Cocaine addiction is a powerful stimulant that directly impacts the brain, altering the chemistry and function of neurotransmitters. This change sparks a surge of dopamine, which initially causes feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Eventually, chronic cocaine use leads to an over-stimulation of the reward circuits in the brain, creating a pattern of addiction and dependence that requires more and more cocaine to feel the same effect.
Cocaine addiction can cause people to neglect school, work, or home responsibilities and spend more time obtaining the drug, using it, and recovering from its effects. They may also develop a new social circle that includes other cocaine users, and spend less time with family members or friends who do not abuse drugs.
The Reality of Cocaine Addiction: Seeking Solutions
Physical effects of cocaine depend on how the drug is used: snorting can damage the lining of the nose, and injecting can lead to damage to veins and blood vessels, infections in the skin or soft tissue, or blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis C from sharing needles. Regular use can also lead to a variety of psychological problems, including depression and anxiety.
Effective treatment for cocaine addiction involves both detox and behavioral therapy. During the detox phase, medical professionals help patients rid their bodies of the drug and its toxic byproducts. Afterward, therapeutic interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teach clients to identify and modify unhealthy thinking patterns. They also learn to cope with triggers that can prompt relapse and cravings.