Cocaine Addiction Side Effects
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
It’s a staggering statistic, but over 14 percent of all Americans ages 12 and up are reported to have used cocaine. For this reason, it’s essential to understand cocaine addiction. This will allow you to explain to friends and family who may be using cocaine the side effects of cocaine addiction, as some are severe and even life-threatening. If you or a loved one is battling a substance use disorder, help is available in cocaine addiction centers. Contact the professional medical experts at Greater Boston Addiction Centers online or call 877.920.6583 today to learn how our cocaine addiction treatment can help you overcome, heal and recover.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug that acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. Users receive a boost of energy and can stay awake for extended periods of time. At the same time, cocaine dangerously increases heart rate and blood pressure. One of the reasons so many people use cocaine is that the drug makes people feel good by flooding the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases feelings of pleasure. There are two main types of cocaine: a powder that is snorted, injected, or smoked, and a rock form called crack cocaine that is generally smoked, although sometimes it is placed into body orifices. Because of its euphoric high, cocaine is one of the most addictive illicit drugs. Most chronic users will require a professional cocaine addiction treatment program at cocaine addiction centers to quit using the drug, break the cycle of addiction, and enjoy a successful lifelong recovery.
The Many Side Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Over 40-percent of ER visits having to do with drug abuse are cocaine-related. Additionally, cocaine overdose deaths are on the rise, making it more vital than ever to know the signs and side effects of cocaine addiction and seek clinics for cocaine addiction to get the help you need. Some of these harmful, life-threatening side effects include:
- Increased anxiety and dramatic mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Hallucinations
- Sudden weight loss
- Social isolation and risky behavior
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Talkative, unusual extra energy
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- No longer concerned about personal hygiene
- Financial distress
- Decreased in interest in favorite hobbies or passions
The Need For Help From Cocaine Addiction Centers
Cocaine physically alters the chemical makeup of your brain. After using cocaine regularly, a person’s mind and body will eventually require the drug to be in their system in order to experience feelings of happiness, joy, and excitement. Additionally, a cocaine addiction likely has or is currently harming your physical body, mental health, and emotional well-being. A dependency on cocaine tears apart the fabric of relationships within families, friends, and negatively impacts most people’s ability to do their jobs.
If you begin to see signs and side effects of cocaine addiction in yourself or your loved ones, make the decision to get professional help. In cocaine addiction centers, you will learn skills, new behaviors, coping mechanisms, and thought patterns that will allow you to live free from cocaine. Thousands of clients who have battled a cocaine addiction have successfully changed their lives for the better through detox, rehab, and treatment in cocaine addiction centers. Specialized care, such as a women’s addiction treatment program, is available at Greater Boston Addiction Centers, so call 877.920.6583 today.
Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
If you have used cocaine for an extended period of time, the drug may have caused significant damage to your well-being, family, relationships, and career. We can help you start rebuilding your life, heal from the damage caused and begin the road toward sobriety. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583 today to learn more about our cocaine addiction centers.
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