Although most people are aware that cocaine is highly addictive, understanding how cocaine operates in the brain can shed some light on why. Furthermore, learning to recognize the signs of cocaine abuse and the symptoms of cocaine addiction can help the public avoid the dangers of cocaine use for themselves and be able to intervene if they notice the signs and symptoms in their loved ones. Cocaine’s effects on the brain are at the heart of how people become addicted to using cocaine, so it can be very helpful to learn more about those effects. Find the answers you need by calling 855.959.4521 and learning more about our cocaine abuse rehab center at Liberty Health.
What Does Cocaine Do to the Brain?
Cocaine is a powerful drug that affects many different parts of the brain. Trying to unravel all these effects can be complicated, so it might be useful to divide them into two categories – stimulant effects and blocking effects–
- Stimulant Effects of Cocaine: Stimulant drugs act on various parts of the body to increase activity. In the brain, this generally relates to the way that cocaine alters the action of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves in the brain use to communicate. Cocaine prevents certain neurotransmitters from being properly recycled, creating prolonged feelings of happiness and euphoria. However, over time, this can have a detrimental effect on the brain’s ability to manage these chemicals.
- Blocking Effects of Cocaine: Cocaine can also interfere with the ability of nerves to transmit pain signals, leading to a feeling of numbness. This can occur locally (meaning wherever the cocaine is physically applied) and occur at the source – in the brain. Cocaine can make the brain less likely to recognize and transmit signals to let the body know it is in pain.
Understanding how a person can experience either or both of these effects of cocaine use will help individuals find the right treatment to heal.
What Happens to Your Brain When You Use Cocaine Over a Period of Time?
Cocaine can have many effects related to chronic use. One often-discussed idea is whether or not cocaine use can lead to cognitive problems. As of yet, this has not been proven. However, one thing that is known is that chronic use of cocaine can damage the blood-brain barrier, which is a system of the body that protects the brain from toxic substances present in the blood.
The other and most concerning effect cocaine can have on the brain is addiction. Because cocaine is a powerful drug that causes such pleasurable effects, it is highly addictive. Cocaine takes advantage of the brain’s reward center – the user takes the cocaine and feels good, and the brain associates cocaine use with feeling good. Even though this may sound simple, it can cause a person to become addicted to cocaine in a very short period of time.
What To Do If You Are Worried You May Be Addicted to Cocaine?
The best thing you can do if you are concerned about your use of cocaine is to seek advice from a cocaine abuse rehab center. Studies show that people who complete a treatment program for substance abuse have the best chance of maintaining their recovery over time, gaining employment, and rejoining activities they previously enjoyed. With the right help and support, recovery is possible.
Discover How Liberty Health Services Can Help With Cocaine Addiction
At our luxury treatment center in Derry, New Hampshire, we offer proven treatments and therapies that can help our clients and their families heal from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with cocaine addiction, reach out to our caring and knowledgeable staff today at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you what we can do to help.
