cocaine. This is a temporary condition that can be cured, but you will need to completely stop using cocaine in order to do so.
There are strict laws against the use of cocaine in the UK as well as the possession, supply and manufacturing of this substance.
Cocaine is classified as a Class A drug, meaning that it is illegal to use, possess, supply or manufacture it in the UK. [2]
Even if you only use cocaine recreationally, such as during social events, this is still considered a crime.
If you are found to be in possession of cocaine you could face up to seven years in prison, while the supply and production of this substance can result in life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The sentence you receive will depend on a number of factors including the amount of cocaine found and your previous criminal history. If you continue to break the law, your sentence will likely be increased.
The legal issues that come from using cocaine can follow you for years to come, as a criminal record can prevent you from working in certain fields and you may be banned from visiting some countries.
You should never store or hold cocaine for anyone else, whether on your person or inside your vehicle or home, as you can still be charged even if the cocaine does not belong to you.
Additionally, if you are under 18 the police are legally able to inform your parents or guardian that you have been found in the possession of cocaine.
Although it is often marketed as a recreational drug to make social events more enjoyable, cocaine is actually an extremely dangerous substance.
As well as the short-term risks such as the possibility of overdose and violent behaviour, cocaine use can also result in a number of physical and mental health problems if used on a long-term basis.
These include an increased risk of contracting blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis if the cocaine is injected, cardiovascular problems such as an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and difficulty with memory retention and other neurovascular problems.
Many people find that they experience frequent nosebleeds when regularly using cocaine, and this substance can actually cause damage to the nasal walls which causes them to collapse. In some cases, cocaine users are left with a hole in their nose.
Additionally, it is not possible to know exactly which ingredients are found in your cocaine.
Many batches are mixed with other ingredients to increase the weight and bulk them out, so you may find yourself ingesting various other medications or substances such as laundry powder, fentanyl and even arsenic.
In some cases, these tampered batches of cocaine can be fatal and cause an overdose.
It’s no secret that the UK is in the grips of a cocaine addiction epidemic, with more people than ever addicted to this substance.
Below are some of the most concerning statistics regarding cocaine use in the UK, and many of these highlight the addiction problem that we as a nation are currently facing.
If you are one of the thousands of people in the UK struggling with a cocaine addiction, you can get help today.
Our friendly team at Rehab 4 Addiction are ready to take your call, with non-judgemental and confidential advice available to you 24/7.
All you need to do is pick up the phone and call us on 0800 140 4690 to take the first steps towards recovery.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/30/the-white-stuff-why-britain-cant-get-enough-cocaine
[2] https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing
[5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/470811/drug-poisoning-deaths-cocaine-in-england-and-wales/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
