How Cocaine Affects the Body
Cocaine has always had a reputation as a “party drug,” popularized by Hollywood celebrities who make it seem like harmless fun to snort the white powder. But the effects of cocaine are far from harmless. It can profoundly damage the brain, heart, and central nervous system (CNS), can cause headaches, paralysis, heart attacks, and stroke. Cocaine’s often devastating effects on the body should quickly change your mind about the sexy, glamorous reputation of cocaine in all its forms.
As with all substance use disorders, cocaine users are drawn to the pleasurable feelings they get from ingesting the drug. Users feel a highly enjoyable burst of energy and alertness when consuming the drug, most commonly by snorting, smoking, or injecting it.
The more you use cocaine, the more likely you are to feel several physical and emotional problems. The risk is even more insidious because as use increases, so does the user’s tolerance – so it takes more of the drug to feel good, which increases the risk of physical damage even more.
Effects of Cocaine on the Brain
Cocaine use can cause mental and emotional health problems, including depression. This is caused by the brain’s production of dopamine, the so-called “feel good” hormone, and it makes the user feel so good they want to keep coming back for more.
When the user cuts off the brain’s supply of dopamine, serious depression can result. Continued use can lead to hallucinations, restlessness, and paranoia. For those already at risk, long-term use increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia. Habitual use of cocaine also can change the chemistry of the brain, which comes to rely on the artificial stimulation it provides as you continue consuming the drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider seeking alcohol rehab treatment in Beverly Hills to start the journey to recovery.
Effects of Cocaine on the Heart
Cocaine is a stimulant, which raises blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the brain. At best, the user may suffer severe headaches; at worst, blood clots can form, leading to a stroke. Prolonged use can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, which causes narrowing of blood cells from plaque buildup. Persistent elevation of blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke; habitual users are more likely to have an irregular heartbeat.
Effects of Cocaine on the Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, which controls bodily functions like movement and brain activity such as memory, speech, and learning. Habitual cocaine use can impair the nervous system, leading to headaches, muscle weakness, paralysis, and cognitive difficulties, including confusion, speech problems, and impaired vision. The user may experience sleep problems and loss of smell.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider seeking help at an alcohol rehab facility Los Angeles. Professional assistance can make a significant difference in your journey toward recovery.
Call Muse Treatment for Cocaine Addiction Treatment
When you decide it’s time to seek help for cocaine addiction, Muse Treatment may be your best hope. Muse addresses both the psychological and physical implications of addiction, targeting the root causes of cocaine dependence rather than the addiction alone; this makes for a more lasting, long-term recovery.
Many patients begin with medically supervised detox, which cleanses the body of cocaine and prepares your system for rehab. In-patient (residential) treatment follows, then outpatient treatment occurs, with various programs including 24/7 relapse prevention, stress reduction skills, and the opportunity to incorporate any aspect of our program for as long as the client wants or needs. Programs are delivered by a caring, highly trained staff of addiction experts.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any level of cocaine dependency or addiction, contact Muse Treatment today at (800) 426-1818 to take the first step toward recovery.
Cocaine is not just a “party drug” it is addictive and very detrimental to your health. Read more below in our bloghttps://t.co/DwEIXuSl6S
— Muse Treatment (@MuseTreatmentLA) July 20, 2021
