Cocaine is a powerful drug that many people are addicted to, mainly because the first time someone uses it, the brain is affected in significant ways resulting in an intense craving for more. Cocaine affects the brain by stopping dopamine and serotonin from proper absorption, resulting in an intense euphoric feeling that lasts for a short time. The surface is intense and pleasurable, but once the high dissipates, the aftereffects are harsh, as you experience depression, anxiety, emptiness, and a massive craving for more.
Once someone begins using cocaine, the brain acts like it is starving from lack and sends off intense signals to get more of the drug no matter what. This is a crucial reason why many cocaine users will do about anything to get more of the drug into their bodies.
The more one uses cocaine, the higher the tolerance, so the more you need to get the same high. This can become quite a habit and cause an addict much inner turmoil and outside problems. Relationships can crumble, jobs can be lost, health can be destroyed, and legal trouble can ensue.
How cocaine affects the body short-term
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increase in heart rate
- Blood vessel constriction
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Depression
- High Anxiety
How cocaine affects the body long-term
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Brain damage
- High blood pressure
- Lung damage
- Tooth decay
- Destruction of heart blood vessels
- Depression
- Hallucinations
How does cocaine affect the brain
Once someone ingests cocaine into the body, blood flow to the brain decreases considerably. Research shows that just a minimal amount of cocaine can constrict blood vessels in the brain of users. The actual use of cocaine changes the brain’s chemistry, making the brain crave the drug desperately. In one study, rats were given two choices to drink liquid by pressing a lever. In one container, there was water, and the other had a tiny dose of cocaine in it. Once the rats tasted the cocaine, they became addicted to it and pressed the lever repeatedly, neglecting sleep and food. Many pressed the lever until they died. This shows how strongly the brain can become addicted to cocaine and ought to be cause enough for those addicted to consider getting help immediately.
Cocaine addiction is quite severe, and besides the physical and mental problems it can cause, overdose is entirely possible. If you or a loved one has a cocaine addiction, reach out for help as soon as possible via a detox or rehab center, a substance abuse professional, and a 12 Step support group. Many people are willing to help you get free and begin your road to recovery. You can overcome your cocaine addiction, live free from drugs, and experience peace and happiness each day.
