Cocaine and Depression

What Happens When Cocaine Is Used?

Classed as a stimulant drug, when cocaine is used, many individuals report feeling more confident, lively and alert.  However, these particular side effects are short-lived.

As the high that cocaine produces wears off, it is not uncommon for users to experience a number of side effects.

Although the side effects encountered greatly vary and often depend on the way that cocaine is administered and the amount of cocaine that is consumed, the following physical and psychological symptoms are commonly associated with the comedown that follows cocaine use;

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Violent outbursts and behaviour

In addition to experiencing the above symptoms, individuals who abuse cocaine are at greater risk of developing a cocaine addiction.

Regrettably, it should also be noted that due to the impact cocaine has on an individual’s psychological health, the rates of suicide among those who consume cocaine are somewhat significant.

As noted above, cocaine use sees individuals experience a wealth of physical and psychological symptoms.  In addition to causing the symptoms discussed above to arise, research highlights that the comedown experienced after consuming cocaine also intensifies symptoms associated with depression.

Sadly, this means that if an individual has been diagnosed with depression, they are more likely to experience severe side effects upon consuming cocaine.

In addition to intensifying depression, cocaine can also induce a number of mental health problems, including depression.  Although cocaine can cause depression for various reasons, scientists have come to understand that cocaine damages brain cells that are responsible for dopamine release.

When these particular brain cells are damaged, emotional responses become impaired, causing an individual’s mood to reduce drastically.  As a result, depression is likely to arise due to reduced dopamine signalling.

Likewise, cocaine use may arise as a result of depression.  This is because some individuals may turn to cocaine to alleviate the symptoms associated with depression.

Although there is a wealth of treatment widely available for depression, many individuals attempt to self-medicate with drugs, including cocaine.

While the immediate side effects of cocaine use can offer temporary relief, the long-term side effects of cocaine use can, as touched on above, intensify depression.

As a result, it is not uncommon for those who use cocaine to alleviate depression to become dependent on the drug.  Sadly, this causes cocaine and depression disorders to coexist.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For Cocaine Abuse and Depression

When cocaine and depression disorders coexist, they can make an individual’s life somewhat unbearable.  Locked into a vicious cycle, professional treatment is required if a long-term recovery is to be secured.

If you have come to experience a coexisting cocaine and depression disorder, it is crucial that you secure treatment.

When considering the treatment available for cocaine and depression disorders, dual diagnosis treatment is the most effective.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For Cocaine and Depression At Asana Lodge

At Asana Lodge, our dual diagnosis treatment is suitable for anyone who has become addicted to cocaine and suffers from depression.

Should you attend our residential drug and alcohol rehab for dual diagnosis treatment, you will be welcome to temporarily move into our tranquil, state-of-the-art centre to complete your treatment.

Before administering dual diagnosis treatment, we will carry out a clinical assessment when you enter our centre.  This assessment will essentially provide us with greater insight into your cocaine and depression disorder.

Although you may feel apprehensive about discussing how cocaine and depression have come to impair your life, we would ask you to remember that we help thousands of individuals like you every year.  We would also ask you to remember that we are here to support you at all times.

Upon conducting a clinical assessment, we will complete your dual diagnosis treatment programme.

Typically, our dual diagnosis treatment programmes combine medically induced detoxification, one-to-one counselling, psychotherapy, group therapy, well-being therapy and aftercare support.

Irrespective of the treatment you are offered, you will find that each stage of your dual diagnosis treatment programme helps you understand why cocaine and depression have come to rule your life.

Dual diagnosis treatment will also help you determine how you can mitigate the overall impact both disorders have.  In doing so, you will have the opportunity to create coping strategies that you can employ during your time in rehab and as you continue your recovery beyond your time in rehab.