Many drugs now sold illegally for recreational use were originally used for other purposes. From religious rites to medical applications, substances derived from the coca plant have been used by humans for centuries. Cocaine addiction accounts for about one out of 10 people in rehab, and yet most people suffering from cocaine addiction don’t receive the help they need. A dangerous, highly addictive drug that can be snorted, injected or smoked as crack, cocaine results in about 15,000 overdose deaths per year in the US. Help is available. A cocaine addiction treatment program that offers evidence-based therapies and medically supervised detox in a safe setting is the best way to begin your recovery journey.
Learn more about cocaine abuse and how you or a loved one can rediscover well-being through professional cocaine addiction treatment. Contact Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) to speak to one of our staff members who can answer all your questions, explain the warning signs of a cocaine overdose, walk you through treatment options for cocaine abuse and addiction, and offer you meaningful guidance and support. You can fill out this online form or call us at 844.442.8673.
How Cocaine Abuse Affects the Brain
Cocaine is used by millions of Americans every year. It is effective as a stimulant to maintain alertness, evade sleep, or experience a euphoria that users seek to offset mental health symptoms, regardless of whether they’ve been officially diagnosed. Cocaine can do these things based on how it interacts within the brain.
Cocaine bypasses the brain’s own production of feel-good neurotransmitters. If you are depressed, cocaine can temporarily make you feel better. If you are exhausted, cocaine can make you feel alert and ready to stay awake for another 12 hours. All the while, powerful feelings of pleasure and contentment make the period of this highly enjoyable and psychologically hard to let go of.
To avoid the harshness of a cocaine crash, people tend to engage in binges, which so overload the brain’s neurotransmitter production center that it becomes entirely dependent on cocaine to function. Cravings lead to another binge, and the cycle repeats. Chemical dependence results in addiction in many cases.
Cocaine Overdose Warning Signs
Cocaine overdose happens when a certain level of toxicity is reached in the body. In fact, cocaine effectively poisons the body, though there is no definitive toxic level that is the same for everyone or for any individual at any given time. The likelihood of overdose depends on the individual and their level of resistance or vulnerability to the toxins. Because there are no rules about what brings about cocaine overdose, it is a risk each time someone takes cocaine. Knowing the signs of a cocaine overdose can make the difference in saving or losing a life.
If you know or even suspect that someone has taken or is abusing cocaine, and you notice any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to call 911:
- Heightened anxiety and agitation
- Elevated body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Delirium
- Excessive perspiration
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat or racing heart
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizure
There is a risk of heart attack or stroke during a cocaine overdose. Be aware of the warning signs for these deadly episodes and be proactive. It is better to call for help and be wrong than to wait with tragic results.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at PAATC
At PAATC, our cocaine addiction treatment program is designed to help individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder regain their sobriety and begin a life of recovery. Our evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), peer support opportunities, and faith-based treatment options, maximize positive outcomes for a healthy and robust recovery in a safe, supportive setting.
Reach out today to have a conversation with someone at PAATC who can answer questions and offer options. Our number is 844.442.8673 or you can complete this online form to connect with someone.
