Cocaine is considered to be the second most addictive substance in the world. But what is it that makes cocaine so addictive? Read on to learn how cocaine addiction is caused and how it can be treated at private UK rehab, The Providence Projects.
What happens when you take cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant substance that is ingested through the nose in a powder form. It is also possible to take cocaine with water or rub in on the gums. Crack cocaine (cocaine mixed with baking soda or ammonia) can be smoked. Typical effects of using cocaine include:
- Feeling a pleasurable wave of contentment
- Being more talkative
- Feeling mentally alert
- Sexually aroused
However, increasingly large doses of cocaine may produce negative side effects, such as:
- Anxiety / paranoia
- Unpredictable or violent behaviour
- High heart rate / hypertension and even heart attacks
Why is cocaine addictive?
A cocaine detox is one of the most sought-after addiction treatments in UK drug rehab clinics. Cocaine is a stimulant which increases the body’s level of dopamine. Dopamine resides in the ‘rewards centre’ of the brain and produces a pleasurable feeling. Neuron transmitters in the brain recognise when dopamine has been released and stops the dopamine from further production. Cocaine prevents neurons from limiting the body’s levels of dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria to the brain. If a user takes cocaine regularly, the neurons slow down, and a tolerance of cocaine increases. This means a user must take more cocaine to feel a similar level of euphoria again.
Why do users take cocaine?
Cocaine addiction can also have psychological roots, as well as physical causes. At our drug rehab, we find users take cocaine for many emotional reasons, including:
- To experience a quick high to fit in during social situations
- To reduce feelings of depression or anxiety
- To boost their energy or performance at school or work
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of cocaine addiction, please seek drug addiction treatment from a professional private rehab clinic in the UK.
What treatment is available?
At our residential rehab in Bournemouth, we provide a range of drug rehabilitation programmes to help addiction recovery. Our experienced medical team will work with you to create a drug rehab treatment plan, tailored to suit you. This may include your detox programme requirements, counselling, and alternative therapies to help identify and cope with issues linked to your addiction.
If you would like to learn more about our drug or alcohol rehab treatments, please contact our qualified and experienced counsellors at The Providence Projects on 0800 955 0945 today.
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