Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes a drastic increase in energy, euphoria, and agitation. It is highly addictive and can increase the risk for acute cardiovascular events.
Quick Answer
What it is
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes a drastic increase in energy, euphoria, and agitation. It is highly addictive and can increase the risk for acute cardiovascular events.
Key findings
- Grade C: Cocaine Addiction Symptoms (CDP-Choline)
- Grade D: Bipolar Disorder Symptoms (CDP-Choline)
Safety
- It is highly addictive and can increase the risk for acute cardiovascular events.
โน๏ธ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Cocaine Abuse
- Supplements Studied:2
- Research Trials:3
- Total Participants:86
- Top Supplement:CDP-Choline (C)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Modulates glutamate; reduces cocaine cravings; most studied supplement for cocaine use disorder
Supports brain health and dopamine function; may reduce impulsivity; anti-inflammatory effects
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Often depleted with cocaine use; supports energy and neurotransmitter synthesis
Deficiency common; supports mood and dopamine synthesis
Supports GABA function; helps with anxiety and sleep during recovery
Often deficient; supports immune function and neurotransmitter balance
Antioxidant; depleted by cocaine use; supports adrenal function and dopamine synthesis
Dopamine precursor; may help restore dopamine system depleted by cocaine
Gut-brain axis support; cocaine use disrupts gut microbiome
How It Works
Cocaine use disorder is characterized by compulsive cocaine use despite negative consequences. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that floods the brain with dopamine, creating intense euphoria. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing dopamine receptors and production, leading to tolerance, craving, and difficulty experiencing pleasure without the drug.
CRITICAL: Cocaine use disorder requires professional treatment. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY.
EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT includes:
IMPORTANT: There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, unlike opioid or alcohol use disorders. Research is ongoing.
IF IN CRISIS:
* N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the most studied supplement for cocaine addiction. It modulates glutamate (a neurotransmitter involved in craving) and has shown benefit in reducing cravings and cocaine use.
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids support brain health and may help with impulsivity.
* B Vitamins and other nutrients are often depleted by cocaine use and poor nutrition during addiction.
Expected timeline: Recovery is a long process. NAC may reduce cravings within 4-8 weeks. Full dopamine system recovery can take months to years. Relapse is common and is part of recovery - not failure.
Supplements for Cocaine Abuse
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (40)
Related Conditions
Bipolar Disorder
2 shared supplements ยท 26 outcomes
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by intense mood swings of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), which correspond with changes in behavior, energy, and activity levels.
Weight Loss & Maintenance
1 shared supplement ยท 433 outcomes
This goal refers to people with a BMI >25 attempting to reach/maintain their ideal weight. While interventions that work for people with a BMI >25 may also work for people with a lower BMI, the context is often sufficiently different that this isn't assured.
Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
1 shared supplement ยท 4 outcomes
Trichotillomania is the compulsion to pull out one's hair.
Tobacco Use Disorder
1 shared supplement ยท 2 outcomes
Tobacco use disorder is a condition involving a dependence on the use of nicotine-containing tobacco products like cigarettes. It involves compulsive cravings for tobacco and cessation of use is very difficult.
Surgical Recovery
1 shared supplement ยท 43 outcomes
Surgical recovery refers to physiological endpoints after surgery including recovery time and adverse events including morbidity and mortality, as well as the presence of physical pain, physical comfort with everyday activities, physical independence, psychological support, and emotional well-being.
Substance Use Disorder
1 shared supplement ยท 2 outcomes
Substance use disorder is an abnormal mental condition characterized by an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications, leading to health issues or problems at work or home.
Soccer Performance
1 shared supplement ยท 45 outcomes
Soccer performance refers to skills that relate to success in the sport of soccer (football) including dribbling, passing, juggling, shooting, bending, turning, goalkeeping, agility, speed, and stamina.
Schizophrenia
1 shared supplement ยท 69 outcomes
Schizophrenia is a brain condition that may cause auditory and/or visual hallucinations, delusions, difficulties with emotions and cognition, and verbal communication problems. These symptoms manifest between the ages of 16 and 30.