Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that derives from the coca plant. Typically, it comes in the form of a white powder and is snorted through the nose. Crack cocaine, however, comes in a crystal form, and is smoked.

Cocaine produces a rapid high – this can include an intense feeling of euphoria and increased energy. Despite being a popular recreational drug, cocaine use poses serious health risks, including the potential for addiction. But why is cocaine so addictive?

That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on to learn about the addictive nature of cocaine, including the physical and psychological aspects of cocaine addiction. We’ll also be exploring how you can stop taking cocaine for good and turn over a new leaf.

Is Cocaine Physically Addictive?

Yes – the truth is, cocaine is physically addictive. It is a highly addictive drug that affects your body’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a key pleasure transmitter, which is why cocaine users feel a short-term ‘high’ after taking cocaine.

Cocaine offers a short-lived high – the effects typically present within 5 to 30 minutes, and last for around 30 to 40 minutes (on average).

The more you take cocaine, the more your body gets used to it. As you build a tolerance to cocaine, you will need to take higher doses of the drug to feel the same effects. This can lead to a destructive cycle – cocaine tolerance can quickly turn into a physical dependence on the drug.

Physical dependence is characterised by cocaine withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug suddenly. These symptoms can include fatigue, depression, and increased appetite.

Is Cocaine Psychologically Addictive?

Cocaine is psychologically addictive as well as physically addictive. Cocaine can impact your mood, increase your energy levels and boost your confidence, which can make it enticing for cocaine users to seek a temporary escape.

The more you take cocaine over time, the more your brain becomes conditioned to associate cocaine with pleasure. This, in turn, reinforces the desire to use the drug.

Cocaine abuse can also lead to changes in brain chemistry, affecting areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgement. This can add to the cycle of addiction, making it harder to stop taking cocaine without professional support.

Abusing cocaine can also affect your mental health over time,  producing a range of psychiatric symptoms. Ultimately, comorbid mental health disorders can make the recovery process more difficult.

What Makes Cocaine So Addictive?

So, what exactly makes cocaine so addictive? Like with many other addictive drugs, the answer lies in its effects on the brain.

Cocaine affects the brain’s reward circuitry, increasing levels of dopamine and creating feelings of euphoria. This reinforcement of pleasure-seeking behaviour contributes hugely to its addictive nature.

Additionally, the rapid effects of cocaine (and the short duration) can increase the potential for addiction. Cocaine users experience an almost immediate high, followed by a quick comedown. This can lead to cravings for more of the drug, to chase the initial high.

Ultimately, cocaine is so addictive because of how it affects your brain’s limbic system, and because the short-lived effects leave users wanting more.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse

Now you understand the addictive nature of cocaine, let’s explore some of the key signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse and addiction. Understanding the signs of addiction is a key step towards getting the support you need and overcoming cocaine dependence for good.

Here are some common indicators of cocaine use and addiction:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Dilated pupils
• Elevated heart rate and high blood pressure
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Agitation and irritability
• Financial problems due to drug use
• Neglecting your responsibilities and relationships
• Experiencing the long-term effects of cocaine use
• Struggling to stop taking cocaine
• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking cocaine

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to seek support. Our treatment program at Rehubs can help you get on the right path and turn your life around for good.

How to Overcome Cocaine Addiction

Overcoming and treating cocaine addiction isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right support and resources. At Rehubs, we offer a quality online rehab program that allows you to get sober from the comfort of your own home.

We have years of experience helping people with drug addiction and drug abuse issues, whether it be cocaine powder, crack cocaine, or other drugs. Our team of therapists and addiction specialists have helped over 200 people stay abstinent since leaving the therapy program – and can help you too.

Our cocaine addiction treatment is tailored to meet your individual needs – after all, one size does not fit all when it comes to addiction recovery. Our evidence-based therapies address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, helping you to achieve lasting recovery.

Utilise our helpful mobile app today. Our app is available on Apple and Google Play – and is full of helpful features that can keep you on the right track and cease substance abuse for good.

Contact us today to begin the admissions process or to find out your treatment options. We are here to support you throughout the recovery process – we’re rooting for your recovery.