Cocaine is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. Unlike other commonly abused illicit drugs, one-time cocaine use can quickly lead to chronic misuse and dependency. The effects one feels when they use cocaine are powerful yet short-lived, meaning those who use cocaine often find they need higher and more frequent doses to achieve the same impact they remember from their first use. Increased tolerance eventually leads to a cocaine addiction that is nearly impossible to break without detox and treatment at a cocaine rehab.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
Cocaine is a stimulant; therefore, its initial effects energize the body. However, these effects are short-lived. Taking cocaine causes the chemical dopamine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, to increase its concentrations in the brain. The elevation in dopamine concentrations causes pleasure, satisfaction, and euphoria. The chemicals within cocaine prevent dopamine and other naturally occurring neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin) from being absorbed by nerve cells. This process allows large amounts of neurotransmitters to accumulate in the brain and stimulate surrounding nerve cells, only heightening a feeling of temporary euphoria.
The impacts of cocaine spread throughout the body. The psychological effects of cocaine use can be seen in mood, behavior, and overall mental health changes. Individuals who use cocaine, whether short or long-term, often experience increased instances of paranoia and panic. They often think people are “out to get them” or experience sudden, unprovoked fear. Hallucinations are also a common side effect of cocaine use.
In addition to the above side effects, cocaine use often changes mood and behavior. For example, those who use cocaine frequently exhibit aggression and irritability that are not typical for that individual. They may also have repetitive or abnormal behaviors such as pacing, “checking” things (like clocks or doors), peculiar sounds or vocalizations, and other behaviors considered abnormal. Cocaine addiction can also increase mental illness incidences, including depression and anxiety.
The physical effects of cocaine can be highly detrimental to each body system. Some physical effects such as nausea, elevated blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, increased body temperature, and enlarged pupils are often short-term; however, several side effects last much longer.
Does Cocaine Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
Cocaine use, particularly frequent and long-term, can cause permanent alterations to the brain. Eventually, the brain’s reward pathways are affected, and tolerance builds up, causing individuals to need more and more cocaine to produce the same effects they felt when they first used. Consequently, the user may become dependent on cocaine, and when they stop using it develop symptoms of withdrawal and other mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
When someone begins withdrawing or detoxing from cocaine, withdrawal symptoms will occur. When experiencing withdrawal, seeking professional help at a cocaine rehab in Dallas is essential to ensure professional help is available to reduce the potential for significant medical complications resulting from detox. One may experience several possible symptoms during cocaine withdrawal, including vivid dreams, cravings, depression, agitation, increased appetite, problems sleeping, paranoia, and aggressive behavior.
Cocaine withdrawal does not typically lead to the same intense physical symptoms often experienced when detoxing from opioids or alcohol. It can, however, produce severe and overwhelming psychological symptoms that can be difficult to manage without treatment support. For this reason, detoxing from cocaine at home may not be the safest or most effective way to overcome a cocaine addiction. It is always best practice to attend a professional detox center in Texas to ensure a safe and effective detox process.
How to Find a Cocaine Detox Program in Dallas, TX
Treatment for cocaine addiction typically involves detox and therapy in a rehab specializing in cocaine addiction treatment. These programs significantly increase the chances of a successful recovery from the physical and psychological addiction to cocaine. During treatment, highly trained, compassionate therapists and medical professionals use evidence-based therapies to help recovering addicts learn how to live healthy lives without relying on cocaine. A typical Dallas addiction treatment program includes counseling, support groups, relapse prevention education, and aftercare planning.
Cocaine addiction harms a person’s mind, body, and overall well-being. In recovery, those who previously struggled with addiction can learn to live free from cocaine and recover the “self” they knew before drugs and addiction took hold. If you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of cocaine addiction, today is the day to reach out for help.
