Many individuals begin their initial cocaine use unaware of the risks and side effects of potential cocaine addiction. Often what begins as curiosity-seeking experimentation leads to chronic use and addiction. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that leads to unintentional abuse.
Firstly, It impacts the brain by increasing levels of dopamine. Next, cocaine alters the brain and triggers a rush of euphoria. Hence the brain stops producing its own dopamine naturally. In order to feel good again, users will need to take more until they need it to function. Cocaine is typically known as a party drug. However, over time the brain depends on its side effects.
The DEA provides a fact sheet on the risks and side effects of cocaine addiction. No one begins their social use of cocaine with the intention of becoming an addict. If you are feeling the temptation to use cocaine, learn the risks. Additionally, learn the potential for the use you do not intend. This white crystalline powder is abused through snorting, smoking, as well as injecting. Recognize it in its form and in its name.
Common street names include:
- Flake
- Coca
- Crack
- Coke
- Blow
- Snow
The Effects of Cocaine on the Body & Mind
A cocaine addiction not only negatively affects a person’s physical well-being but their mental and social as well. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that derives from the coca plant. It has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The short-term effects of cocaine include an intense feeling of euphoria, increased energy, mental alertness, as well as decreased appetite.
The long-term effects of cocaine use are more complicated. They vary depending upon frequency and duration. These long-term effects can include addiction, anxiety disorders, mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, heart attacks, or strokes.
Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It causes a feeling of euphoria and increased energy.
Cocaine stimulates the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine. This leads to addiction and tolerance to the drug. Continued use creates a cycle that is not easy to break.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Cocaine abuse causes numerous physical effects on the body.
As one of the most addictive drugs, the main risks are life-threatening. Cocaine abuse alters and affects the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Internal organ failure is a serious risk and side effect of cocaine addiction.
Cocaine abuse side effects include heart attack—increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, seizures happen due to the changing electrical activity in the brain.
Cocaine’s Effect on Mental Health & Emotions
Cocaine use can cause a wide range of mental health problems, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that affects the brain’s pleasure center. Therefore cocaine use causes feelings of euphoria that many are unable to resist.
Someone experiencing depression or seeking social acceptance is vulnerable to cocaine use and addiction. To illustrate, it is addictive because it raises dopamine levels in the body. It alters the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
Further, a cocaine addict will experience loss of relationships, financial difficulties, broken bonds with loved ones. The risks and side effects of cocaine addiction are costly.
How to Get Help for Cocaine Addiction
Conclusively, the risks and side effects of cocaine addiction are gravely dangerous.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for cocaine addiction. The best way to get help for cocaine addiction is to talk to an addiction specialist. Find the best course of action to treat your addiction and the whole person.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is always available. The Harm Reduction Center offers individualized treatment plans designed to your unique needs. If you are ready to begin recovery, contact us today!
