in network with
Cocaine
The stimulant cocaine is fast-acting and produces a euphoric effect. The drug creates changes to the brain’s pleasure and reward centers that make it highly addictive. Over time cocaine loses effectiveness requiring higher doses to maintain the good feeling. Over time other alterations to the brain and body can manifest, causing permanent behavior changes.
OVERDOSE
In the decade between 1999 and 2019, overdose deaths related to cocaine use increased 415.6%, with many cases involving synthetic opioids and other drugs. Approximately 68% of individuals who get treated for cocaine abuse also use other substances. Facilities like Channing House Recovery and Detox can treat all instances of addiction and other co-occurring conditions simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery.
Dangers
When created illegally, cocaine is rarely pure. It often contains a mix of additives, including non-active ingredients meant to bulk up the product, so there is more to sell and more significant profits. Other drugs also get added sometimes, and people are often unaware they have bought tainted cocaine, potentially leading to severe injury or death. Common additives include:
- Baby or talcum powder
- Flour
- Caffeine
- Aspirin
- Laundry detergent
- Boric acid
- Meat tenderizer
- Laxatives
- Levamisole
- Amphetamines
- Benzocaine and Lidocaine
- LSD
The mixture of other drugs takes place in varying amounts, and the people selling it rarely inform their buyers. Therefore, those using cocaine have no idea what they are taking or what possible side effects may manifest. Many overdose deaths involving cocaine are due to the lethal additives. Unfortunately, there is no way to know based on appearance alone what, if anything, has been added to cocaine, meaning every time someone chooses to use it, they run the risk of a deadly reaction.
Signs of COCAINE addiction
People who use cocaine experience noticeable behavioral and mood changes. Side effects are almost immediate, with some manifesting within minutes. Below are some behavior and medical signs of cocaine abuse:
- Even a single case of cocaine use can lead to death or severe illness
- Unusual increase in energy and alertness
- Changes in appetite including skipping meals or eating less
- Dilated pupils
- Higher temperature
- Increased blood pressure
- Auditory hallucinations
- Addictive behaviors
- Restlessness and unusual mood changes, including anger, irritability, and anxiety
Like many other drugs, the ecstatic “high” and energy cocaine creates is followed by a “crash,” which leaves people who abuse the substance paranoid, irritable, and anxious. Individuals sometimes use alcohol and other substances to self-medicate and decrease symptoms of the “crash.” Any self-medicating with other substances will increase the possible range of SUD symptoms and side effects. Self-medicating could potentially require you to undergo additional treatment.
side effects
Substance use disorders (SUDs) often create lasting neurological changes. Cocaine decreases the brain’s sensitivity to the neurotransmitter dopamine. After extensive cocaine use, more dopamine is needed to achieve the same physical responses. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, “sensitization, which is a long-lasting phenomenon, is thought to underlie drug craving and relapse to drug use.” During withdrawal, the neurotransmitters remain affected and impact behaviors. Sensitization affects pleasure and reward responses. Depending on the length of abuse, permanent behavior changes may result.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
MEDICATION
Currently, no medication exists to treat cocaine addiction specifically. However, symptom management for SUDs often includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
METHODS
Psychotherapy treats various symptoms and behavioral changes. Therapy can help provide coping skills and raise self-awareness for individuals diagnosed with SUDs. Treatments that work best for cocaine abuse include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Contingency Management (CM)
- Matrix Model
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Alternative Therapies, like meditation and mindfulness
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DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT CALL OF YOUR LIFE
Cocaine addiction causes a strain on personal relationships, interferes with life goals, and eventually leads to permanent illness or death. You can choose to get out from under the weight of substance abuse by getting personalized evidence-based treatment. You matter, and your quality of life should not suffer when treatments are readily available. Contact the expert staff at Channing House Recovery and Detox to find out more about services designed to treat SUD involving cocaine. Your health, safety, and recovery are our top priority. Let us help you break free from the damaging cycle of substance abuse.
risk factors
The risk factors and complications for drug abuse include a genetic component. In addition, specific demographics are more likely to be affected by the fallout from cocaine addiction. You may be at a higher risk of developing a SUD if you identify with the following:
Personal or family history of substance use and mental health disorders
Lower socioeconomic status, poverty, or significant financial strain
Undiagnosed mental health disorder
Experiencing a traumatic event
Experiencing acute or chronic stress
Extreme pressure to perform in school, work, or other areas of life
AFFECTS ON OTHERS
SUD has a ripple effect within communities. Abusing substances impacts your friends, family, and peers profoundly. For example, being closely related to someone with a SUD significantly increases your risk of developing addictive behaviors and mental health disorders. Keep your friends and family safe by seeking treatment as soon as you recognize there is a problem.
