Learn More About Drug Misuse and Addiction
Cocaine
Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug with a high potential for misuse and addiction. It's popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, motivation, and energy—heightening concentration, increasing sociability, decreasing shyness, and more. As a result, many may find themselves struggling with cocaine addiction. However, help is available. Evidence-based cocaine addiction treatment can produce positive results and help somebody achieve recovery. Understanding what cocaine is, how it can be addictive, and how to find cocaine addiction treatment can be a vital first step in finding help.
What Is Cocaine Addiction?
People who are struggling with cocaine addiction will begin to use cocaine in a way that is compulsive (feeling an irresistible urge to use), even if they experience harmful consequences.3 While addiction is a chronic brain condition, it is treatable and recovery is possible.3
Cocaine addiction and misuse can be caused by cocaine’s reinforcing high, which is primarily a result of how it works on the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the brain.1,4 Addiction to cocaine can be triggered in many people after only one use, since cocaine affects the brain’s reward pathway immediately.1
Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs
There are many addiction treatment options available to help people struggling with cocaine addiction. Treatment can take place in an inpatient or residential center that provides room and board and around-the-clock supervision and support. Outpatient treatment offers a similar range of therapeutic interventions to that of its counterpart but does not require onsite residence.
