Addiction to Drugs/cocaine abuse

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Expert: - 11/24/2010


Question
Is craving sugar a sign of cocaine use?

Answer
Hi Sandra,

I worry a bit when I get these types of questions. Often it sounds like someone wanting to catch out a friend or relative for drug use, because they are acting in a different way (like eating lots of sugar). In these cases I always say - if you want to know something about someone you should ask them, and if they tell you to mind your own business you need to respect that.

Anyway, to the sugar question.  The answer is "no". People "crave" sugar for lots of reasons, but generally not because they are using cocaine. They might just have a sweet tooth!

Take care and stay safe,

Jacqui

Addiction to Drugs

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Jacqui

Experience

Currently a Harm Reduction Adviser for Salvation Centre Cambodia (www.scc.org.kh). Worked in harm reduction in Australia for 10 years. Studied extensively on the topic and have trained others. Psychologist with Clinical Masters. Two significant research projects on drug use (one on HIV risk and its link with trauma and one on drug related stigma).

Organizations
No current formal membership but consider myself a part of the harm reduction community.

Publications
Conference proceedings - IHRC 2004 (Chiang Mai), 2005 (Melbourne) & 2010 (Bangkok). Anex Conference 2005 (Melbourne) Stigma-Pleasure-Practice conference 2006 (Sydney).

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Masters of Psychology (Clinical). And a multitude of training courses including advanced first aid, pre & post test counselling accreditation for HIV, significant amount of training on hepatitis C, etc.

Awards and Honors
Have presented at international conferences including the International Harm Reduction Conferences in Chiang Mai Thailand; Melbourne, Australia and Bangkok, Thailand. Also national conferences in Sydney and Melbourne Australia.

Past/Present Clients
I maintain confidentiality about my clients.

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