Stimulant or Depressant: Breaking down Where Cocaine Use Disorder Falls

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Finding recovery from substance use disorder is a lengthy process that requires a knowledge of how different drugs affect the mind and body. This awareness will help you develop strategies to tackle your triggers and underlying causes. One way to understand different drugs is to categorize them as either depressants or stimulants.

You may already have an idea of which category cocaine fits into. Hint: it’s a stimulant. But knowing which bucket cocaine fits in is only the beginning. Understanding why it is a stimulant will better prepare you for recovery.

Cocaine is a popular, highly addictive drug that is often used in recreational settings like bars, clubs, and house parties. While it may appear innocent, you can become physically dependent on it, leading to many unpleasant symptoms and health issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine abuse, consider finding addiction treatment in West Hollywood, CA. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer comprehensive care that treats the physical and mental causes of cocaine addiction.

What is a Depressant?

Depressant drugs like alcohol and opioids depress your mental and physical faculties. It’s unsurprising, then, that doctors prescribe depressants to treat physical pain as they lessen these sensations’ intensity. However, even prescribed drugs can become addictive.

Common depressant drugs

  • Heroine
  • Morphine
  • Xanax
  • Valium
  • Alcohol
  • Sleeping pills

Those who use depressants experience various effects, including reduced inhibitions, slowed reaction time, reduced anxiety, slowed breathing, and more. The “positive” sensations can lead many to become dependent, believing these drugs are essential for happiness. Alcohol addiction is a common form of depressant abuse.

Often, people need professional addiction treatment to recover from their substance use disorder. Otherwise, substance use disorder can lead to dangerous and long-lasting health issues. Find the support you need today from Twin Town Treatment Centers.

What is a Stimulant?

Stimulants create the opposite effect as depressant drugs. They stimulate activity in the brain and body. Common symptoms are increased heart rate, high blood pressure, twitches, and heightened energy. However, the specific experience depends on the individual and the duration of use. Longer use often correlates to more visible symptoms.

Common stimulant drugs

  • Caffeine
  • Nicotine
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Betel nut

Stimulants are available in the form of powder, pills, and other manifestations. They can be ingested in various ways, including snorting, injection, or smoking. The effects of stimulants are brief, which is why people often binge on these drugs to maintain the euphoric sensations.

Unfortunately, binging increases the risk of overdosing. Those struggling with cocaine addiction and other dependencies on stimulants may experience heart attacks and strokes if they don’t get the help they need. This is why drug addiction treatment is essential for those addicted to stimulants. 

Where Does Cocaine Fit?

As we said, cocaine is categorized as a stimulant. The clearest indicators of this are the increased heart rate and energy that cocaine use causes. You can see examples of these effects in prescription stimulants like Adderall, which heightens focus and energy.

Cocaine addiction brings with it the same risks as other stimulants, namely, overdose. The effects of cocaine don’t last long, which contributes to its overuse. Other adverse effects include restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and arrhythmia.

Understanding the effects of cocaine addiction will allow you to seek proper treatment. In some cases, detoxification is required at an addiction treatment facility to return to optimal health. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer a safe environment run by friendly, experienced staff.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, it’s essential to understand the signs of addiction so you can get the help you need. While symptoms of cocaine addiction may not be evident at first, over time, their severity and visibility can increase.

Common Signs

  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Using cocaine despite physical or mental pain
  • Continuously upping your dose to achieve the desired effect
  • Strong, irresistible urges to use cocaine
  • Social issues arising from cocaine use
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to fatigue, agitation, and physical discomfort. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we work to make the withdrawal experience as comfortable as possible with professional medical services.

If you struggle to overcome cocaine use disorder, a drug rehab program may be right for you. Twin Town offers a comprehensive program with individual counseling, 12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and more resources.

Find Recovery at Twin Town Treatment Centers

Find lasting recovery from substance use disorder by visiting or contacting Twin Town Treatment Centers. We provide personal, evidence-based addiction treatment in West Hollywood, CA. We empower residents with a comprehensive plan that addresses the nuanced causes of addiction.

With six rehab treatment facilities across Los Angeles and Orange County, we help our patients find lasting recovery backed by relapse prevention strategies. Our intensive outpatient program caters to those who need to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, call Twin Town Treatment Centers today at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.