Cocaine is a stimulant that causes an increase in euphoria and pleasure by changing the brain’s dopamine system. Taking repeated doses of cocaine can lead to severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Cocaine abuse can have serious effects on a person’s health, relationships and finances. Sadly, many people die from cocaine overdoses.

Addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that increases the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger that enables communication between neurons in the brain. This communication is essential for basic functions like eating, sleeping, and regulating moods.

When cocaine use becomes frequent, users begin to build a tolerance for it. This means that they need to take a higher dose of the drug to get the same effects.

This is a dangerous habit and can cause withdrawal symptoms if not treated properly. This is why it’s important to seek treatment from a licensed provider as soon as possible.

Cravings

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that causes the brain to release a large amount of dopamine, which creates feelings of euphoria and alertness. However, cocaine also prevents dopamine from being reabsorbed back into the brain, which can lead to intense cravings for more cocaine.

Cravings for cocaine often begin within 1-10 weeks after an individual last uses the drug. These strong or severe cravings can continue to increase as individuals use the drug more and more often, eventually leading them to develop a tolerance for the substance.

When these cravings are combined with the other physical and mental withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine abuse, individuals who try to stop their use on their own may relapse. This is why it is important for individuals to seek professional help from a reputable treatment facility. They will be able to receive medical care, behavioral therapies, medications and support groups to help them overcome their addiction and stay sober long-term.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine abuse disrupts normal brain function, altering how dopamine, the neurotransmitter in our brains that regulates pleasure, reward, and stress, works. This causes people to crave cocaine as the drug reshapes their brain chemistry and alters their perception of the world.

When people use cocaine, they feel an instant rush and a euphoric high that lasts for a short period of time before the drug's effects begin to dissipate. This is known as a crash and results in immediate cravings for cocaine to bring back that feeling.

These cravings can be intense and uncomfortable, but medical detox centers offer around-the-clock supervision to help manage these symptoms. They also focus on reducing the sensations of withdrawal, including tremors and shakiness, using medications and psychotherapy. These programs are usually used in conjunction with a residential treatment program for individuals suffering from severe addiction to cocaine and other addictive substances.

Physical Symptoms

Cocaine is a drug that produces a euphoric sense of pleasure by stimulating the brain's "pleasure centre." This release of dopamine causes users to feel euphoric and high.

However, cocaine use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the user attempts to stop using it. This is why it's important to seek help if you or a loved one has been abusing cocaine.

Some of the common physical symptoms associated with cocaine abuse include dilated pupils, chronic sniffling and nasal irritation, and bloodshot or red eyes. These can be signs of long-term cocaine abuse and should not be ignored.

Mental Symptoms

During cocaine abuse, users can develop mental health symptoms like paranoia, anxiety, depression and even hallucinations. Symptoms of this type often begin within six to twelve hours of their last dose and may persist for weeks or longer following detox.

In some cases, these symptoms can be severe and affect someone’s ability to function as normal. They can also increase a person’s risk of serious medical complications or death.

Cocaine can also build up a tolerance in people who regularly use it, meaning they will need larger and more frequent doses to achieve the same high. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms when a user stops using it abruptly. These include irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.