Cocaine Now Shown To Have An Affect On Gray Matter

by Bridget on April 27, 2012

There are many valid reasons for why a person should not ever use cocaine. However, a new study may have found the best reason of all. It now appears that cocaine use actually shrinks the grey matter in the human brain. The more cocaine you use, the more you are, literally, shrinking the most important functioning part of your entire body. If you know someone that is addicted to cocaine, it is imperative that you get them to seek medical help at a detox rehabilitation center. Cocaine addiction is a very serious problem and, if left unchecked, can lead to many serious health consequences down the road.

Cocaine Epidemic

The most common age group of cocaine users is between the ages of 18 and 35. Unfortunately, that number is coming down as more and more young kids are trying the drug. Cocaine has become so prevalent in our culture that it has almost become commonplace. This is incredibly dangerous because of how amazingly addictive it can be. If a person continues to use and abuse cocaine for a long period of time they could do serious damage to their health. Cocaine addiction is a very serious health problem, and requires a detox rehabilitation program.

Physical 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.

New Studies

A new report indicates that cocaine abuse accelerates the normal aging process which is what leads to a gradual loss of brain volume which parallels with a decline in cognitive function. By using brain imaging researches 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.

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.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a cocaine addiction, it is imperative that they get help immediately. If not, they could experience very serious damage to their health. This is just another example of why rehabilitation facilities are vital for individuals struggling with addiction. In rehab centers, an addict can understand what made them want to use drugs in the first place, and they can begin to learn methods for keeping their addiction in check. If you know someone who has an addiction to cocaine, it is important that you get them into a detox rehabilitation center.

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