Can LGBTQ+ People Who Recover From Cocaine Addiction Ever Go Back to Casual Use?

For many LGBTQ+ people who have recovered from cocaine addiction, the lifelong goal is to maintain their sober living status. When it comes to cocaine addiction, there is no actual cure. Recovery from cocaine addiction doesn’t stop, but it can be deterred quite suddenly by relapse triggers. Casual use may seem okay at first glance, but it can quickly turn into cocaine dependency, then all the way back to addiction. Many rehabs for cocaine addiction have re-admitted queer individuals who completed treatment only to return to casual use of the substance, demonstrating the persistent threat of addiction. Does this mean LGBTQ+ people who recover from cocaine addiction can never safely re-engage in casual use?

What Is Life After Cocaine Addiction Treatment Like For LGBTQ+ People?

Life after cocaine addiction treatment often carries reminders of the toll taken on the LGBTQ+ individual’s body from cocaine abuse. In addition to many lingering physical and mental difficulties, recovering queer people may also have memories of how their addictive behaviors affected their lives and relationships.

The long term effects can be daunting, as some may need to deal with anxiety, depression, diabetes, liver disease, or heart disease for the rest of their lives. To make matters worse, some withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, confusion, headaches, tremors, and more, may reappear even months after the cocaine detox process. While dealing with these discomforts, LGBTQ+ people recovering from cocaine addiction also need to live with the physical and emotional distance between them and their once important jobs, schools, friends, and family. That distance may still be present even after addiction treatment for cocaine use.

The Risk of Casual Use of Cocaine For LGBTQ+ People

Attempting to return to casual use after recovering from cocaine addiction is fraught with significant risks. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that alters the brain’s reward system. When an LGBTQ+ individual uses cocaine, it causes a surge of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This creates an intense feeling of euphoria, but it also rewires the brain to associate cocaine with pleasure. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to release dopamine, making it difficult to experience pleasure without it.

For an LGBTQ+ person who has been addicted to cocaine, even a single use can trigger a relapse. The brain’s reward system has been altered, and it remembers the intense pleasure associated with cocaine. This can lead to cravings and a compulsion to use the drug again. The idea of using cocaine “casually” is particularly dangerous because it underestimates the drug’s power to reignite addiction. The risk is not just theoretical; many queer people who try to use cocaine casually after recovery find themselves quickly spiraling back into dependency. The brain’s chemistry has been changed by the addiction, and it is nearly impossible to re-establish a healthy relationship with the substance.

Moreover, the psychological impact of relapse can be devastating. The feelings of failure, guilt, and shame that accompany a relapse can be overwhelming. These emotions can drive further cocaine use as a way to cope, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. The risk of casual use is not just about the physical effects of the cocaine but also the emotional and psychological toll it can take.

Real-World Temptations

The social environments where cocaine is often used can be full of triggers for an LGBTQ+ person in recovery. Imagine a queer person at a party, feeling good, and someone offers them a line of coke. It seems harmless, but for the queer person who has battled with coke addiction, it’s like playing with fire. The brain’s previous dependency can reignite, leading to a full-blown relapse. The temptation is all around, and it’s easy to find oneself slipping back into a place of dependency.

These real-world temptations are not limited to parties. They can occur in any social setting where cocaine is present. The pressure to fit in, the desire to feel good, and the memories of past highs can all contribute to the temptation to use cocaine again. For an LGBTQ person in recovery, these situations can be incredibly difficult. The best strategy is to avoid environments where cocaine is present and to have a strong support system in place to help resist the temptation.

Additionally, the normalization of cocaine use in certain social circles can make it even harder to resist. When everyone around an LGBTQ+ person is using, it can create a false sense of security and make it seem like the casual use is no big deal. This is particularly dangerous for the queer person in recovery, as it can lead to rationalizing and justifying use, which can quickly spiral into addiction.

Reach Out To Inspire Recovery Today For help!

Negotiating with oneself about cocaine use isn’t just a sure sign of relapse; it’s actually recognized as relapse itself. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Inspire Recovery is here to support you. Call us today at 561-621-3984 and speak with one of our addiction counselors who understands and can guide you on the path to recovery. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.