Next Wind Recovery provides substance abuse treatment in Florida for cocaine addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one suffers from cocaine addiction, contact us at 201.331.6569 to learn about your many treatment options.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or to make a referral for a loved one. At Next Wind Recovery, we offer high-quality drug and alcohol addiction treatment in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Cocaine is an extremely addictive drug made from the leaves of the coca plant. In powder form, it is snorted but can also be liquified and injected. Crack is a crystallized form of cocaine that is smoked. Crack is more potent and addictive than powder cocaine. Cocaine is a stimulant that impacts the central nervous system (CSN) by blocking norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin transporters, which causes a build-up of these neurotransmitters in the brain’s pleasure centers. This build-up produces feelings of euphoria that fuel the cycle of addiction, which is difficult to break without professional intervention.
Cocaine addiction impacts how a person processes information and manages interpersonal relationships. Extreme mood swings and irritability contribute to difficulties maintaining healthy relationships. Long-term use can affect daily functioning to the degree that individuals cannot handle their responsibilities, which contributes to the further breakdown of relationships. Other psychological effects can include:
The effects of cocaine begin almost immediately, making the user feel euphoric, mentally alert, energetic, and talkative. How cocaine is used impacts these effects. For example, snorting cocaine does not produce effects as strong as when smoked or injected, but the high lasts longer. Once the high has worn off, users experience a “crash” that can include depression and fatigue, creating the desire for more of the drug. This begins the cycle of dependence that leads to addiction.
The short-term and long-term physical effects of cocaine addiction are serious. The immediate risk is for overdose or sudden death caused by cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest. This is common when fentanyl is added to cocaine without the user’s knowledge. Other physical effects include:
