How Addictive Is Cocaine?

Cocaine, coke, snow, whatever you want to call it, is an addictive drug that people across the United States abuse illegally. But, cocaine is a stimulant, right? Well isn’t coffee an additive stimulant? Millions of Americans start their day, every day, with a cup of hot Joe… or 3. So what is the difference between coffee and cocaine? Just how addictive and dangerous is cocaine that it is a Schedule II illegal substance?

Before we dive deeper into how addictive cocaine is and why, we need to have an understanding of what cocaine actually does.

Effects of Cocaine

Common effects reported by individuals who have consumed cocaine include:

A euphoric boost in energy

Talkativeness

Mental alertness

Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch

A decrease in appetite

Insomnia

Increased heart rate

Rapid breathing

Less common effects of cocaine use may include:

Restlessness

Irritability

Anxiety

Panic attacks

Paranoia

Tremors or muscle twitches

Vertigo

In addition to the effects listed above, cocaine use can lead to serious health consequences. The potential risks associated with cocaine use mostly include cardiovascular issues such as heart arrhythmia, stroke, seizures, or heart attack. Cocaine use can also cause gastrointestinal issues.

Is Cocaine Physically Addictive?

Cocaine is indeed physically addictive in that it changes the way neurotransmitters are released. Additionally, a study found that cocaine can also change an individual’s genetics. In lamen terms, cocaine can change the physical structure of our bodies, as well as re-write the instructions that our body uses to heal and grow. In these ways, cocaine does have the capacity to make a person physically dependent and physically addicted to its use.

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

How addictive cocaine is, goes beyond the physical changes it causes in the human body, although those alone can be life-changing. Think about the effects mentioned previously: energetic, talkative, and alert. These don’t sound all that far off from lively, social, and engaged. Someone who is using cocaine can come across as all of these things. While many people struggle to begin social and lively, people with these attributes often find themselves surrounded by other people. If you found a substance that all of a sudden made you the life of the party, wouldn’t you take it? This is the trap that many Americans fall into. The effects of cocaine can be fun, making the user want to use it more. In this way, cocaine is just as emotionally and psychologically addictive as it is physically.

Unfortunately, the use of cocaine is also very dangerous. Also listed above are some of the more severe and risky effects of cocaine use. At any point, overdosing is possible. For those who get lucky enough to avoid an overdose or heart attack, is the effects of significant cocaine use such as bloody noses or loss of smell that may cause them to stop using and get help.

Most people could not imagine how addictive cocaine is, but our team at Level Up Lake Worth is well aware of this drug’s effects. Get help today and overcome this potentially devastating addiction.

Sources:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-short-term-effects-cocaine-use