Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. When used, a person feels more energy, better focus, and more alert. They also feel a sense of being high, which the brain attributes to pleasure. There are risks to the initial use of this drug, including overdose and intense anxiety. Yet, the effects of cocaine abuse continue as use increases in amount or frequency. Recognizing this, seeking treatment becomes necessary for many. Solution Based Treatment offers a comprehensive cocaine rehab program.
How Do the Effects of Cocaine Occur?
A cocaine user likely snorts or otherwise ingests cocaine. It travels through the blood to various organs, including the brain. There, it activates the pleasure center, where the brain recognizes things that feel good. This causes high levels of dopamine to flood the body. You feel high.
Continued use of the drug may lead to dependence. When this occurs, the body and brain become so reliant on the drug that intense cravings and physical symptoms of pain and discomfort occur when the drug is no longer accessible. When this happens, professional cocaine treatment is necessary to stop use.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse?
When taking cocaine, it can cause a number of short-term effects. This includes anger and irritability, intense episodes of happiness, and sensitivity to sound, light, and touch. Many people don’t want to eat and may see significant weight loss over a short period of time as a result.
More serious complications can occur. Some people have an immediate reaction involving irregular heart rates, seizures, or mood swings.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?
The longer a person uses cocaine, the more likely it is that complications will arise. Some of the highest risks to health include:
- Convulsions and seizures
- Bowel decay when cocaine is swallowed or increased risk of HIV and hepatitis if injected
- Loss of smell and frequent nosebleeds
- Sexual dysfunction
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Increased risk of strokes
Over time, brain damage occurs. Long-term effects to the brain may include difficulty thinking and making decisions, trouble sleeping and slowed reaction times. Some people are also more likely to develop a disease to the heart, lungs, and stomach.
How to Prevent the Effects of Cocaine Use
Drug abuse of any type is damaging to many systems of the body. The worsening may stop if a person receives treatment for their addiction. The sooner this happens, the less likely the worst of the symptoms will occur. Treatment generally starts with detox and medical need management.
There is no amount of cocaine that is safe to use. Complications can occur with that first dose. The chances are worsening health rise with each use of the drug, especially over a long period of time or when a large amount of the drug is used.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse
Recognizing the risks associated with continued use, seek out treatment. Solution Based Treatment offers a comprehensive treatment program to help that includes:
- Drug detox services
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Sober living homes
The goal of treatment is to use medications to aid in detoxing success while also working to overcome the underlying emotional or mental health complications present. Complete treatment also involves working to improve any medical complications a person has, including treatment of malnourishment, pain, and disease development. Cocaine rehab also includes psychotherapy to minimize the risk of relapse.
Don’t Put Off Getting Treatment: Call Solution Based Treatment Now
The effects of cocaine are all-encompassing, reaching many areas of your life. It does not have to continue. With cocaine rehab, it is possible to overcome many challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Our team at Solution Based Treatment in Murrieta, California, offers help. Contact us at 833.999.1941 or reach out online now.