Drugs such as cocaine can have a very powerful and long-lasting effect on the brain. In fact, they can actually change the way your genes work, and that may lead to some serious health and life issues. Luckily, there are ways to treat and prevent addiction.
Long-lasting effects on the brain
Cocaine use has long lasting effects on the brain. This is because the drug interferes with the brain's chemical reward system. It can also lead to changes in the shape of the neurons and synapses in the brain.
As a result, some parts of the brain become physically dependent on cocaine. This is called a tolerance. Eventually, users will need to take bigger doses to achieve the same high.
The effect of cocaine on the brain is largely attributed to its ability to inhibit the reabsorption of dopamine by nerve cells. Because of this, cocaine can reduce the body's need for food and sleep.
It can also cause the heart to beat out of rhythm and trigger paranoia. Other effects of chronic cocaine use include loss of motor skills.
Chronic cocaine abuse increases the risk of dementia. Studies have found that people with high dementia risk are more likely to develop the condition early in life if they use cocaine.
Long-lasting effects on genes
There are several genes that are involved in cocaine addiction. However, it is difficult to pinpoint specific factors for cocaine addiction because of the high polygenicity of the human genome.
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on cocaine dependence to identify if and how genes contribute to susceptibility. It found that the erk signaling pathway may be one of the most important mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.
The ERK signaling pathway involves three sub-pathways, including transcription factors, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 kinase. This study highlighted the role of ERK in cocaine-induced craving, which is a key component of the drug's enticing effects.
Another study identified the long-lasting effects of chronic cocaine use on genes. The gene responsible for producing the enzyme that turns on and off genes, gene 9A, was found to be repressed in the brains of those who were dependent on cocaine.
Using an Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip, four hundred samples were analyzed. Results revealed a dozen CpGs that were less methylated in the cocaine group. Notably, this was not the case for opioid use, alcohol, or cannabis.
Long-lasting effects on health and life
Cocaine addiction can negatively affect your health and life. In fact, cocaine abuse can permanently damage your body, including your brain. Some of the long-term effects of cocaine use include increased risk for heart problems, liver disease, and psychosis.
The typical brain loses around 1.69 milliliters of gray matter per year. Cocaine interferes with the production of dopamine, a chemical that is necessary for healthy brain function.
When used regularly, cocaine can damage nerve cells and the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for making informed decisions. It also can affect gene expression.
As a result, regular cocaine users may become tolerant to the euphoric effects. This can lead to intense cravings even after the drug is stopped.
Regular cocaine use also increases the risk for seizures. People who use cocaine regularly are at a higher risk of developing ischemic colitis, which is a serious digestive disorder.
Smoking cocaine can also damage the lining of the nasal septum and lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and a chronic cough.
Treatment for cocaine addiction
Cocaine addiction is a disease that affects many aspects of a person's life. It can impact relationships with friends and family, work, and school. It can also harm physical and psychological health.
If you or someone you know has a cocaine addiction, treatment can help. Rehab programs can include counseling and behavioral interventions, and medication can help with cravings and withdrawal.
Treatment can be short-term or long-term. Short-term programs last from 15 days to up to 60 days. Long-term rehab programs typically involve 12-step interventions and provide a safe, supportive environment to recover.
The severity of a patient's addiction and the level of support needed can affect the length of the program. Intensive outpatient programs require a high level of commitment to recovery.
Medication may reduce the cravings for cocaine and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Medications can also help people organize their lives during recovery. However, side effects can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Behavioral interventions such as motivational interviewing focus on recognizing thoughts that lead to cocaine abuse and helping people develop coping skills and change those thoughts. They also offer incentives for sticking with the treatment plan.
