Cocaine: honest help when it’s become a problem
Please read this first
Cocaine can cause a fit, heart attack or stroke, even in young and healthy people, and mixing it with alcohol or other drugs raises the risk of overdose. If someone has chest pain, a fit or signs of a stroke after taking it, call 999 and tell the crew everything they’ve taken.
If the low after using leaves you feeling hopeless or thinking about ending your life, call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or 999 if you’re in danger.
Cocaine often starts on nights out, then slowly creeps into weekends, weeknights and the morning after. Because it’s so normal in some circles, it can be hard to admit when it’s stopped being a choice. If you’re reading this, that’s already a step, and there is free, confidential help available.
Signs cocaine has become a problem
- You use more often, or more each time, than you meant to
- You’ve tried to cut down and couldn’t
- The comedowns leave you low, anxious or paranoid for days
- It’s costing more money than you can afford, or causing trouble at work or at home
- You use alone, or to get through ordinary days
Where to get help in the UK
- Your GP. A good place to start. They can check your health and refer you to a local drug service.
- Local drug services. Free and confidential, and you can contact them yourself. NHS guide to getting help
- FRANK. Free, confidential advice on 0300 123 6600, or text 82111. talktofrank.com
- Support groups. Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery run free meetings in person and online.
- For family and friends. Adfam supports the people around someone who uses drugs.
Where hypnotherapy fits
Hypnotherapy is not a treatment for drug dependence, and I don’t offer it as one. Your GP or a drug service needs to be part of your recovery.
Where I can help is alongside that care. Cocaine is often tied to confidence, stress or the need to switch off, and those don’t go away when you stop. Sessions can help with those, and with the routines and situations where you used, so the changes you’re making are easier to keep.
Before we work together I’ll ask whether you’re getting support from your GP or a drug service. If I think you need that first, I’ll tell you honestly.
Common questions
Can hypnosis stop me using cocaine?
No one can honestly promise that. Hypnotherapy can support the decision you’ve made and the work you’re doing with your GP or service. The change itself is yours.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you tell me stays between us. As with any therapist, the only exception is if I believed you or someone else were at serious risk of harm.
I’m worried about someone else. What can I do?
FRANK takes calls from family and friends too, and Adfam is set up to support you. You can’t make someone stop, but you don’t have to cope with it alone.
Talk it through
If you’re already getting support and want help alongside it, book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk about whether sessions would help.
Information on this page is based on FRANK and the NHS guide to drug addiction. Checked October 2026.