It is possible for persons to develop an addiction to cocaine. The high from the drug does not last very long. As a result, individuals often take more of it and perhaps use it more frequently, in order to sustain or experience the feelings commonly attributed to the use of cocaine. Overtime, this may result in an individual developing an addiction. There is a belief that cocaine is not physically addicting. However, it can be psychologically addicting. Individuals who find that they enjoy the feelings that cocaine creates may find it very difficult to stop using it.

It is possible to develop a tolerance to the drug. This often happens very fast but is short lived. Once a person has become an addict or a heavy user, it doesn’t generally require an increasing amount of the drug to get 'high'.

After a person has developed an addiction to cocaine, it is very easy for them to be totally preoccupied with it. Depending on the severity of the condition, a person may or may not be able to function normally. There are people who are functional addicts. However, just because a person is able to go about their everyday duties, does not mean that they do not pose a threat to themselves or others. Prolonged use can damage the organs, for example the kidneys, liver and heart. Some long term cocaine addicts have to be put on dialysis because their kidneys are not able to function normally. In fact, there is the risk that they might even fail.

An addiction to cocaine can be treated via drug rehab. While there are plenty of rehab programs that are available to treat addicts. Individuals with a very severe addiction to cocaine may need to enter into an inpatient facility where they can get care and support around the clock. Outpatient treatment is another option but is generally best for those whose addictions are at the beginning stages or which haven’t yet become overwhelming. The amount of time it takes to overcome an addiction to cocaine will differ based on the user, their commitment to getting clean and the amount of support they have to stay the course.