What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant, often used as a recreational drug. This drug can be insufflated (snorting), ingested orally, inhaled (smoked), or injected intravenously. Because it interacts with the brain’s reward system, Cocaine is highly addictive. A rush of dopamine is triggered when cocaine crosses the blood-brain barrier. Thus incentivizing an individual to continue using and making it difficult to find pleasure in other things.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
- Insomnia
- Loss of Appetite
- False Confidence
- Over-Excitement
- Paranoia
- Dilated Pupils
- Runny Nose
- Deteriorating Physical Appearance
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
- Missing or Being Late to Work
- Weight Loss
- Financial & Legal Problems
- Headaches
- Relationship Issues
- Risk-Taking Behavior
- Nose Bleeds
Another sign of Cocaine use is withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the individual, however some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Slowed Thinking
- Slowed Activity or Physical Fatigue After Activity
- Exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Inability to Experience Sexual Arousal
- Anhedonia, or the Inability to Feel Pleasure
- Depression or anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Chills,
- Tremors
- Muscle aches & nerve pain
- Increased appetite
- Severe Headaches
Long-Term Side-Effects Of Cocaine Use:
- Heart Attack
- Arrhythmia
- Permanently Increased Blood Pressure
- Septal Perforations
- Respiratory Damage
- Brain Damage
Cocaine addiction is life-threatening. If you suspect you or a loved one are at risk, please fill out the form below for a free assessment. We recommend that at-risk individuals participate in our 30-90 day program to help achieve long term sobriety.