Of the millions of people in the U.S. who struggle with cocaine use disorder, it is a sad fact that few will get the help that they need. In some cases, they feel that they cannot take time away from their responsibilities to enter a rehabilitation facility. In other cases, they do not know whom to reach out to for help. Alternatively, some people do not feel that they have a problem. Many individuals in this latter category have been able to convince themselves that they do not need help.
If you or someone close to you is using cocaine, our cocaine addiction treatment program is here to help. Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center, which is located in Los Angeles, California, by using our confidential online form or by calling us at [Direct] today.
Why Do People Use Cocaine?
Individuals suffering from cocaine use disorder do so because they crave the effects of the high the substance provides. Whether in its powdered form or when freebased, cocaine has a notable stimulant effect. Some of these effects include:
- High energy and increased alertness
- Constriction of the blood vessels may lead to increased heart rate and higher blood pressure
- Increased feelings of anxiety
- Physically effects like twitching
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Increased irritability and aggression
Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use
Cocaine use disorder is a serious condition with potentially fatal consequences. Some of the long-term effects of cocaine use include:
- Cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Cognitive impairment
- Mood disorders
- Increased risk of seizures
While cocaine use disorder is a serious condition, there is hope for recovery. With the help of a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, individuals can overcome cocaine use disorder and go on to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The Dangers of Combining Cocaine and Alcohol
Individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder often rely on other substances to keep the negative effects of their cocaine use, like twitching or insomnia, at bay. For instance, some people use alcohol to help them come down from a cocaine high. However, using other substances to manage the symptoms of cocaine use can lead to polysubstance abuse, which can further complicate addiction treatment. Using either cocaine or alcohol by themselves can already lead to severe dependence and adverse health outcomes. When used together, these risks increase exponentially.
On the one hand, there are short-term dangers associated with combining these two substances. These include, but are not limited to:
- Increased compulsive or risky behavior
- Severely reduced cognitive function
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of motor function and physical coordination
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
There are, however, also important long-term side effects to using both substances together. These are mainly the result of what happens when both are metabolized in the liver. In short, a chemical compound called cocaethylene is produced, which has extremely dangerous side effects. These include heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmia, which often leads to a heart attack.
In particularly severe instances, mixing cocaine and alcohol has been tied to sudden death. If you or someone you care about is combining these two dangerous substances, they may be in more danger than they know. This is why it is so crucial that you reach out to us at Silicon Beach Treatment Center, located conveniently in the Los Angeles area.
Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center Today
No one plans on developing a cocaine use disorder. When that recreational use crosses the line into a genuine substance use problem, however, a person must get professional help, especially if they are mixing cocaine and alcohol, as so many individuals do. When you are ready to take your life back from drugs and alcohol, reach out to the compassionate team of addiction specialists at Silicon Beach Treatment Center online or call us at [Direct].
