Cocaine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that peaked in popularity during the 1980s, known as the “cocaine boom.” While cocaine use has significantly decreased since the ‘80s, it remains among the most commonly abused drugs within the U.S. and throughout the world. Cocaine is typically cut with a variety of substances, from baby aspirin to cornstarch to fentanyl, making its potency unknown and adding to the risk of using it.
The relationship between cocaine and the brain is complex, and if you or your loved one is struggling to control cocaine use, you need the right support. The Right Step Hill Country offers the full spectrum of cocaine addiction treatment, from detox through aftercare. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of cocaine use disorder, we have a program to suit your needs, from highly structured inpatient treatment to multiple levels of outpatient programs.
Understanding the Effects of Cocaine on the Brain
Cocaine impacts the central nervous system (CSN) by blocking norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine transporters, resulting in a build-up of these neurotransmitters in the brain’s pleasure centers. The increased amounts of these “feel good” chemicals produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria that cause the body to crave them, setting the stage for dependency and fueling the cycle of addiction.
Cocaine abuse has both short- and long-term impacts on the central nervous system, which includes the brain.
Short-Term Effects
- Increased levels of dopamine resulting in increased energy, alertness, and euphoria
- Heightened sensory perceptions, including hypersensitivity to touch, sights, and sounds
- Reduced need for food and sleep
- Impaired judgment, impulsivity, and reckless or risk-taking behaviors
Long-Term Effects
- Cognitive impairments related to attention, memory, and problem-solving skills
- Increased risk of mental health conditions, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations
- Changes to brain structure and functions related to impulse control, decision-making, and stress response
- Dopamine system damage that results in cravings, depression, and anhedonia
Severe or long-term cocaine addiction can damage blood vessels, which increases the risk of seizures and strokes. Brain shrinkage, or a loss of gray matter, can cause symptoms similar to accelerated aging.
A Closer Look at the Mental Health Impacts of Cocaine
Prolonged cocaine abuse has several implications for mental health. The repeated activation and overstimulation of the brain’s pleasure centers alter brain chemistry to associate good feelings solely with the use of cocaine, creating a psychological dependency. The result is that people believe that the only way to achieve or maintain a sense of happiness, pleasure, or well-being is to keep using cocaine.
Cocaine use disorder also affects the way individuals process information and manage interpersonal relationships. The extreme mood swings, irritability, and agitation common among individuals struggling with cocaine abuse or addiction contribute to the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships.
Chronic or heavy cocaine use can impact functioning to the degree that individuals cannot manage their daily responsibilities. The breakdown of relationships, loss of employment or housing, legal problems, financial instability, and other psychosocial consequences have significant impacts on mental well-being.
Other mental health effects can include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Aggression and violent outbursts
- Suicidal ideation
For people with preexisting mental health conditions, cocaine can significantly worsen symptoms. Fortunately, the brain can recover in most cases, but it takes time.
Talk to a Hill Country Admissions Specialist Today for Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Often, the fear of not knowing what to expect in addiction treatment prevents people from seeking the help they need. At Hill Country, our admissions specialists are available around the clock to answer questions and guide you in finding the program best suited to your circumstances and treatment needs.
If cocaine use is causing problems in your life, the experienced and caring addiction specialists at Hill Country’s cocaine addiction treatment program are here to help. From providing a safe, supportive, medically supervised detox to uncovering the roots of your cocaine use with evidence-based therapies through aftercare planning, we will support you every step of the way. Call 1.844.675.1628 or complete the online form to begin your recovery journey today.