More recently, substances like opioids have been brought into the spotlight for not only their addictive potential but also the role they can play in increasing the risk of overdose and overdose death. While highlighting the harm of these substances is pivotal, many other substances also pose intense consequences to well-being. For instance, the use of stimulant drugs like cocaine can have a long-lasting impact on the brain and body. Understanding the effects of cocaine abuse can work to reduce the potential for substance abuse harm and motivate treatment entry for those who are struggling.
At Renaissance Ranch, we are a substance abuse and mental health treatment center, providing a full continuum of care services for men in need. We offer various treatment programs that can be individualized and personalized to meet every client’s unique needs and goals. At the ranch, we understand that addiction can impair every aspect of an individual’s being. Thus, we are committed to helping men not only overcome cocaine abuse and other types of addictions but also the underlying issues that perpetuate continued substance use.
The Origins of Cocaine
Despite what some may think, cocaine is not a new substance. Rather, cocaine has a long and controversial history, with its origins traced back to the late 19th century and perhaps well before that. As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine “is made from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), which is native to South America.”
Upon the discovery of the cocoa plant, natives discovered the ability of its leaves to produce stimulating effects. Yet, it was not until the late 1800s that cocaine was first synthesized and, in turn, recognized by the medical world. Throughout history, cocaine was considered the first effective local anesthetic and used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Today, it is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Schedule II drug, meaning that although it may be administered by a doctor for certain medical uses, it has an incredibly high potential for abuse.
Cocaine Abuse on the Brain
When used recreationally, the most common route of administration for cocaine is intranasally (by snorting cocaine powder), though cocaine may also be used orally or intravenously. Meanwhile, cocaine that is smoked is known as crack cocaine. Though each route of administration for cocaine will produce effects that vary in speed of onset and intensity, those who engage in repeated cocaine abuse are at risk of the same short- and long-term harm to their brains and bodies.
First and foremost, cocaine abuse can cause long-lasting damage to the brain’s reward system and associated connections. In daily life, dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for reinforcing rewarding behaviors and emotions, is produced from natural rewards like eating, socializing, and having sex. However, drugs like cocaine produce abnormal surges of dopamine in the reward system, causing disruptions in normal communication processing. These surges are associated with feelings of euphoria and pleasure produced by the drug.
Additionally, as highlighted by NIDA, research also confirms that cocaine abuse can diminish functioning in many important brain areas. As a result, those who engage in cocaine abuse are vulnerable to “poor decision-making, inability to adapt to negative consequences of drug use, and lack of self-insight shown by people addicted to cocaine.” Moreover, these effects can be long-lasting and require professional treatment to overcome.
Short- and Long-Term Harms of Cocaine Abuse
As a stimulant, cocaine speeds up activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Resulting physiological effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased body temperature, and constricted blood vessels. While under the influence of cocaine, an individual may experience the following physical and psychological short-term effects, which may last a few minutes up to an hour:
- Feelings of euphoria
- A burst of energy
- Increased socialization
- Mental alertness
- Hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
- Diminished appetite
- Restlessness and an inability to sleep
- Anxiety, panic, and paranoia
- Muscle twitches and tremors
- Irritability
Meanwhile, cocaine abuse has an intense impact on the body’s internal systems, making an individual vulnerable to long-term, medical complications. Individuals who engage in recurrent cocaine abuse are at risk of:
- Cardiovascular problems:
- Disturbances in heart rhythm
- Heart attacks
- Cardiac arrest
- Neurological effects
- Headaches
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Seizures
- Strokes
- Comas
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Movement disorders
- Long-term cognitive impairments
- Inability to sustain attention
- Impulse inhibition
- Memory loss
- Loss of motor coordination
- The development of addiction
Treating Cocaine Abuse at Renaissance Ranch
It is essential for those who struggle with cocaine abuse to not merely shrug it off. As cocaine abuse becomes more frequent and intense, the risk of harm only grows. Fortunately, professional treatment is available to help individuals overcome cocaine abuse, addiction, and other substance abuse concerns.
Treatment for cocaine abuse will begin with detoxification, ensuring that each client can safely and successfully wean their minds and bodies off of toxic substances. Following detox, clients can enter a treatment program that best fits their unique needs and goals for recovery. Most often, treatment will involve participation in a variety of individual and group treatment modalities, fostering a combination of self-discovery, peer connection, and spiritual growth.
Seeking help for cocaine abuse is nothing to be ashamed of. However, establishing sobriety and recovery is impossible until the first step is made to reach out for help. Allow us at Renaissance Ranch to guide and support your journey to sobriety and healing today.
Though conversations about cocaine have recently moved to the shadows, individuals must not forget about its high potential for abuse and addiction. Cocaine abuse can have long-lasting effects on the brain and body, leading to the chronic dysfunction of internal systems. Without professional treatment, the short and long-term effects of cocaine will exacerbate, increasing the risk of medical complications, addiction, overdose, and more. Meanwhile, professional treatment can work to reverse any damage caused by cocaine abuse and address underlying issues that perpetuate continued substance use. At Renaissance Ranch, we are committed to helping our clients overcome substance use concerns like cocaine abuse and addiction. Learn more about our programs and services by calling (801) 308-8898 today.