Cocaine addiction has been a problem in the US for well over a century. Today, millions of Americans use the drug each year and hundreds of thousands land in the emergency room for cocaine-related incidents. Not only can cocaine endanger your physical health, but it can also take a toll on your relationships and your mental health.
If you’re struggling with cocaine addiction and watching relationships deteriorate in your life, reach out to My 5 Palms for help. We help people recover from the effects of cocaine and mental health concerns in a warm, welcoming setting. To learn more about our cocaine rehab in Ormond Beach, give us a call at 1.844.675.1022.
The Truth About Cocaine Addiction and Relationships
Similarly to other substance use disorders, cocaine addiction can place tremendous strain on all areas of your life and drain you of valuable resources. This includes:
- Romantic partners – As the drug takes hold of your life, you may find yourself prioritizing it over your significant other, leading to feelings of neglect and resentment. It may also cause you to make decisions you wouldn’t normally, like committing infidelity.
- Family – Your family members may also feel neglected and hurt as cocaine becomes the center of your world. You may start lying to them about your usage or even stealing from them in order to support your habit.
- Friends – Cocaine addiction can cause you to push away those closest to you, as they may not understand or condone your behavior while under the influence. This can lead to strained friendships and even permanent rifts.
- Coworkers – Your work performance and relationships with coworkers can be affected if addiction causes you to become unreliable, irritable, and difficult to work with.
- Legal issues – The possession and use of cocaine is illegal, and if caught, you could face serious legal consequences that can impact your personal life and career.
- Health problems – Long-term cocaine abuse can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Financial struggles – Cocaine is an expensive drug that can quickly drain your finances and leave you struggling to pay bills, maintain a stable job, or support yourself and your family.
Sometimes, people struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) do not realize that the addiction affects more than just themselves. There is a ripple effect that occurs and infiltrates your interactions with others. Ultimately, cocaine use can lead to trust issues, breakdowns in communication, and the dissipation of important emotional connections.
Cocaine and Mental Health
Cocaine addiction can also have a considerable effect on your mental health, either exacerbating an existing mental health condition or leading to the development of a new one. This stimulant drug is correlated with an increased risk of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
How can a drug known to elevate energy and mood have such harmful effects on mental health? The answer lies in how cocaine affects dopamine levels in the brain.
Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasurable feelings. Activities like getting a massage, spending time in the sun, getting a good night’s sleep, and listening to your favorite music can all stimulate dopamine, making you want to repeat those activities. Cocaine also triggers dopamine release but to a much more extreme extent than healthier activities.
Excessive levels of dopamine can make you feel aggressive, impulsive, and very competitive, which explains why people using cocaine feel very energetic and confident. But over time, your brain will depend on cocaine for this dopamine hit, and healthy activities will no longer produce the desired pleasurable effect. Without cocaine, dopamine levels can dip too low, leading to fatigue and irritability, prompting you to use cocaine again to feel good.
Contact My 5 Palms Today for Cocaine Rehab in Ormond Beach
The far-reaching effects of cocaine addiction can destroy your relationships and mental health. But with the support of My 5 Palms’ cocaine rehab, you can recover and mend your relationships with your loved ones. Contact us at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out our online form to learn more about overcoming cocaine addiction at our sunny Florida treatment center.
