From its synthesis from the South American coca plant in the mid-19th century, cocaine has captivated people across all levels of society. It was initially used in medical applications and lauded by people like Sigmund Freud for its benefits in lifting mood in his melancholic patients. It was readily available in over-the-counter (OTC) tonics and even Coca-Cola for about fifty years, explaining where it got its name. By the early 20th century, the highly addictive nature of cocaine was well recognized, leading to its classification as a dangerous drug and subsequent ban by 1920. However, like many substances that produce desirable effects, cocaine’s use persisted despite its prohibition. Close to 1,000,000 people over age 12 try cocaine for the first time every year. Cocaine addiction treatment programs provide the most significant avenue for lasting recovery.
At The Right Step Houston, we understand the addictive nature of cocaine and have developed programs to help.
Is cocaine a stimulant?
Stimulants are drugs, like cocaine, that speed up the communication between the brain and the body. They cause specific physical and mental effects, such as increased:
- Alertness
- Energy
- Confidence
Every day, millions of Americans begin their mornings with a widely accepted and generally harmless stimulant: coffee. Similarly, nicotine is another legal stimulant, available over the counter in products like cigarettes or chewing gum. Stimulants also play a significant role in medicine, where prescription drugs such as Adderall® and Ritalin® are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, when people take these medications without a prescription or misuse them, medical use crosses the line into abuse.
On the other hand, highly addictive substances like cocaine and methamphetamine fall under stricter regulations due to their potential for abuse. Both are classified as Schedule II narcotics, which are controlled substances under Class B regulations. These classifications highlight their dangerous and addictive nature, distinguishing them from everyday stimulants used legally and responsibly.
Stimulants and the brain: interactions and effects
Stimulants such as cocaine influence the brain in numerous complex ways.1 Stimulants physically and chemically change the brain of the user. The neurotoxicity of stimulants affects many functions carried out by the brain. They also affect the brain by feeding into the addiction loop through the reward center, which quickly leads to cravings.
Some stimulants’ effects on the brain may be permanent, while others can fade during lasting recovery.
Impaired cognition
This includes memory loss, the ability to form new memories, attention span, and decision-making, and it’s made worse by the sometimes permanent loss of gray matter in the brain, which supports information processing.
Mental health consequences
Stimulant abuse can lead to or exacerbate pre-existing anxiety, panic disorders, depression, or psychosis. Paranoia and suicidal ideation are possible risks of stimulant addiction. Many long-term abusers of stimulants can’t manage or express their emotions, which often leads to violent outbursts.
Motor function
The effects of stimulant abuse on muscles can be short-lived or lasting. In the part of the brain that controls voluntary or involuntary muscle control, stimulants can lead to twitching or rigid muscles and loss of motor coordination.
The risk of lasting harm to the brain, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, makes stimulant abuse dangerous. These drugs are highly addictive—that’s part of the way they affect the brain. Consider a rehab program for stimulant addiction, such as a cocaine addiction treatment center.
Call The Right Step Houston today to enroll in cocaine addiction treatment
Stimulants and the brain—a dangerous combination. The way stimulants affect the brain is what draws people back to them again and again, leading to addiction. Each time you take a stimulant, the interaction between the drug and your brain moves you closer to potentially lasting damage to the most vital organ in your body.
Every member of our professional and experienced staff provides evidence-based therapies in a trigger-free, comfortable setting. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and inpatient rehab are both available, as is gender-specific rehab and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders. We want you to feel safe and supported as you begin your recovery. Help is here, at The Right Step Houston. Call 888.483.9489 or complete our online form today.
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