Drugs can often be classified into two major categories–stimulants and depressants. Is cocaine a stimulant or depressant? In short, cocaine is a stimulant drug. Take a look at the dangers of cocaine, the risk of addiction and how to overcome a cocaine addiction with detox.
Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant?
If you find out that someone you love is abusing cocaine, it is normal to ask the question, is cocaine a stimulant or depressant? The basic answer is that cocaine is a stimulant. This means that using cocaine speeds up, or stimulates, the systems and functions of the body.
Stimulant drugs can increase alertness or concentration in the short term. They can also inhibit tiredness, which means that it is challenging to rest or to sleep while under the influence of cocaine. Stimulants can speed up heart rate and increase blood pressure. This can cause a lot of problems, particularly for anyone with cardiac issues to begin with.
Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Almost immediately after using cocaine, users will feel this increase, and it can result in pleasure or the so-called high. In the very short term, side effects of cocaine use can include hypersensitivity, irritability, paranoia and extreme levels of energy.
With the increase in energy comes the corresponding crash, which might come just minutes or sometimes hours after consuming cocaine. Users might feel depressed, and they may experience a craving for another dose of cocaine.
Using and abusing cocaine can also lead to some health-related side effects. They can include nausea, restlessness, muscle twitches and an irregular heartbeat.
Recognizing a Cocaine Addiction
Is cocaine a stimulant or depressant is as important a question as can you recognize cocaine addiction. It isn’t always easy to identify a cocaine addiction. One of the most obvious ways is to look for cocaine paraphernalia. Cocaine can be smoked, snorted or even injected. White powder and clear plastic baggies can be visible signs of cocaine use.
Someone with a cocaine addiction will also likely experience drastic mood swings. They might arrive at a party looking tired and bored. After using cocaine, they could appear cheerful, loud and acting like the life of the party. Cycling through extreme moods is common among those abusing cocaine.
Since cocaine is a stimulant, it can also impact a person’s sleep patterns. You might notice that a loved one is up all night long or has irregular bedtime habits.
Overcome Cocaine Addiction Starting with Detox
A cocaine detox program is the best way to fight back against cocaine addiction. At Serenity House Detox, detox programs prepare you for a lifetime of sobriety and freedom from addiction. Clients can look forward to all of the following during detox:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Treatment for withdrawal symptoms
- Comfortable accommodation
- Meditation therapy
- Individual therapy
Is cocaine a stimulant or depressant? As a stimulant, cocaine causes all kinds of problems in your life. At Serenity House Detox in Houston, Texas, you can start to overcome drug addiction once and for all. Take control over your future by calling 866.516.8356 today.
