Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Although it was once used for medical purposes, it is now considered an illicit substance due to its addictive potential. It releases dopamine in the brain producing feelings of euphoria making it highly addictive.
Cocaine may be used recreationally at first, but when addiction kicks in, it can ruin your life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need. Read on to find out more about the drug and how you can overcome dependency issues.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the coca plant native to South America. It comes in the form of a fine white powder. It is more often found on the street where it can be mixed with unhealthy substances like talcum powder, cornstarch, flour, synthetic opioids, and amphetamine.
The drug is commonly snorted, but it can also be smoked or injected. It can be processed into a rock crystal that is smoked. In this form, cocaine is freebase cocaine or crack which is highly dangerous and addictive.
When cocaine enters the body, it causes dopamine to be produced. Under normal circumstances, once dopamine is produced it is recycled by the body. The presence of cocaine interferes with the recycling of the chemical making for a build-up between nerve cells. This floods the brain’s rewards system making people feel euphoric, but also overly confident, so they are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors.
What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?
People who do cocaine for long periods will begin building a tolerance to the drug. They will need to take more of it to get the same effects.
They will also develop withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes so used to having the drug in its system, it gets sick when the drug is not present. The only way to get rid of the symptoms is to do more of the drug resulting in an addictive cycle.
Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are two signs of cocaine addiction. Here are some other things to look out for.
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heartbeat
- Troubled relationships
- Financial difficulties
- Legal issues
- Engaging in dangerous behaviors
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of interest in the things you once loved
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Deceptive behavior
- Lack of self-care
Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers?
Cocaine addiction can greatly reduce the quality of life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need.
There are typically three stages in the cocaine rehab process. The first is detox. During this phase, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, but a medical professional will be by your side to keep you as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur.
The second stage is therapy. The mental health clinicians will work out a plan best suited to your needs. They will treat the addiction and its underlying causes to provide long-term recovery.
The third stage is aftercare. This involves the center providing continued support as you adjust to sober living.
There are many cocaine rehab centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. We assess each patient to find a plan that works best for them. We utilize a team of highly trained, compassionate professionals. We offer a variety of outpatient treatment plans. Cocaine addiction isn’t easy to overcome. Atlanta Recovery can get you the help you need to move forward in life. Contact us to find out how to take the first step in achieving a healthier existence.
