Cocaine addiction is a very serious health problem that affects millions of Americans every year. It has long been known by the medical community that prolonged cocaine use can lead to many serious health issues. However, a new study may have found the most disturbing news about cocaine use. The report finds that prolonged cocaine usage can actually shrink the brain of the user. If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it is important that you get them into a detox program center as quickly as possible. Without a medical intervention, it is highly unlikely that an individual will be able to quit using the drug on their own.
Cocaine Epidemic
In today’s society, cocaine use has become more and more common. We see it on television and in the movies all the time. This has led to many young kids experimenting with the drug. What is so unsettling about this is that this can lead to long term addiction. If an individual abuses cocaine for long enough they can end up doing irreversible damage to their health. If you know someone with a cocaine addiction, try and convince them to check into a drug rehabilitation facility.
Effects
The effects of cocaine are extremely detrimental; they can eventually lead to addiction or death. Cardiac arrest, seizures, and respiratory failure are common causes of death for those who abuse cocaine. Other side effects include increased blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, mental alertness, increased energy and heart rate along with an increased temperature, and a decrease in appetite. Insufflation of cocaine can also cause holes in the nose. However recently a more startling side effect was revealed, research has shown that gray matter within the brain shrinks at a much fast rate in those dependent on cocaine as opposed to those who aren’t.
Research
A new study that relies on using brain imaging equipment, researchers were able to compare the gray matter volume of 120 individuals. The people’s ages ranged from 18-50. Half of these individuals were dependent on cocaine. Both groups should the anticipated decline in gray matter that was caused by age, however in those who were dependent on cocaine, their brains atrophied at twice the normal rate. These results are staggering; due to the low volume of the test population more studies will need to be conducted.
Getting Help
It is incredibly important to go to a medically supervised facility for detox. After the body has successfully gotten cocaine out of its system, rehabilitation can begin. This is when counseling, therapy, and group work gives the former addict to tools and mechanisms needed to overcome their addiction and live a life addiction and substance free. Most rehab centers have detox facilities associated with them or even on the property.
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance and can lead to death in many instances. If treatment is not sought immediately it can have dire consequences, including the newly found reduction in gray matter. Anyone trying to kick their coke dependency should look into a detox rehabilitation program to get their lives back on track.



