Drug addiction of every type is challenging to overcome. For example, cocaine is one of the drugs that many people find difficult to break free from. This drug produces intense cravings and euphoric highs. From the fields of South America, the drug originated from the coca plant.
Today, however, cocaine is widely sold and used on the streets. Once the drug gets a hold of you, it can be challenging to break the habit. However, how do you know if you have an addiction to cocaine? What are the signs of cocaine addiction? Let’s take a closer look at how this drug works and the substance abuse programs that can treat it.
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How Does Cocaine Work on the Brain?
Cocaine is a white powdery substance that many people snort. However, some people do smoke the drug in a pipe. Cocaine is a stimulant that works directly on the brain by increasing dopamine build-up. Dopamine activates the reward and pleasure part of your brain. So when you use cocaine, you not only get a euphoric rush, but you also stimulate the reward center of the brain. This then makes you want to do it again.
Becoming Tolerant of Cocaine
Tolerance to cocaine is the first step in addiction. As you use the drug, your body then gets used to it. This occurs with all substance abuse. The problem is your mind enjoys that reward and pleasure. So, when you use the same amount and don’t get the reward, you begin to take in a higher amount.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction symptoms follow the tolerance to higher levels of cocaine. If you don’t give your body the higher dose of cocaine, then you will experience withdrawal symptoms. This is another sign that cocaine addiction has set in. Other signs of cocaine addiction include:
- Continual runny nose
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Increase in appetite (when you’re on the drug, you have a decrease in appetite)
- Restless behavior
When you realize that you’re addicted to this substance, then a cocaine addiction treatment center is the answer.
Hope for Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction isn’t fixed with medicine. The FDA has not approved of any medicine that helps with the withdrawal process. However, therapies are helpful in the healing journey. The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists the following therapies used in treating cocaine addiction:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Contingency management
- The Matrix Model
- Recovery addiction groups
- 12-Step programs
At Northern Illinois Recovery, our caring therapists guide you through the process for healing. Some of our programs include:
- Extended care (90-day program)
- Dual diagnosis therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group Therapy
- Sober living program
Don’t wait until cocaine addiction has wrecked your life. Now that you know the signs of cocaine addiction, you can overcome it by going to a quality drug rehab. Contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center at 855.786.1978, and we’ll get you started with your journey to a whole new you.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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