 An addiction expert says the huge rise in cocaine use is because it has become so normal 'people are offered it at a work party and think nothing of it'. Recent analysis from the UK's National Crime Agency said traces of cocaine in wastewater is some areas of the UK are up by 25%. Dr David McLaughlan, visiting consultant at The Priory Hospital Roehampton says the rise is because cocaine has become 'socially acceptable' in the UK. He said many people don't even realise they are addicted or have a problem until they 'get caught doing coke and at lunchtime'. The expert said language people use to describe taking it – like 'having a bump' – downplay drug taking, making it seem more normal. He said people rarely come to him for help for their own health – more usually because 'they got caught stealing from their wife or caught with prostitutes'. Dr McLaughlan, 38, from Brixton, London, said: 'People would be horrified if offered heroin at work party, but if someone is offered cocaine, they often think nothing of it. 'It's just so common in cities like London. 'People perceive it as being something totally normal – even the words people use like 'having a bump,' they distract from what the drug actually is. 'Cocaine makes people confident and chatty and it enhances the experience of pleasure – it enhances people's social bond – this is why it's become so popular. 'It can very easily get out of control. Cocaine addiction is insidious, and often people don't realise they have an addiction. 'Often people will only realise how bad it is if they get caught doing coke at lunchtime, or someone notices they have a nosebleed.' Rather than the health impacts, Dr McLaughlan says the most common trigger for people to seek treatment is the financial toll it takes, as well as the breakdown of their personal relationships due to the drug. 'When they realise how much they spend it is a big realit){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
An addiction expert says the huge rise in cocaine use is because it has become so normal ‘people are offered it at a work party and think nothing of it’.
Recent analysis from the UK’s National Crime Agency said traces of cocaine in wastewater is some areas of the UK are up by 25%.
Dr David McLaughlan, visiting consultant at The Priory Hospital Roehampton says the rise is because cocaine has become ‘socially acceptable’ in the UK.
He said many people don’t even realise they are addicted or have a problem until they ‘get caught doing coke and at lunchtime’.