Common Effects of Cocaine and Recognizing Abuse

If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine use, you’re not alone. The effects of cocaine use disorder can take a toll on both physical and mental health, but recovery is possible. Seeking cocaine addiction treatment is a courageous step toward a healthier future. At Promises Washburn House, we’ve been helping people struggling with life’s stresses since 1896, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What To Know About Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the brain’s reward system, leading to intense but short-lived euphoria. The drug increases dopamine levels, reinforcing repeated use. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 4.8 million people in the U.S. reported using cocaine within the past year.¹ This highlights just how important it is to raise awareness and ensure people have access to treatment that works for them.

Over time, repeated use of cocaine can lead to dependency, where a person’s brain begins to rely on the drug just to feel normal. Quitting cocaine without support can be challenging, as withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally taxing.

What Are the Troubling Effects of Cocaine Abuse?

Cocaine use can have serious and lasting effects on both physical and mental health. Some of the most common effects of cocaine include:

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke
Anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations
Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite and severe weight loss
Risk of infectious diseases when using contaminated needles or sharing drug paraphernalia
Cognitive decline and impaired decision-making

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by nearly 5% between 2022 and 2023.² This alarming statistic highlights the dangers of continued use and the urgency of seeking help.

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use Disorder?

Recognizing cocaine use disorder in yourself or a loved one is an important first step toward recovery. Some key signs to watch for include:

Using more cocaine than intended or for more extended periods
Failed attempts to cut down or quit
Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from cocaine use
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and intense cravings
Continuing use despite negative consequences, such as health issues or legal troubles

If these signs sound familiar, consider seeking professional support.

Can Cocaine Addiction Co-Occur With Other Mental Health Issues?

Yes, co-occurring disorders—when a substance use disorder (SUD) exists alongside mental health conditions—are common among those struggling with cocaine addiction. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often accompany SUDs, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.

At Promises Washburn House, we offer dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously. By treating the whole person, we help our clients achieve long-term recovery and mental well-being.

How Cocaine Addiction Treatment Can Help

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction. That’s why Promises Washburn House offers a variety of programs tailored to individual needs. Our evidence-based approach includes:

Medically monitored detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
Inpatient rehab for structured, immersive care
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) that provide intensive daytime treatment
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for those transitioning from higher levels of care
Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and group counseling

Getting better together is possible when you have the right support system. Recovery is about more than quitting a substance—it’s about rebuilding a fulfilling, sober life.

Connect With Promises Washburn House, and You Won’t Have To Go Through Recovery Alone

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine use, know that help is available. The path to recovery starts with a single step—reaching out. At Promises Washburn House, we’re here to guide you toward healing. Contact our team online or call 855.298.3104 today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Worcester, MA.

Footnotes: