Know the Effects of Cocaine Abuse & Treatment Near NC

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug, and a majority of people are well aware that it can lead to addiction. Before addiction begins, however, cocaine can lead to some crazy and alarming effects. Take a closer look at some of the worst and perhaps most surprising effects of cocaine abuse.

Erratic or Violent Behavior

Many cocaine users are surprised to learn that the drug’s immediate side effects are far more than just physical. Cocaine abuse can change the way your brain functions. In short, that means your behavior and personality are altered.

Most people don’t realize that these are possible consequences when they first sample cocaine. Moreover, it’s a key reason why a cocaine addiction center is crucial for reversing this process.

One of the most noticeable effects of cocaine abuse is erratic behavior. People who are ordinarily shy might suddenly become extraordinarily outgoing and overly confident in their actions. They may enjoy being able to exhibit these qualities. However, all of this comes at a price because they’re also taking significant risks with their health.

Cocaine use can bring about far more than just extraverted behavior and increased confidence. It can also make you much more prone to signs of aggression toward others. Even if they are never violent when sober, some cocaine users can become violent when under the influence of the drug.

Hallucinations

Another way that cocaine use or abuse can impact your brain chemistry is by causing hallucinations. When you’re under the influence of cocaine, you might see or hear things that aren’t really there. Needless to say, this can be incredibly scary, especially if it keeps happening with continued use.

If you have a hallucination, you might act in crazy and unusual ways. Although what you’re seeing or hearing isn’t real, it will certainly feel real at the time. You might run away from someone screaming, or you might try to fight back against something that isn’t actually there. Erratic and crazy behavior is possible as a direct result of cocaine-induced hallucinations.

Convulsions and Seizures

Another one of the worst side effects of cocaine abuse is the risk of convulsions. While some users experience slight tremors, others experience convulsions or seizures. For even a mild seizure, there are risks of bodily injury and disorientation.

For severe seizures, there can be a lack of oxygen to the brain. This lack of oxygen leads to permanent brain damage in rare cases. In a few instances, a drug-induced seizure can lead to sudden death. This can happen even for the very first time that a person uses a drug like cocaine.

Increases in Heart Rate and Body Temperature

Cocaine’s stimulating effects can cause all kinds of bodily processes to kick into overdrive. Using cocaine will increase your heart rate and cause your blood pressure to soar. It can also raise your body temperature, sometimes to unhealthy levels. That’s why some cocaine users look visibly overheated, and many may be sweating or have flushed red faces.

A Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center Can Help

Ending cocaine abuse or addiction means seeking professional help and rehab services through a cocaine addiction treatment center. After going through cocaine withdrawal symptoms, clients can start to fight back against addiction and its underlying causes. At Beaches Recovery, some of the proven techniques and therapies include the following:

• EMDR therapy
• Group therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Fitness therapy
• Family therapy

The effects of cocaine abuse can be severe, and addiction is always a risk. If you’re struggling with cocaine abuse or dependence, then a cocaine addiction treatment center like Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, can help. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more about the right rehab program that can help you find lifelong sobriety.