Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Engage Wellness Acton

Here at Engage Wellness Acton, we help numerous clients with holistic, compassionate treatment for cocaine addiction. Cocaine use is one of the more common substance use disorders in the United States. It is ranked as a top-three problematic drug in most areas, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

However, we understand that nobody chooses addiction, and some people may not even realize the problem has progressed to a dangerous point. Understanding the impacts of cocaine and how it can become addictive could help you recognize whether you or a loved one needs support.

How Addictive Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an organic (not synthetic) stimulant derived from the leaves of a plant called Erythroxylum coca, or simply coca. It is currently classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that although it is a highly controlled substance with many dangers, it does have medical applications in certain circumstances. Methadone and fentanyl are other examples of Schedule II drugs open to misuse.

Street or slang names for cocaine include:

• Rock
• Coke
• Nose candy
• Blow
• Snow
• Doing lines
• Powder
• Yayo

Cocaine can be taken in different ways. Users may “snort” the powder by inhaling it sharply into the nose. Cocaine can also be rubbed into the gums, smoked, or injected. However people choose to use it, cocaine is highly addictive on both a physical and mental level.

Physically, users can become accustomed to the way cocaine makes their body feel—more alert, more sensitive, and more energy. This can leave them feeling sluggish and fatigued in comparison. They may take increasing amounts of the drug to try to chase these physical feelings.

Psychologically, cocaine impacts a person’s self-image, how they interact with others, and their confidence levels. They may feel that without the drug, they’re not as attractive, “cool,” or fun to be with. Again, this can lead to increased usage and eventual dependence. Cocaine also impacts the brain’s neurotransmitters, so the brain can become dependent on the drug for what it now perceives as “normal” function.

Cocaine Use Culture in the United States

What drives people to use cocaine? Unfortunately, cocaine has a reputation as a “party drug,” meaning that despite its negative effects, many people can feel pressured into trying it in social situations. The short-term “rush” or feeling of euphoria can give some people a temporary boost of energy or confidence.

This makes the drug particularly dangerous for those suffering from feelings of low self-esteem or self-image, as it can create a downward spiral. They rely on the drug for what they see as positive social interactions, but then feel worse by comparison when the effects of cocaine wear off. Over time, this can lead to deeper issues, such as paranoia, anxiety, and depression.

Sadly, cocaine contributes to more than 100,000 drug-related deaths every year in the United States. Although synthetic drugs are becoming more prevalent, cocaine remains a significant cause of illness and death in America. What’s even more problematic is that cocaine is often mixed with synthetic substances like fentanyl or heroin. This could make it much more dangerous and lead to harmful reactions and interactions.

Cocaine Addiction Warning Signs

Understanding these warning signs in yourself or someone else could help you reach out for cocaine addiction treatment as early as possible.

Behavioral symptoms to look for include:

• Changes in mood or behavior, such as out-of-character mood swings
• Irritability with no obvious cause
• Low mood or depression
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Lack of focus
• Slowed thought processes or “brain fog”
• Anhedonia—the inability to feel joy, pleasure, or happiness, particularly for things you or your loved one used to enjoy
• Fatigue
• Cocaine cravings

This last point isn’t always present, but when a feeling changes from mild “want” to powerful “need,” this could indicate that an addiction is taking hold. If you notice these behaviors in someone you care about, try to be supportive instead of confrontational. Shame and judgment may only make it tougher for the person to seek help.

There may be physical signs that someone requires treatment for cocaine addiction. You might notice:

• A constantly runny nose that’s not normally an issue
• Unexplained nosebleeds
• A reduced sense of smell or taste
• Difficulties when swallowing
• Poor skin or blemishes
• Dehydration
• Headaches
• Irregular heart rate
• Fever
• Seizures

Users should know that cocaine is linked to increased rates of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, kidney failure, hepatitis C, and even HIV infection. Cocaine misuse also correlates with alcohol addiction and can lead to other forms of drug use. Addressing the issue as early as possible allows you to get the right cocaine addiction treatment from a trusted, supportive team.

How Does Cocaine Impact Your Body and Mind?

As seen from the list of symptoms above, cocaine can impact your body and mind in several ways. But how does cocaine provide the short-term rush that people crave, and what causes the long-term negative effects?

As a stimulant, cocaine causes neurons in your brain to release much larger volumes of neurotransmitters than normal. In essence, your brain is sending additional messages, which interferes with the normal function of brain chemicals. In particular, dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with a sense of achievement and feelings of pleasure, may be at much higher levels than normal.

In the short term, this feels like euphoria, heightened energy levels, or hypersensitivity. Over time, though, brain function can be permanently altered, leading to mental illness and/or addiction.

Because cocaine stimulates the brain in such a severe way, it can cause strain on the body too. The heart may race to keep up with the demands of the brain, and this can lead to cardiovascular problems. Other organs may be impacted if a person doesn’t sleep, eat, or drink properly—all common factors of cocaine misuse. Dehydration can lead to serious illness and even death. Malnutrition can also cause major illnesses, and because users may feel shame about the cause of these issues, they might not seek appropriate medical help.

Cocaine also interacts with other substances in your body. If you drink alcohol while cocaine’s in your system, the two may react to produce cocaethylene. This secondary substance puts additional strain on the heart and could also contribute to blood pressure problems, a major cause of death in the United States.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Recovery With Engage Wellness Acton.

Reaching out to get help breaking free of cocaine addiction is the first important step. Here at Engage Wellness Acton., we understand that it takes tremendous strength to do that. We want you to know you’re not alone, and we’ve helped so many people get back to living the life they want to lead, leaving substance use behind them.

We provide holistic treatment, helping repair your body and mind while empowering you to become more resilient. Our cocaine addiction treatment options include supporting your physical and mental health, so you can become closer to the person you long to be.

Contact us today and speak to a member of our team to find out how we can support you or a loved one on the road to recovery.