Cocaine addiction is among the most challenging addictions to overcome. It doesn’t just cause physical and psychological dependence; it also alters how your brain functions. Therefore, an individual must look for a professional cocaine addiction rehab near me for a faster recovery.
Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It increases alertness, feelings of well-being, and euphoria while reducing fatigue. These effects are caused by an increase in the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
It Throws The Brain Off:
Cocaine impacts the production of neurotransmitters, which are the brain’s chemical messengers. Specifically, it prevents the reuptake of dopamine. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward, so cocaine use leads to an increase in dopamine levels. As a result, cocaine increases feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Cocaine also blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, increasing alertness, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Cocaine Damages The Structure Of The Brain:
Cocaine use can cause changes in the structure of the brain. The most notable changes are seen in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment, decision-making, and planning. Moreover, the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two sides of the brain, can also be damaged by cocaine use.
The brain structure and chemistry changes caused by cocaine use can lead to impaired brain function. It can manifest as problems with memory, attention, and decision-making.
Moreover, cocaine use constricts blood vessels, leading to ischemia or a shortage of blood flow to the brain. It can cause a stroke, which is a medical emergency. Cocaine use is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding in the brain, leading to a stroke.
Cocaine Use Can Lead To Psychosis:
Cocaine use can cause psychosis, a mental disorder characterized by paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks after stopping cocaine use, but in some cases, they can persist for months or even years. Cocaine use can also cause anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These mental health problems can be just as debilitating as the physical effects of cocaine addiction.
Long-Term Effects:
Unfortunately, cocaine’s effects on the brain don’t stop after the drug wears off. They can last much longer—and be much more dangerous. Cocaine addiction changes the brain in several ways. For one, it alters the way you experience a pleasure. Typically, dopamine is slowly recycled back into neurons after being released. It allows you to feel the effects of dopamine for a short time before it’s depleted.
Cocaine prevents dopamine reuptake, so it builds up in the synapses (the spaces between neurons). It amplifies and prolongs the effects of dopamine. Over time, your brain becomes less sensitive to this increase in dopamine. So you need more and more cocaine to get the same feeling of pleasure, and this is called tolerance.
Rehab For Cocaine Users Is Important:
Cocaine addiction is a serious problem with potentially deadly consequences. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction, it’s important to seek professional help. At a cocaine addiction rehab center, you’ll receive treatment for the physical and psychological effects of addiction.
Contact The Best Cocaine Addiction Rehab Near Me!
Glendora Recovery Center is the right “cocaine addiction rehab near me” hub offering robust recovery programs for individuals. Get in touch with us at (626) 240-5056 to know more about how our rehab for cocaine users can help.
