Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues, with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affecting millions of Americans. It is generally recommended to avoid using stimulants when suffering from one of these types of conditions since stimulants may cause a person’s anxiety symptoms to worsen. Of all the stimulants available, one almost guaranteed to cause anxiety is cocaine. This illegal recreational drug can cause severe anxiety symptoms, even in people who do not typically struggle with anxiety. Those with anxiety disorders have a high potential for short-term and long-term mental health consequences due to cocaine use.
If you live in Massachusetts, cocaine rehab is just a phone call away. At Evoke Waltham, we believe practical, evidence-based mental health treatment should be accessible whenever needed. Evoke Waltham’s addiction treatment facility in Waltham, MA, offers high-quality, comprehensive care for anyone battling addiction and mental health issues. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff members are dedicated to making recovery accessible to patients, regardless of the circumstances.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and high-class amenities guarantee that you’ll be able to overcome substance use and mental health issues in a safe and comfortable environment. Contact us at 866.276.1920 to learn more about the connection between cocaine and anxiety and to start your new life in recovery today.
What Is the Connection Between Cocaine and Anxiety
Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that increases alertness, feelings of well-being, euphoria, and energy. It also decreases fatigue and hunger. Cocaine is derived from the coca plant and was originally used as an anesthetic in surgery. However, its potent effects quickly made it a popular recreational drug.
It works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Normally, dopamine is recycled back into the nerve cell that releases it after it has done its job. However, cocaine prevents dopamine from being recycled, causing it to build up in the synapse between neurons. This buildup causes intense feelings of pleasure.
However, cocaine’s effects don’t last long. The high from snorting cocaine only lasts about 30 minutes. The high from smoking crack cocaine only lasts about five to ten minutes. This leads people to use cocaine to maintain their high, which can lead to addiction. Cocaine can cause several physical and mental health problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and dizziness
Cocaine addiction can be challenging to overcome without help from a qualified treatment center. Treatment often includes therapy, medication, and other forms of support. Professional treatment can help people struggling with cocaine addiction break the cycle and reclaim their lives.
Does Cocaine Cause Anxiety?
Cocaine use and anxiety frequently occur together. While it is unclear why this is the case, many theories attempt to explain it. One theory suggests that cocaine use leads to anxiety because it causes changes in the brain that lead to increased fear and worry. Another theory is that anxiety leads to cocaine use as a way of self-medicating anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety and cocaine use often leads to other comorbid conditions, such as depression, substance use, and even psychosis. This suggests that there may be a two-way relationship between anxiety and cocaine use, with each condition making the other even worse. The treatment for anxiety disorders and cocaine addiction that happen at the same time is called dual diagnosis treatment. This combination of anxiety treatment and cocaine rehab is crucial to preventing recurring mental health issues and substance use disorders.
Contact Evoke Waltham in Massachusetts to Learn More About Cocaine Rehab
If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction or anxiety, there’s no better time than now to get treatment. At Evoke Waltham, we can guide you through your options for mental health treatment and cocaine rehab. We can also teach you to make more effective choices to help encourage a friend or family member to seek treatment. Our expert staff is standing by to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Contact us at 866.276.1920 to learn more about cocaine and anxiety.
