Cocaine Addiction
Table of Contents
Am I Addicted to Cocaine?
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Cocaine Cravings
Restlessness
Restlessness is one of the more common cocaine addiction symptoms. Individuals who have a cocaine substance abuse disorder may feel restless even when they are not using the drug. They may also expend large amounts of energy trying to acquire cocaine to calm their restlessness.
Inability to Stop
Negative Impact on Quality of Life
Anxiety
"Am I an Addict?" Quiz
Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Behavior
Skin
Breathing
Panic
Abnormal Behavior
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine addiction effects can linger long after the high passes. Cocaine use causes changes in the brain that can lead to symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and seizures. Additionally, cocaine addiction affects many of the body’s systems, creating physiological effects.
Fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Delayed Thinking
Seizures
Physiological
Not only does cocaine cause changes in mental health, but it also can lead to physiological changes as well. Cocaine affects many of the major organ systems in the body. Individuals who smoke crack cocaine are more likely to have lung damage and long-term breathing problems than those who don’t smoke the substance. Cocaine also affects the digestive organs, which can lead to ulcers and gut rot. The heart is also affected, putting individuals at higher risk for cardiac events.
How Does Cocaine Abuse Affect Mental Health?
Central Nervous System
Energy: Increased energy and hyperarousal are typical symptoms of cocaine use. Cocaine also increases norepinephrine in the brain, which is related to the fight-or-flight response. This causes individuals to feel overly energetic when they take cocaine.
Euphoria: Cocaine also increases the amount of dopamine available in the brain. When released, dopamine produces feelings of intense pleasure and euphoria.
Mood swings: Increased energy and euphoria will quickly wear off, however, leaving the brain depleted of its neurotransmitters. After the high wears off, individuals may feel extreme lows emotionally and experience mood swings.
Anti-Reward System
Impact on Cocaine Withdrawal
How Long Does Cocaine Psychosis Last?
Stages
Prodrome: Prior to experiencing psychotic symptoms, individuals may feel agitated, restless, anxious, and suspicious.
Acute: Symptoms will begin to escalate and may include hallucinations, paranoia, and violence.
Recovery: Eventually, these symptoms subside as neurotransmitter levels in the brain begin to stabilize.
Type
Cause
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Profound Treatment
Wondering how to stop your cocaine addiction or have concerns for a loved one? Profound Treatment offers state-of-the-art cocaine addiction treatment options to help individuals recover safely and comfortably. Profound Treatment offers residential detox cocaine withdrawal treatment, inpatient treatment options, as well as professional and vocational skills training.
Seek Professional Help
Integrated Treatment
Post-Treatment Counseling
Support Groups
Lifestyle Modifications
Prevent Relapse
Unfortunately, many individuals who struggle with a substance use disorder will relapse. Being proactive and getting in touch with a rehabilitation center can help prevent future relapse as it provides individuals with the support and tools they need for recovery.
Resources
- https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/1141-cocaine.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181074/
- https://store.samhsa.gov/product/treatment-for-stimulant-use-disorders/PEP21-02-01-004
- https://medcraveonline.com/JLPRR/pulmonary-effects-of-cocaine-use.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3795579/
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