What Makes Cocaine So Addictive?
Cocaine is one of the most powerful and addictive substances available worldwide today and addictions to any form of cocaine should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
A rather common question regarding cocaine that many people seem to ask is what makes taking cocaine so addictive. The truth is, there are many different deciding factors, both physical and psychological.
No matter your reason for starting taking cocaine it is never too late to stop and try to get yourself the help you deserve. There are plenty of support systems for you to use to help you through such a difficult and troubling time.
Throughout this article, we are going to be discussing some of the main reasons why cocaine is so addictive and the effects that it has on the body. We will also be discussing some of the treatment options that you have if you are struggling with an addiction to cocaine.
Why Is Cocaine Addictive?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug and is now one of the most used drugs in the UK while also being one of the most dangerous due to its effects on the body.
Cocaine is a class A drug, placing it in a unique category alongside heroin, meth and many other dangerous drugs as one of the most notoriously damaging drugs in the world.
This has led to cocaine becoming one of the most abused substances in the UK too, but why is cocaine addictive? Continue reading to find out more and what can be done to help.
Positive Reinforcement
As with most drug addictions, cocaine addictions form from an initial psychological need for positive reinforcement which gives a person a sense of reward for performing a particular behaviour – in this case, intaking cocaine.
For example, when taking cocaine it can cause the user to feel a selection of euphoric emotions such as excitement, confidence and energy which lead the person to wish to take the drug again.
Cocaine targets the key pleasure centres in your brain which, in turn, stimulates them and triggers the release of dopamine making the user feel increasingly happy.
These falsified feelings of happiness can easily lead to people becoming addicted and are one of the key reasons why so many people do this in the modern world.
Intense Highs
Cocaine is famous for its incredibly intense highs that people can achieve when taking excessive amounts of the substance which means that there are so many people becoming addicted to it.
You will typically begin to feel the effects of cocaine anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes of intaking the substance and will last for around 20 to 30 minutes.
After the high has passed, it can be very tempting for the user to retake cocaine shortly after which is what leads to serious substance abuse issues.
This is one of the primary causes why the vast number of people that are addicted to cocaine do so, it gives people such a sense of euphoria that they feel like they cannot quit as they want to experience the same high again, as we mentioned earlier.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Alongside all of the so-called “positive” feelings that taking cocaine can give you when taking it, the reverse is true when you stop taking them without warning.
Cocaine has some of the worst withdrawal symptoms of any drug and can be incredibly difficult to cope with without the support of family or friends around you.
To many people, conquering these withdrawal symptoms is the most difficult part of beating a cocaine addiction and is what stands in the way of trying to do so.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, fatigue and depression which can all be incredibly concerning and detrimental to the mental health of the abuser.
When people begin to experience these symptoms, some tend to find it easier to simply continue with their bad habits because the withdrawals are so miserable – however, this is not the way you should do things!
Symptoms and Side Effects
Even when not considering the withdrawal symptoms, there are a number of negative things that can happen when considering the side effects that people may not think about when taking such substances.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following and are frequently using cocaine either at home or in social settings then you can find cocaine addiction treatment in all areas of the UK to help you conquer this addiction.
Some of the symptoms of cocaine addiction include: anxiety and paranoia; psychosis; mood swings; panic Attacks; insomnia; risky behaviours due to being overly confident; heart Attacks and stroke.
When cocaine is taken for long periods of time it can have devastating effects as shown above, these are no symptoms to be taken lightly and can happen to just about anybody.
Our team can get you the help that you need, simply call or email us and we will find a rehab centre near you where you can attend therapy sessions and even get medicinal support from their staff members.
Cocaine Rehab
At Anormed, we have a team dedicated to getting the help that you deserve in a cocaine rehab centre near you in order to find an addiction centre that suits your needs.
Whether you’re intaking crack cocaine or powdered cocaine there is always a solution to help your problems and to help you get the required detox treatment.
If you are worried about the recent habits of yourself or a loved one when it comes to cocaine abuse, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at 01283 248 880 or email us at help@anormed.com.
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