Cocaine Addiction: Effects, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cocaine is a potent, illicit drug. People have used cocaine for many years for its stimulant effects. People who become addicted to cocaine typically require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse.
Cocaine abuse can have long-term effects on your health and well-being. If you or someone you love abuse cocaine, you must seek treatment as soon as possible.
This article will explore the effects of cocaine abuse and addiction. You will learn:
- The effects of cocaine
- The risks of cocaine abuse
- What to expect during cocaine addiction treatment
- Where to find cocaine addiction treatment in New Jersey
New Jersey Behavioral Health offers a range of holistic treatment options that can help people overcome substance abuse. Our holistic approach to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment empowers people as they work to overcome drug addiction.
If you or a loved one lives with drug and alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to the New Jersey Behavioral Health team to explore our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is an illicit stimulant drug. Millions of people around the world use cocaine for its energizing, mood-boosting effects. Research from 2021 showed that approximately 4.8 million people over the age of 12 in the United States used cocaine the previous year.
In the past, medical professionals used cocaine in a variety of medicines and during medical procedures. Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug. This classification indicates that cocaine has a significant risk for misuse and dependence.
Illegal drug makers make cocaine using an extract from South American coca plants. People in this part of the world have been using coca leaves for centuries for medical and ceremonial purposes. Today, the region creates and distributes illegal cocaine around the world.
Cocaine is available in several forms. People may snort a powdered form of cocaine or smoke a solid form called “crack cocaine.”
The Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine affects the body in several ways. After people ingest it, cocaine enters the bloodstream and quickly reaches the brain. Cocaine causes the brain to produce more of a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called dopamine. It also increases the effects of another chemical called norepinephrine.
Dopamine is a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. Norepinephrine is related to attention, arousal, memory, and mood. Drugs that affect these neurotransmitters can be highly addictive because they produce pleasurable side effects.
Cocaine use has short and long-term effects. Here is an overview of the impact of cocaine abuse.
Short-term effects
Ingesting even a small amount of cocaine can impact your mood, energy, and behaviors. Some of the short-term effects of cocaine include:
- Elevated mood
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased alertness
- Euphoria
- Heightened senses
People may also experience unwanted side effects, including:
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Vertigo
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Uncontrolled muscle twitches
- Anxiety
- Aggression or violent behaviors
People who use cocaine frequently or in large doses may be more likely to experience unwanted side effects.
Heavy cocaine abuse can lead to tolerance, meaning people need to use more to get the desired effects. Over time, cocaine abuse can turn into a life-threatening addiction that requires treatment.
Long-term effects
Long-term cocaine abuse can harm your physical and emotional well-being. Long-term cocaine abuse may lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver damage
- Permanent damage to sinuses or facial bone structure
- Extreme weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Aortic dissection
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Ulcers and other digestive tract damage
People who use cocaine frequently can quickly develop an addiction. Treating addiction can be very challenging. However, participating in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help people overcome addiction and work toward a healthier future.
What to Expect During a Cocaine Rehab Program
Cocaine addiction treatment centers like New Jersey Behavioral Health offer a range of addiction treatment services and programs. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s crucial to have individualized treatment that meets your unique needs.
Here is an overview of what to expect during a cocaine rehab program.
Assessment
Before starting rehab, your treatment team will get to know you and your needs. They will ask you about:
- Your substance use
- Your mental health and medical history
- Your family history of addiction
They may also perform a physical examination and lab testing. This information will help your team create the most effective treatment plan.
Detox
You may participate in a medically-supported detox program. Detox can occur in a rehab center in New Jersey or on an outpatient basis, depending on your needs. Detox treatment plans typically include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health care
- Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
- Holistic therapies like nutrition counseling, exercise, and mindfulness
Support during detox is essential to your success. Having medical and mental health treatment ensures you will have a safe, complete detoxification.
Treatment
Cocaine addiction treatment services provide holistic treatment for your body, mind, and spirit. Your addiction treatment plan may include:
- Medication management
- Individual counseling and behavioral therapies
- Group and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Yoga, mindfulness, art therapy, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
Individualized, holistic treatment can help you identify and address the complex roots of your addiction. You will learn the skills and discover the support you need to move forward into a healthier future.
Find Cocaine Rehab in New Jersey
If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine addiction, you are not alone. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare specialists to explore our holistic treatment programs or make an appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Past Year Cocaine Use
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Cocaine