Cocaine and crack cocaine are known for being addictive and pose a huge risk for addiction. Developing a cocaine addiction occurs over time, but it varies depending on the person. For example, if you have a history of addiction, you may find yourself growing dependent on cocaine faster than others.
Crack cocaine is also known for being more addictive than regular cocaine, as smoking and injecting the drug causes it to enter your bloodstream faster, taking effect more quickly. To learn more about how cocaine affects the body and how quickly a person can develop an addiction to the substance, keep reading.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes the brain to rapidly release dopamine. Because of this, people who take cocaine experience a sensation of heightened pleasure or sexual arousal. This type of high often makes people feel active and happy, which makes them want to use it again and again.
However, it’s easy to build up a tolerance to cocaine, meaning that users need to consistently up their dose in order to feel something. The high associated with cocaine doesn’t last very long either, so users often use it multiple times in one session in order to maintain their high.
Because users develop a tolerance easily and the high fades quickly, addicts often chase the high that they felt during their first few uses. High use of cocaine can cause elevated blood pressure, respiratory arrest, or sudden death.
Can You Become Addicted to Cocaine After One Use?
Many people wonder, how fast or how many uses does it take to become addicted to cocaine? While this question is hard to answer, as it’s different for everyone, one thing is clear. Addiction refers to a pattern of usage and a dependence on the drug, which can’t occur after just one use. While people may feel the urge to use again after their first time, an addiction hasn’t formed yet. However, it is possible to become addicted fairly quickly.
Those using cocaine should consider many factors, including the frequency they’re using and the amount they use during each session. Those who use more and more frequently will become addicted more easily than those who use lightly and sporadically.
Warning Signs of Cocaine Addiction
If you’re worried that someone you love might be using cocaine and developing an addiction, it’s important to watch out for changes in their personality and work habits. Using cocaine can have a large impact on one’s life, causing them to put off work, school, or other personal engagements. Warning signs of cocaine addiction include:
- Secretive behavior
- Obsessive thoughts
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
- Missing school or work
- Deterioration of physical appearance
- Risk-taking behavior
- Irritability
- Depression/Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
If you notice these warning signs or symptoms in a loved one, it may be time to talk to them about their drug-using habits. Addressing addiction or drug use quickly is the best way to help.
Find a Treatment Center
If you or someone you love has developed a cocaine addiction, it may be time to start thinking about treatment options. Asheville Recovery Center offers many options, ranging from traditional inpatient treatment programs to intensive outpatient treatment programs and detoxification.
Seeking help through a treatment program is the first step toward getting sober and starting your recovery journey. While it may seem scary at first, rehab is a great option as it helps to teach lifelong skills and coping mechanisms to help addicts from relapsing.
To learn more about how we can help you with your cocaine addiction, call us today and speak with an addiction specialist.
