Understanding Cocaine Addiction & Its Effects

Cocaine addiction is an extremely addictive stimulant that produces intense pleasure sensations, increases energy levels, and enhances alertness and attention. This is achieved by significantly elevating dopamine levels, a naturally occurring chemical in the body, which stimulates the pleasure receptors in the brain. Over time, individuals addicted to cocaine require larger doses to experience the same high as their body develops tolerance to these heightened dopamine levels.

Short-term effects of cocaine may include:

• Heightened sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight
• Intense feelings of happiness
• Irritability or anger
• Paranoia
• Decreased appetite

Persistent cocaine use can lead to more severe side effects and health complications, including:

• Headaches
• Convulsions and seizures
• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• Mood disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Lung damage
• Risk of HIV or hepatitis if injected
• Bowel decay if ingested orally
• Loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, and swallowing difficulties when snorted

Detoxification, therapy, and rehabilitation can assist individuals in overcoming their cocaine addiction by eliminating the drug from their system, readjusting dopamine levels to normal, and addressing the underlying addiction to achieve sobriety and long-term recovery.