Cocaine Addiction in Toronto, Ontario

04 Sep Cocaine Addiction in Toronto, Ontario

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that has profound and deteriorating effects on relationships, employment, and health. Being stuck in a cycle of using cocaine can be frustrating and overwhelming. We can help with getting you out of the grips of a cocaine addiction by providing cocaine addiction treatment options in Ontario and elsewhere. We are also here to assist families with interventions to help their loved one get the help they need to recover from their cocaine addiction. Often strained relationships and negative lifestyle impacts can cause severe emotional pain leading the cocaine abuser to dive deeper into their addiction. We are here to intervene and help so please call us in Toronto at 1-888-988-5346. In the meantime let’s take a look at cocaine addiction and answer some questions you may have.

What is Cocaine and What Exactly Does it Do?:

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and anesthetic extracted from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows mostly in South America. Cocaine is typically sold on the street in a white powder form. By the time it makes it from South America to Toronto’s streets it is no longer pure and has been cut with many other substances. Drug dealers add all sorts of things to it including flour, baking soda, talcum powder, and even hazardous chemicals to stretch their supply and increase profits.

For centuries, natives of the regions where the coca plant grows have chewed on its leaves to boost energy, stave off hunger and combat altitude sickness. In the late 1800s, scientists isolated the active ingredient in coca leaves, creating a purer and more potent form of the substance. They named it cocaine. While cocaine was commonly used in medicinal tonics in the early 1900s, the United States outlawed the drug in 1914 after its harmful and addictive effects became better known. In the 1970s and 1980s, cocaine resurfaced as a popular drug on the club and party circuit. While cocaine use peaked in 1982, there are signs the drug is making a comeback.

How Do People Use Cocaine in Toronto, Ontario?

Although most cocaine users in Toronto snort it; cocaine can be ingested in several other ways. Snorting cocaine regularly can cause severe damage to the nose and nasal cavities. The damage to the nose may make it harder for the addict to snort the cocaine so many users move on to injecting it or smoking it in. Some cocaine users swallow it or rub it on their gums to get a high too. Cocaine can be smoked on its own or when mixed with marijuana or tobacco. When cocaine is consumed with heroin it is known as a
speedball and it can quickly become deadly. While smoking or injecting cocaine can lead to a quicker high any method of use can result in addiction or overdose. The only way to prevent an overdose from cocaine is to stop using it in any form. Our trained interventionists in Toronto can help you or your family member get the support and help needed to quit cocaine. Call today 1-888-988-5346.

Street Names & Types of Cocaine in Toronto, Ontario:

You may hear lots of names for cocaine being used around the Toronto area. Cocaine can also be mixed with other drugs so it’s helpful to know the names cocaine can be called when it’s not just Cocaine. Many of these combinations can be particularly dangerous to the user.

Cocaine Powder: Powder, Coke, All-American drug, Aunt Nora, Barbs, Blow, Dream, Foo-foo dust, Her, King’s habit, Peruvian lady, Snow, Tardust, Witch, a rip, Aunt, Candy sugar, Devil’s dandruff, Fast white lady, Flave, Pariba, Shake, Shrile, Soft, Sugar boogers, Uptown, White dragon, Zip and Yao.

Cocaine Mixed with Marijuana or Pot:
51, Bazooka, Blunt, Candy sticks, ​Cocktail​, Dirties, Greek, Gremmies, Lace, Premos, Primo
turbo, Splitting, Tio and Woolie.

CocaineMixedwithHeroin:​ Belushi, Boy-girl, Crisscrossing, Dynamite, Flamethrowers, Goofball, H & C, He-she, Murder one, Primos, Smoking gun, Snowball, Speedballing and Whiz bang.

Cocaine Mixed with Other Drugs and Chemicals: Beam me up Scottie, Bumping up, C & M, Candy flipping on a string, Cigamos, Cotton brothers, Croak, Draf, Five-way, Handlebars, Pseudococaine, Shabu and Snow seals.

Crack Cocaine:

Crack cocaine-like powdered cocaine can be smoked or injected but it is a cheaper, rock-like form of the drug that is made from cocaine. It is found everywhere cocaine is in Toronto. It’s called crack because of the crackling sound it makes when it’s smoked. The difference between crack and cocaine is how quickly crack can affect the user. The user experiences an instant rush that lasts about five to 15 minutes. Snorting cocaine results in a slower and less powerful high than smoking or shooting the drug and the effects usually last longer.

Unfortunately, an addiction to crack can happen even more quickly than an addiction to powder cocaine. Crack quite simply can create an overwhelming strong desire to use it again even after the very first “hit” ever or first time it is used. This results in repeated use leading to addiction. Once addicted the only way to beat the addiction is to get help. (Other names for Crack are Beam, Bopper, Candy, CDs, Electric kool-aid, Girl, Mighty white, Pop, Real tops, Rock, Sevenup, Space, Twinkie and Yam).

Who is Using Cocaine?:

Cocaine abuse is not just a problem those in Toronto face. According to the United Nations, more than 17 million people worldwide use cocaine. Canada ranks second in the list of countries whose citizens admitted to regular ​cocaine​ use. In the 2019 Global Drug Survey headed by University College London professor, Dr. Adam Winstock suggested that 1,960 Canadians used half a gram of cocaine 10 days in a month. The survey included 36 other countries and more than 130,000 people. The quantity of cocaine used by Canadians fell within the global average. Why so many cocaine users in Canada? One reason may be the cost. Cocaine in Canada costs approximately $85 per gram compared to the rest of the world where it averages $120 or more per gram. A 2004 survey revealed that cocaine use among Canadian teens and adults was increasing at 1.8% annually, many of those cocaine users being right here in Toronto, Ontario. When asked six of 10 Canadians surveyed who do use cocaine wish they could stop using or at least consume less. These numbers show just how highly addicting cocaine can be.

How Cocaine Affects the Brain and Body:

When a person snorts, smokes, or injects cocaine, it enters the bloodstream quickly.
The high begins within 15 to 30 minutes of snorting the drug and generally lasts for around an hour or perhaps two. Users who smoke or inject the drug will experience the high almost instantly, but the high tends to only last five to 10 minutes. Cocaine causes the heartbeat to quicken and triggers a surge in blood pressure. Users experience a rush of exhilaration and euphoria. Cocaine users describe this feeling as feeling strong, fearless, and even invincible. It’s a feeling of being on top of the world basically. Cocaine can bring confidence, restlessness, and the inability to shut down or sleep while on it. In addition to simply making its user more talkative or energetic; it causes hyper and manic behaviors.

When the cocaine rush wears off, a crash usually follows. Toronto cocaine users report after using it feeling depressed, anxious, irritable, and fatigued. Depending on the number of times it is used and the quantities taken, powerful cravings can follow the crash. To feel good again more cocaine is taken causing a cycle of addiction to begin. Once this cycle has begun the user often needs help breaking the cycle of abuse. Accessing help through our Toronto interventionists and getting set up with a proper cocaine detox and cocaine treatment plan in Toronto or the surrounding areas is the best course of action to tackle the mental and physical struggle cocaine addiction causes.

What Exactly Constitutes a Cocaine Addiction?

Addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects the brain. Addicts living in Toronto with cocaine addiction or substance use disorder, intensely focus on the use of cocaine or crack cocaine. They will often exhibit compulsive highly driven behavior in order to obtain cocaine with very little regard to the consequences that occur as a result of their behavior and cocaine use. The use of cocaine will start affecting all areas of the addict’s life such as their personal relationships, career, and physical and mental health. The psychological and physical drive to use cocaine or crack progresses from initial abuse into severe dependence that can generally only be helped through intervention from outside sources such as private cocaine detox or private cocaine rehab centres. The initial choice to try cocaine is exactly that a choice or for most people in Toronto, however, the disease of addiction is in fact the result of a biological change in the brain where the power of choice is no longer applicable. The cocaine addict must use to feel normal at any cost.

Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system. Normally the brain’s reward system is activated by natural behaviors necessary for survival (drinking water, eating, etc.). Activation of this circuit is triggered by the presence of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or “brain chemical,” that is involved in movement, motivation, emotion, and pleasure. When cocaine is used, dopamine is released in large quantities. This release “rewards” the user with feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The body can build up a tolerance to cocaine. For someone with an increased tolerance, larger amounts of cocaine or crack cocaine are needed to feel the same effects.

Brain imaging studies have shown temporary changes during a “high” can cause long-lasting changes in areas of the brain for those with addiction. The areas affected are related to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control in addition to the reward system. These chemicals essentially disrupt the way the brain sends or receives messages during a cocaine high and by association, disrupt the functioning of the body as well. This can be a deadly effect as over activation of the nervous system can affect the body in such a way that breathing ceases or heart attacks occur.

There may be moments of clarity for those who abuse cocaine where they realize they need to cut back or stop or the user may well know that they have an addiction to cocaine. However, with that knowledge alone the desire to stop may not be there. For those struggling with addiction to cocaine in Toronto their addiction may be causing many health problems as well as problems at work, issues with family members, and friends yet it’s still not a catalyst for them to quit. Friends and family may be baffled by this. The cocaine user themselves may be just as confused. This is why interventions by trained recovery professionals in Toronto work so well at getting through to the user. While there is no cure, cocaine addiction can be managed. There are a number of effective treatments and therapies available to manage cocaine addiction and address underlying causes such as trauma that is driving the user to abuse cocaine in the first place. By seeking help through private cocaine treatment centres those with substance use disorders in Toronto can recover. Life can be lived in a normal and productive way once the cocaine addict recovers.

What You NEED to Know About Addiction in Toronto, Ontario:

• People who have a substance use disorder may lie, manipulate or steal to get more cocaine or crack. While this is because they have a disease, they will often get worse if you enable them by giving in to their demands, give them money or assist them in any way to get high. Our interventionists in Toronto can help you know what to do and what not to do when dealing with a person you love who has a cocaine addiction so you are no longer assisting them in getting high. These changes in your behavior can push the cocaine addict towards finding recovery.
• “Willpower” is a myth. A person who is addicted to cocaine cannot “will” themselves to stop using any more than a person with heart disease can “will” themselves to achieve perfect health. Addiction needs to be treated with proper medical attention. It affects the body, mind, and spirit. Cocaine addicts cannot just stop because they want to or those around them are begging them too. An intervention is generally required.
• Addiction is a mental health disorder that has specific behavior patterns. It’s also a physical disease. Understanding addiction as a disease will help everyone in the cocaine addict’s life. While the addict is not responsible for their illness, they are responsible for their life in recovery. We can help give the cocaine addict their power to live a normal productive and fulfilling life once again in Toronto.
• Addiction changes the brain. Drugs like cocaine and crack can cause physical changes that make the body crave more. Withdrawal occurs with almost any drug, and admitting an addicted person to a private cocaine detox program is the safest way for them to get the cocaine out of their system, and enter a cocaine treatment or rehab facility in Toronto or elsewhere.
• Recovery is possible. Just like all diseases, addiction can include relapse and may take a while to go into remission. A quick fix program is not going to be enough for long term cocaine recovery. Your loved one needs a plan that will carry them through their life in Toronto after leaving rehab. Our interventists will help set up an after care program that will not abandon the addict after leaving treatment. A smart and individual after care program is KEY for staying clean.

Cocaine addiction is not curable, but it’s treatable. Learning new life skills and coping skills while a private cocaine rehab facility can help people develop a program of recovery that can last for a lifetime. There is always hope. Do not despair.

When to Get Help for a Cocaine in Toronto, Ontario:

Cocaine use often starts off as a fun party drug but how do you know when it stops becoming that? How can you determine the severity of your cocaine abuse? Here’s a quick assessment you can do to help you decide. Be honest with yourself…

• Do you focus on using cocaine or look forward to the next time you can use it?
• Have you tried to stop using cocaine or slow down your use and can’t?
• Do you spend lots of time getting high on cocaine or trying to find more of it?
• Do you consume more cocaine than you intend to or do you end up using it on days when you didn’t want to?
• Have you given up activities you used to do because of your use of cocaine?
• Do you neglect responsibilities at home, school, or work to use cocaine?
• Do you experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit? Such as fatigue, depression, anxiety and irritability?
• Have you been needing more cocaine to get the same high as when you first
  started using cocaine?
• Have you gone from snorting cocaine to smoking it or injecting it?
• Have you started using crack cocaine?
• Have you changed friends or groups because they hinder your ability to use cocaine or confront you about your use?
• Have friends or family noticed your addiction and tell you they are worried about you?
• Are you calling in sick to work or cancelling plans because of your cocaine use?
• Do you use cocaine when you are at work or while driving? Or while doing other activities where you are likely to get caught using it?
  Do you use just to “feel normal” again?

Additional indicators of cocaine addiction include:

• Stealing money to purchase cocaine
• Pawning and selling items of value
• Engaging in volatile and destructive behaviors
• Mood swings
• Dilated pupils
• Hyperactivity and excessive talking
• Weight loss
• Runny or bloody nose
• Needle marks (on people who shoot cocaine)
• Changes in eating habits and sleep patterns
• Teeth grinding and excessive jaw movements

Quitting Cocaine in Toronto, Ontario:

We hope we have been able to provide you with more information, some charity and hope regarding cocaine addiction. Have you now come to a point that you are ready to get help with your cocaine addiction or want to help your family member get the help they so desperately need? We are happy you have found us because this is what we do. We give cocaine addicts in Toronto their lives back. So let’s go over the options available and let you know how we can assist you in Toronto.

Cocaine Detox Centre (Toronto, Ontario)​:

Detox is the process of the actual physical withdrawal from the drug. This is often the most traumatic and sometimes dangerous part of the process and should be done privately under medical supervision. Most cocaine addicts will not suffer from dangerous withdrawal (unless there is an alcohol or other drug addiction combined with the cocaine addiction) but it is important to tell your doctor or the staff about any problems that you are having so they can be dealt with rapidly. Most people who go through cocaine detox describe it as unpleasant but much more manageable with support of medical professionals. Keep in mind most psychological symptoms start to present themselves during the detox phase of recovery so the private detox centres we recommend provide counseling is available 24 hours. For assistance in finding a qualified cocaine detox centre that will help you or a loved one overcome the withdrawal symptoms of cocaine addiction, call our cocaine Intervention staff in Toronto at 1-888-988-5346.

Cocaine Rehab Centre or Cocaine Treatment Centre (Toronto, Ontario):

At a cocaine treatment facility the focus will be on finding and treating the cause of the cocaine addiction. At this point in treatment, the user should be over the acute withdrawal phase and entering into the post-acute withdrawal phase. Rehabilitation is one of the most important phases in both inpatient and outpatient private cocaine recovery programs. The rehab phase is very similar in both types of treatment. Learning to live without cocaine is extremely difficult. During rehab many people experience the desire to relapse. Our trained staff know how to help cocaine addicts through these feelings and to stick with the program they are doing. The techniques you learn during this phase of treatment will help to prevent relapse from occurring. In private treatment our cocaine recovery specialists or interventionists in Toronto work to create an individualized sustainable program of recovery that will include but not be limited to the following:

• Learning how to cope with triggers – triggers are people, places, and things that enabled you to use drugs. They can be psychological or physical and often combine elements of both. Learning how to deal with triggers is extremely important in preventing relapse when going back home to Toronto.
• Participating in self-esteem building activities – lack of self-esteem is a major cause of cocaine use or abuse.
• Learning how to deal with the cause of the cocaine addiction – whether this is stress, anxiety, social issues, confidence, or another issue, counsellors and other treatment staff will help you learn better ways of coping with life on life’s terms.
• Learning how to live without cocaine – Many people forget how to live without the cocaine to rely on when they return home to Toronto.
• How to repair damaged relationships – Learning to deal with this damage and how to correct it is an important part of any long term cocaine recovery program.
• Self-care is an important part of dealing with cocaine addiction. Eating healthy and exercise will help you feel better and may help with the withdrawal symptoms.

For more information on cocaine rehab and how to choose the best treatment option for yourself or someone you love, call us 1-888-988-5346. We can explain this process and help you on your way to recovery.

Cocaine Recovery and Aftercare for Toronto, Ontario.

Recovery is the final portion of treatment and needs to be able to last a lifetime. When you reach the recovery portion of cocaine addiction rehabilitation, you will have most of the tools that you need to remain clean in the future. When you are ready to leave rehab and return home to Toronto; our staff (including counsellors, interventionists and doctors) work with you to ensure you do not relapse once you exit the cocaine treatment program. It is important to choose a private cocaine rehab centre that has an aftercare program that will work best for you. If you have any questions about the treatment process or need help finding an individualized private cocaine treatment program that meets all of your needs call our interventionists in Toronto at 1-888-988-5346. We will also be there to help explain your aftercare plan and continuing treatment options to you and your family.

Intervention Help in Toronto, Ontario:

Sometimes the best chance to get through to your loved one about their cocaine addiction is with a carefully planned intervention. An intervention can help family and friends motivate the loved one to change their behavior, and help break through denial. Denial can be a big issue for anyone suffering from a cocaine addiction. No one wants to admit they have lost control or have caused themselves or others pain and hardship. Watching somebody you love spiral out of control while they assure you that everything is “fine” is heartbreaking and frustrating. You may start to realize that you can’t get your loved one to access help on your own. The need for outside help is just not getting through and nothing is changing despite the promises and reassurances they have been making. This is when you need reinforcements provided by an interventionist who specializes in cocaine addiction. Our interventionists can be in Toronto at your home or a designated meeting spot within 48 hours of your call to 1-888-988-5346.

What is an Intervention?

A professionally facilitated intervention is a structured method of assisting a person struggling with addiction and/or mental health issues. The objective is to assist the person to seek help for their addiction and commit to treatment. A successful intervention is professionally facilitated by an individual with expertise addiction counseling and specific training in the intervention process. The goal of the intervention is to confront your loved one with the consequences of their addiction. From there, the conversation will turn from addiction to recovery, with the result being that your loved one will try a new way of living and seek treatment.

Consulting with an addiction professional, such as a treatment counselor, social worker or an interventionist in Toronto is the best way to help organize a successful intervention. An interventionist will:

• Meet with a group of caring family members, friends and coworkers to gather information, assess, and recommend the best possible treatment options for the person afflicted.
• Facilitate meetings to encourage participants to explore enabling behaviors and consequences.
  Help family and friends share their experiences and concerns with the person suffering with cocaine addiction.
• Find, support, and accompany the person to treatment.
• Liaise with the treatment center and strategize on a full cocaine treatment
  program at all stages of the process.
• Provide follow up, support, and help finding sponsorship.

Getting clean and getting your life back doesn’t happen overnight and not all people are excited about going to treatment especially for a cocaine addiction. Our trained professionals in Toronto know how to handle the reservations you or your loved one may have. We will be there to guide and support you and your family through this process. To find out how we can help or to get started please call us 1-888-988-5346 and let’s get you and your family some relief and freedom from addiction.