{"id":3514,"date":"2024-01-24T16:21:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T16:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arisetc.com\/?p=3514"},"modified":"2024-01-24T16:21:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T16:21:11","slug":"long-term-effects-of-cocaine-abuse-and-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arisetc.com\/long-term-effects-of-cocaine-abuse-and-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cocaine abuse can have long-ranging effects on your mental and physical health. It\u2019s essential to recognize the signs of cocaine abuse and seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid the worsening consequences of cocaine use disorder.<\/p>\n

Cocaine addiction treatment can help people stop using cocaine safely and learn the skills to avoid relapse in the future. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Timely treatment can prevent the worsening effects of cocaine use. However, some of the effects of using this drug can last for a long time\u2013even for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n

This article will explore the long-term consequences of cocaine abuse and addiction and where to get treatment to overcome this condition.<\/p>\n

Contact the team at Arise Treatment Center to learn about our comprehensive treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Cocaine Abuse and Addiction: The Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from coca plant leaves. People often use cocaine as a recreational or party drug because of its energizing, euphoric effects. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that about 1.3 million people<\/a> had a cocaine use disorder in 2020.<\/p>\n

When people use cocaine, their brain releases more dopamine, which can cause many of the pleasurable effects of this drug. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter related to pleasure and reward, and substances that affect it are more likely to be addictive.<\/p>\n

Shortly after ingesting cocaine, users may feel a rush of intense pleasure and energy. After using cocaine heavily for some time, users may find that they need more of the drug to experience its effects. This is called tolerance, and it is a sign of physical addiction.<\/p>\n

Over a prolonged period of regular or heavy use, people may develop a physical addiction to cocaine. They may feel sluggish, mentally cloudy, or depressed when they don\u2019t use it. Because of the physical and chemical changes cocaine causes in the brain, many people find that they cannot stop using it without professional help.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cocaine abuse is hard on your brain and body. People who abuse cocaine or become addicted to it can experience lingering, long-term effects.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the long-term effects of cocaine abuse and addiction throughout the body.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Long-term cardiovascular effects of cocaine abuse<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cocaine use immediately raises a person\u2019s blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, repeated cocaine use can cause lasting cardiovascular issues, including:<\/p>\n