Cocaine inhibits the reuptake of dopamine into the brain, essentially messing with the brain’s central nervous system (CNS). Long-term use can cause definitive changes, particularly in the brain’s pleasure and reward areas.
Of the substances frequently abused by drug users, cocaine is perhaps one of the most common and lethal. This highly addictive drug is snorted, smoked, or injected, and it can cause a myriad of problems psychologically and physically for the user. In 2007 alone, cocaine was responsible for 13 percent of drug treatment admissions, according to data presented by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Depending on the method of use, the effects of cocaine can range greatly, but they are generally very short-term. Smoking or injecting the drug tends to produce a quicker effect, while smoking it takes a little longer. Generally though, the high lasts at most 30 minutes. Users frequently report a sense of euphoria followed by talkativeness or restlessness – a feeling of speeding, if you will. The crash that inevitably follows cocaine use can cause a person to feel extremely restless, depressed, sleepy, or agitated. To quell this, many users continue to use more amounts with increasing frequency, which can lead to tolerance and addiction.
Cocaine inhibits the reuptake of dopamine into the brain, essentially messing with the brain’s central nervous system (CNS). Long-term use can cause definitive changes, particularly in the brain’s pleasure and reward areas.
Getting proper treatment for cocaine addiction or abuse is crucial to recovery. It’s thought that cocaine withdrawal and use are not necessarily physical problems, because users rarely report many physical side effects of withdrawal. The long-term effects of drug use on the brain make it both a psychological disease as well.
Many users try to combat withdrawal symptoms with other substances like sedatives, alcohol, or anti-anxiety medications which can exacerbate the symptoms or cause physical or psychological complications. Seeking cocaine addiction treatment is absolutely essential in getting free of cocaine addiction. If you suspect you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine and may benefit from detoxification, call Alta Mira to learn more about how we treat cocaine addiction and its withdrawal symptoms.
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