Cocaine is one of the most widely used drugs in New Jersey. With the influx of cocaine in nearby cities, cocaine has become the go-to drug for many low-income communities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine use has been relatively steady since 2009. In fact, in 2014, there were 1.5 million current users over the age of 12.
If you or a loved one struggles to stop using cocaine, it’s time to get help. At BlueCrest Recovery, our cocaine addiction treatment program utilizes a holistic approach to evidence-based therapies so our clients can get on the road to recovery. Our substance abuse treatment programs in Woodland Park, NJ are run by a team of addiction professionals with years of experience helping people overcome addiction. Call 888.292.9652 for more information.
Why Is Cocaine so Dangerous?
With so many regular users of the drug, cocaine addiction has become a real problem. The drug is highly addictive because of its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is known as the happy hormone. High levels of dopamine can leave you feeling euphoric and worry-free. The drug also boosts motivation and energy levels. These good feelings can cause people struggling with addiction to seek the drug even if they experience negative side effects.
Addiction is characterized by the inability to control one’s drug usage. Drug addiction is a compulsive habit. Continued use of cocaine alters a user’s brain. In turn, addiction sets in, and the person is unable to maintain self-control or the ability to resist urges to use the drug. These changes to the brain are persistent and make breaking the cycle much harder.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Do you believe a friend or family member in New Jersey is using cocaine? Users of the drug often have a heightened sense of well-being and confidence. They may be more talkative and full of energy. Typically, a user doesn’t have much of an appetite or a regular sleep schedule. Other telltale signs of cocaine usage include:
- A runny nose or nosebleeds
- White powder around the nose area
- Track marks
- Dilated pupils
After extensive use of the drug, someone is more likely to become depressed, agitated, and exhausted. An addict is also more likely to need higher doses, which puts their lives at an even higher risk.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
In terms of symptoms of cocaine addiction, there are some key things to look out for. Cocaine abusers experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Hyperactivity – Cocciane impacts the amount of energy a user experiences. Nerves in the brain and body light up, providing a high amount of energy that may end up causing twitching, nervousness, and sometimes itchiness.
- Involuntary movements – Since a person has so much more energy when they use cocaine, their body may twitch involuntarily.
- Inability to concentrate – The cocaine high also impacts a person’s ability to concentrate. Nerves in the brain are so hyperactive that they have trouble staying on one topic and may have trouble problem-solving or staying on track.
- Increased agitation in the absence of the drug – When someone who struggles with cocaine addiction stops using, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms aren’t all physical and can greatly impact mental health. Agitation, depression, and anxiety are all common withdrawal symptoms.
- High levels of enthusiasm – Cocaine users can become hooked on the drug because it produces euphoric feelings. This euphoria is often expressed through intense enthusiasm toward people and things around them.
- Common-cold-like symptoms, including nosebleeds – Since cocaine is primarily used through respiratory functions, the nose and throat can become irritated. When irritation occurs, infection and other cold-like symptoms can be a common occurrence.
If someone you know experiences these signs or symptoms, they may be addicted to cocaine. With addiction comes the need for treatment. For cocaine abusers, our cocaine addiction treatment program in New Jersey is a proven treatment option. Treatment helps users to break free from the restraints of drug addiction. In turn, they can lead healthier lives.
Effects of Cocaine
Outside of the effects on one’s mental and emotional state, there is an even darker side of cocaine addiction. The drug impacts vital organs, including the brain and heart. This damage is often fatal. According to NJ Advance Media, in 2017, 498 people died from cocaine use.
Brain Damage
Cocaine impacts the brain by releasing higher levels of dopamine, but the drug also has a huge impact on brain health. Studies conducted at the University of Cambridge found that the brain ages twice as fast in people struggling with the drug when compared to non-users.
Repeated cocaine exposure also causes the brain to adapt to a new reward pathway. Instead of getting happiness from food and relationships, a user gets happiness from cocaine. The drug also changes how the brain reacts to stress. Because of this, a user is more likely to experience mood swings, especially when not using the drug. These are telltale signs of cocaine withdrawal.
Heart Damage
Long-term use of cocaine has proven to damage the heart muscle. This can result in cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle. When injected, cocaine can also lead to inflammation of the inner heart tissues.
With a weaker heart comes a heightened risk of cardiac arrhythmia and heart attacks, both of which can be deadly. Cocaine-induced damage to the heart increases one’s risk of brain damage as well as a stroke because of improper blood supply.
The Importance of Cocaine Rehab
When a user tries to break their addiction, cocaine withdrawal is common. Withdrawal symptoms can take a serious toll on the body, including physical, mental, and emotional effects. Because of this, users are more likely to relapse, despite knowing the risk of using the drug.
If you or a loved one is dealing with cocaine addiction, there is no better day than today to turn your life around. Drug addiction doesn’t have to define your future. By seeking treatment in a professional treatment center, you can get back on track to a healthier and happier life. A quality cocaine rehab clinic will help to minimize withdrawal symptoms while providing a supportive community.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program at BlueCrest Recovery Center
Are you or a loved one dealing with cocaine addiction? Seeking a reliable treatment option? Tired of coming up short on cocaine rehab help? If so, now is the time to seek a treatment center with a comprehensive partial hospitalization program (PHP) in New Jersey.
While there are many recovery centers to choose from, if you’re looking for top-notch care, you can trust BlueCrest Recovery Center. At our recovery center, we embrace a holistic treatment approach. We approach drug addiction clinically and spiritually. Recovering from drug abuse requires more than outside support. We believe that mind-healing activities, such as yoga and meditation, can aid in overcoming addiction and other stressors in life.
At BlueCrest, we’re all about restoring hope and lives. Today is the day to ensure your future. Contact us at 888.292.9652 to start our cocaine addiction treatment program.
We look forward to taking this journey with you.
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