Spotting the early signs of a cocaine addiction can be life-changing for someone who is silently struggling. Cocaine is a potent, powerful stimulant that rewires the brain’s reward system, causing intense, short-lived feelings of euphoria. What’s alarming is the spiral of dependence that follows after the initial period of recreational use, which is unnoticeable by many users.
Identifying the nagging signs early could help prevent serious consequences physically, emotionally, and socially. Here’s a more detailed elaboration of the addiction process, the symptoms that should be a cause for concern, and the journey towards overcoming the addiction.
How Cocaine Addiction Starts
Most turning points of addiction begin with some form of experimentation, and cocaine addiction is no exception. Some use cocaine socially to act more sociable, to keep them awake, or to elevate their mood. The stimulant effect of the drug is due to the increased level of dopamine in the brain and brings an intense surge of energy. The effects are short-lived lived which leads to frequent use.
