At Promises Dallas-Fort Worth in Lewisville, Texas, adults with cocaine addiction and its effects on mental health receive integrated care that treats mental health and substance use together, including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and virtual intensive outpatient care. Call (469) 546-9303 to talk with our admissions team about options for yourself or a loved one.
How Cocaine Interacts with Your Brain
Cocaine interrupts the proper production of the brain’s neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which is the chemical messenger in charge of feelings of well-being and pleasure. The brain readily produces its own dopamine, for example, when we meditate, during exercise and sex, and when listening to music. However, cocaine so overwhelms the brain with dopamine, which creates the euphoria of a cocaine high that the brain stops bothering to produce its own, making you dependent on the drug to feel any pleasure at all. There are other important brain chemicals that cocaine abuse throws out of balance as well.
During chronic cocaine use, the brain’s structure is actually changed, affecting gene expression and the functioning of the orbitofrontal cortex, which controls rational thought and decision-making. It can also lead to psychiatric symptoms and disorders.
The Relationship Between Cocaine and Mental Health
Research has shown that individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are more likely to use cocaine. These conditions include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) Additionally, prolonged cocaine use can also exacerbate these underlying issues.
Moreover, chronic cocaine abuse can lead to the development of new mental health conditions. This is due to the changes in brain chemistry and structure caused by the drug, as well as the negative consequences of addiction, such as financial problems, relationship issues, and legal troubles. Substance use disorders are also considered mental health conditions themselves.
How Cocaine Affects Your Mental Health
As with most addictive drugs, cocaine can have a detrimental effect on your physical health, mental health, and psychological well-being. Chronic use of cocaine is associated with ongoing psychiatric hospitalizations, and its impact on users’ mental well-being must be taken seriously.
Because of the way cocaine interacts with brain chemistry, it can trigger serious mood disturbances and mental health symptoms. Some of the most common mental health symptoms triggered by cocaine use include:
- Insomnia
- Grandiosity
- Irritability
- Excessive anger
- Aggression
- Trust issues
As cocaine interrupts the brain’s neural connections, it reorganizes its structures and functions. In some cases, full-blown psychiatric illness can be triggered, such as:
- Paranoid delusions
- Major depression
- Psychosis (including hallucinations)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Suicidality
What do you do if you are concerned about the mental health of someone—including you—who is struggling with cocaine use disorder? Reach out for help.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Promises DFW
Promises DFW offers a wide range of evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments that address both the cocaine use disorder and the effects of cocaine on your mental health. This integrated approach can incorporate multiple types of treatment, therapies, and support opportunities. Our team will create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Treatment begins with an assessment that takes into account the severity of your cocaine addiction, mental health symptoms, medical history, and other factors. Once we have this information, you can begin working with our compassionate staff to identify the root causes of your substance use issues in a safe and supportive environment. Throughout treatment, you will learn coping strategies and skills to manage your mental health symptoms and prevent relapse.
We also offer aftercare services to support you in maintaining your recovery even after completing our cocaine rehab program. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term sobriety and improve your overall well-being, including your mental health.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Promises Dallas-Fort Worth
Promises Dallas-Fort Worth provides integrated dual diagnosis care across medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and virtual intensive outpatient care for adults at our Joint Commission-accredited center in Lewisville, Texas. Learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment, or let our admissions team verify your insurance before you commit. Call (469) 546-9303 or contact us online to get started.