Like other stimulants, cocaine can have lasting effects on a person’s brain and body. While people may think of cocaine as a party drug from a bygone era, it’s commonly used today. Contrary to popular belief, many people who use cocaine live relatively normal lives. This can make it challenging to know what someone is abusing or addicted to the stimulant. A cocaine addiction treatment center is the most effective way to recover from cocaine abuse and addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine abuse, our team at TruHealing Centers can help. Contact us online or call us now at [Direct] to learn more about our programs and find the right cocaine addiction treatment center for your recovery needs.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a white powder derived from the South American coca plant. This powerful stimulant is smoked, injected, snorted, or ingested. In its more concentrated form, crack cocaine provides an even more intense high. Cocaine is a stimulant, meaning it speeds up messages from the brain to the body. This causes each of the body’s systems to speed up.
While high on cocaine, a person may:
- Become more talkative
- Lose their appetite
- Lose weight
- Have increased focus
- Suffer anxiety and panic attacks
- Sweat
- Carry out tasks quickly
- Experience mania
Because cocaine speeds up the body’s processing, it increases heart rate and blood pressure and can tax vital organs. If someone takes too much cocaine, an overdose will cause a heart attack, seizures, and stroke.
Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Drug abuse happens when using a substance interferes with a person’s life. This might include forgetting personal responsibilities, neglecting hygiene and self-care, as well as not tending to relationships. Drug abuse turns into addiction when the brain becomes dependent on a substance like cocaine for certain chemical processes. The first sign of addiction with withdrawal and cravings.
Other cocaine addiction symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Changes in weight
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Mania
- Nightmares
- Neglecting relationships
- Mood swings
Co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety can worsen these symptoms. They can also make it easier to develop a cocaine addiction from casual and habitual use.
Cocaine Effects on the Brain
Like other addictive substances, there are many cocaine effects on the brain. First, cocaine changes the production and balance of certain chemicals in the brain. By releasing dopamine, the pleasure-causing chemical, the brain craves more cocaine and makes less dopamine on its own. Over time, this leads to a dependence on cocaine for chemical processing.
Studies show that cocaine damages the part of the brain that helps us make decisions. This can diminish our ability to function in our daily lives. Studies also show that cocaine can trigger brain cells to consume themselves, resulting in fewer brain cells. These effects can happen whether someone casually uses cocaine or is living with addiction. Other effects of cocaine and the brain include psychosis, hallucinations, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Begin Recovery with Cocaine Addiction Treatment at TruHealing Centers
If you or someone you love is showing signs of cocaine abuse, seek treatment today at TruHealing Centers. Preventing cocaine-related brain damage is possible. At TruHealing Centers, our detox centers provide a continuum of care for people living with cocaine addiction and co-occurring disorders. With a range of inpatient and outpatient programs across the country, our teams can help you uncover mood disorders, change belief systems, and reduce the risk of relapse.
TruHealing Centers provides individual, group, and family therapy programs to help you and your loved ones reconnect, heal, and thrive after cocaine detox and avoid cocaine’s effects on the brain. Reach our TruHealing Centers staff either online or at [Direct] to learn about our programs and find the right cocaine detox center for you.