This page is general information, not medical advice. Please don’t stop or change any medication or substance without talking to a doctor first.
Cocaine is riskier than it used to be
Cocaine is a stimulant. It speeds up the body and brain, raising heart rate and blood pressure. Some people use it at parties or work, and some use crack cocaine, which is smoked.
Today there is an added danger. The CDC says powdered fentanyl can be mixed into cocaine, often without the user knowing. That means a person who has never used opioids can overdose on one. Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home, and see our fentanyl page for why.
Signs a family may notice
While using
- Bursts of energy, fast talk or big confidence
- Frequent trips to the bathroom, or a runny nose
- Staying out late, or not sleeping
- Spending money quickly with little to show for it
After a binge
- Crashing: long sleep, low mood and irritability
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Strong cravings to use again
- Missing work, family time or bills
Chest pain, a racing heart, seizures or very high body temperature after cocaine use are emergencies. Call 911.
The crash, and why support matters
After a period of heavy use, many people “crash.” They may feel exhausted, low, anxious and irritable, and want to use again to feel better. Cocaine withdrawal isn’t usually dangerous to the body the way alcohol withdrawal can be, but the low mood can be serious and the pull back to use is strong.
If your loved one is very depressed or talks about suicide, call or text 988. It also helps to have a doctor check for heart problems and for other substances, especially alcohol, which many people mix with cocaine.
How families can help in the first weeks
- Keep the house calm and predictable, with regular meals and sleep
- Help remove easy access to money that could go to buying more
- Learn the triggers your loved one names, like certain friends, places or paydays
- Celebrate small wins, like a week of appointments kept
None of this replaces treatment. It just makes the treatment easier to stick with.
Treatment options for cocaine use disorder
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says there are currently no medications approved by the FDA to treat cocaine use disorder. But NIDA also says many behavioral treatments have proven effective in both residential and outpatient settings:
- Contingency management (CM). Also called motivational incentives. NIDA says programs offer vouchers or prizes for drug-free tests, and that CM can help people stop at the start and stay in treatment.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people notice the situations and thoughts that lead to use, and practice other ways to cope.
- Therapeutic communities. NIDA lists these longer-term residential programs, where people live and recover together, among the options.
- Aftercare. Ongoing support after a program ends helps people keep their progress. See our aftercare guide.
Which level of care usually fits
Assessment first
A doctor or program checks for other substances, heart health and mental health, then suggests a level of care. Our level of care guide explains the options.
Outpatient or IOP for many people
If home is stable, intensive outpatient care lets your loved one keep working while getting several sessions a week.
Residential when needed
Heavy daily use, crack cocaine, or an unsafe home may call for residential care first.
Intensive outpatient programs near Jacksonville
Free listings, checked against Florida DCF. Ask each program whether it offers contingency management.
Design Recovery
3000 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach
Lakeview Health
3227 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville
Lakeview Health Outpatient
4496 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville
New Season Treatment Center (Duval)
590 Ellis Road South, Jacksonville
New Season Treatment Center (Jacksonville)
4427 Emerson Street Bldg 4, Jacksonville
Ron Cipriano & Associates Counseling
9471 Bay Meadows Rd Suite 301, Jacksonville
Sophros Recovery
2511 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S Suite 105/106, Jacksonville
Cocaine treatment: common questions
Is there a medication for cocaine addiction?
Not yet. NIDA says no medications are currently FDA-approved for cocaine use disorder. Behavioral therapies like contingency management and CBT are the main treatments, and they work in both residential and outpatient care.
Does my loved one need detox for cocaine?
Often not in the way alcohol or opioids require. But a medical check is wise, especially if they also drink heavily or use pills. Read our polysubstance page.
Can cocaine have fentanyl in it?
Yes. The CDC says fentanyl can be mixed into cocaine. Keep free naloxone in Jacksonville at home if anyone uses.
How do I bring it up without a fight?
Pick a calm moment, speak about specific things you’ve seen and say you’re worried, not angry. Our guide to talking to a loved one can help.
Who do I call in a crisis?
In an emergency, call 911. For a crisis, call or text 988. SAMHSA’s free National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).