Understanding the Effects of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug characterized by an elevated level of alertness and energy. However, the use of this drug can lead to a multitude of long and short-term effects on the mind and body.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a very addictive stimulant that was originally used for medical purposes as a local anesthetic, which is now used illegally for recreational purposes. Made from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is typically found as a fine, white powder. Some other names for cocaine include:
- Coke
- Blow
- Snow
- Crack
- Rock
How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes your brain to produce more dopamine, making you feel happier and more energized. However, cocaine use stops this overproduced dopamine from being recycled, overloading your brain’s reward center and ultimately reinforcing drug-use. This is what leads to cocaine addiction.
The short-term mental effects of cocaine use include:
- Extreme happiness.
- High amounts of energy.
- Increased alertness.
- Irritability.
- Paranoia.
- Anxiety.
- Hostility.
- Hallucinations.
- Euphoria.
Over time, cocaine use can lead to the following:
- Depression.
- Insomnia.
- Slowed thinking.
- Bad dreams and night terrors.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
The short-term effects of cocaine use on the body include:
- Nausea.
- Dilated pupils.
- Constricted blood vessels.
- Raised temperature.
- Increased heart rate.
- Loss of appetite.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Restlessness.
- Muscle spasms.
Prolonged cocaine use can cause the following physical effects:
Fatigue.
- Increased appetite.
- Loss of smell.
- Asthma.
- Respiratory distress.
- Fertility issues for men and women.
- Bowel decay.
- High risk of respiratory infections.
- Nosebleeds.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Psychosis.
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage.
- Auditory tactile hallucinations.
- Tooth decay.
- High blood pressure.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center
The road to recovery starts with taking the first step. Let us walk alongside you on the path to sobriety and wellness.
When you choose to get cocaine addiction treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center, you can rest assured knowing that you will be treated by licensed therapists in our state-of-the-art facilities. Every one of our team members is certified to address and effectively treat the issues that come along with addiction.
To schedule your free consultation with our team, call (678) 940-7873 or contact us online today.
