Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can cause serious long-term effects on the brain and body. Recognizing the early signs of cocaine addiction can help build awareness of the drug’s effects and seek appropriate help.
Understanding Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction happens when a person continues to abuse cocaine despite its negative effects. Since the drug has stimulant effects, many people continue to use cocaine until they become dependent on it.
Cocaine is highly addictive because it causes dopamine to build up in the brain. Dopamine is the brain’s reward chemical, and using cocaine means that this chemical is released artificially, giving the user an overwhelming feeling of pleasure. After some time, cocaine users will need more of the drug to achieve the same high.
The Origin Of Cocaine
Cocaine comes from the coca plant that is native to South America, particularly Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. Ancient Incas in the Andes chewed coca leaves for their stimulating effects.
In modern times, the raw ingredient of cocaine undergoes a series of chemical transformations in remote jungle labs. This makes the drug into an accessible white powder that’s illegally shipped all over the world.
Why Is Cocaine Use Popular?
Many people engage in cocaine use because of the drug’s “pleasurable” effects. These pleasurable effects can make it easier to approach or talk to others, and some users find themselves reaching for the drug at social events.
While these pleasurable effects induce euphoria and a temporary boost in confidence, they can also result in cocaine abuse. Since these effects are short-lived, users often find themselves seeking more of the drug to maintain the same level of pleasure.
What Are The Effects Of Using Cocaine?
When a person takes cocaine, the effects are usually short-lived. They may experience the peak effects that last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, leading the user to take more frequent doses.
The effects of using cocaine include:
- Feelings of euphoria and invulnerability
- Feeling more awake and happy
- Restlessness
- Reduced appetite
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Heightened senses
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Hallucinations
Because of these effects, people who abuse cocaine are at a higher risk of significant health issues. Various complications may arise from the effects of the drug.
The Effects Of Cocaine On The Brain
Cocaine causes a dopamine surge in the brain. So when you take it, you feel very happy and alert. However, continued use of this drug will eventually harm and alter your brain’s neurotransmitter systems.
Long-term use of cocaine can damage the user’s dopamine receptors and make it difficult for them to feel pleasure without using the drug. Other effects of cocaine on the brain include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Neurological disorders
- Difficulty making decisions
- Poor impulse control
- Increased risk of mental health disorders
- Structural changes in brain regions
How To Identify The Signs Of Cocaine Addiction
People who struggle with cocaine addiction will manifest physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. Learning to identify these signs can help a person struggling with drug abuse find the help they need.
Physical Signs
Repeated cocaine use is often linked to changes in a person’s appearance. Since the drug suppresses the appetite, people abusing cocaine may have noticeable weight loss.
Other physical signs of cocaine addiction include:
- Bleeding nose
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rates
- Chest pain
- Respiratory damage
- Frequent headaches
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral cocaine addiction signs include erratic or impulsive behavior. Since the drug affects a person’s cognitive function, they may exhibit sudden and unpredictable changes in their mood and function. Daily functioning decreases because of the impact of cocaine use on their mental and psychological well-being.
In addition, people struggling with cocaine abuse may experience financial struggles and neglect their responsibilities. They find themselves spending significant amounts of money to buy cocaine as well as abandoning their responsibilities to continue using the drug.
Psychological Signs
When a person continues to manage their use of the drug, they will experience extreme mood fluctuations that affect their overall mental health. Anxiety and depression often result from being unable to handle the comedown after using cocaine. In severe cases, the drug may also experience paranoia and hallucinations.
Withdrawal Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Addiction
When a person stops taking cocaine, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Drug detox can be intense, especially when a person has developed a dependence on the drug.
The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include fatigue, body achieves, and tremors. People may also experience serious cravings for the drug and may find it difficult to concentrate without the drug.
Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose happens when a person takes too much of the drug that it overwhelms the body. It’s important to call emergency services right away once you see the signs of a cocaine overdose since an overdose can be life-threatening.
These signs include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Severe agitation
- Loss of bladder control
- Hyperthermia
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme confusion
Other Risk Factors Of Cocaine Use
The risks of cocaine abuse can be interpersonal. Using the drug can cause relationship problems as the addiction can lead to trust and communication issues among loved ones.
Using cocaine also increases the likelihood of abusing other drugs. Cocaine users may engage in polydrug abuse. They may combine cocaine with other substances like alcohol and opioids, which also increases the risk of overdose.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine use disorder results from repeated cocaine use. This cycle of addiction has grave consequences, but proper treatment can help people overcome it.
Effective treatment for substance abuse like cocaine addiction involves a combination of different therapies and modalities. Depending on your treatment plan, you can expect the following:
- Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) help identify the root cause of addiction
- Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which provide an environment where people feel a sense of community
- Holistic treatments like yoga, meditation, and art therapy, which help people manage stress and improve their mental health
Cocaine Use And Co-occurring Disorders
Many people who battle with cocaine addiction may also struggle with co-occurring mental disorders. This is a condition called dual diagnosis. It’s a common condition among people who struggle with drug abuse.
If people abuse cocaine without addressing these disorders first, the drug’s effects may intensify. It can make treatment more complicated and increase the likelihood of addiction.
As such, treatment for co-occurring disorders involves addressing the addiction and mental health disorders at hand. A combination of therapies, medication, and other holistic care therapies can help them achieve lasting recovery.
Where To Find Help
Finding help for substance abuse shouldn’t be difficult. It’s important to look for a facility that offers everything you need for a safe and comfortable recovery.
At Luxe Recovery, our team of professionals knows that every person’s journey to addiction recovery is different. Whether you need dual diagnosis treatment or a personalized rehab program, we’re here to help.
Our team will prioritize your needs so that you can be in an environment suitable for addiction recovery. Contact us today to know more.
