The Connection Between Cocaine and Depression

Short-term use of cocaine can cause a feeling of euphoria, increase alertness, and give a burst of energy. Frequent cocaine use can change brain functions, increasing the risk for or worsening depression. But what is the connection between cocaine and depression?

Research shows up to half of all people struggling with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. This includes those with cocaine use disorder. The most common co-occurring mental health disorders include depression and anxiety.

Does cocaine make you depressed? Does cocaine cause depression? These questions are complicated, and answers vary due to factors like the level of cocaine use, medical history, and other factors.

Take a look at what experts know about cocaine and depression and how Adler Health can help you with co-occurring mental health disorders.

When a person uses cocaine, it produces a dopamine rush. So, as the effects of the cocaine wear off, the dopamine drops. This is known as “the comedown” or acute withdrawal that can be felt hours or days after use.

During the withdrawal phase, people can experience depression-like symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Low mood
• Reduced sex drive

These symptoms typically subside within a couple of days when the brain replenishes its supply of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

However, repeated long-term cocaine use causes the brain to adapt to the dopamine surplus by producing less dopamine and reducing the number of dopamine receptors. A decrease in dopamine production can cause long-term issues, including depression and other co-occurring mental health disorders.

The changes from long-term cocaine use can increase the body’s tolerance to the drug. This means a person has to use more to feel the same initial effects. When a person starts building a tolerance, it often leads to cocaine use disorder.

Treatment Programs Offered That Can Assist With Co-Occurring Disorders

An addiction to cocaine and depression can leave users and their loved ones feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. However, finding the right treatment center that treats addiction and co-occurring disorders can be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Adler Health provides effective treatment programs to set individuals up for success and lasting recovery from co-occurring mental health disorders. Individuals in need of cocaine treatment can begin treating the body and mind once the body is free of all substances.

Adler Health offers a variety of therapies to treat co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously. Group therapy gives people hope and helps them know they are not alone in their recovery.  Individuals also learn from others who have experienced or are battling the same battles.

Individual therapy addresses and identifies what led to their depression. At the same time, an individual therapy program can identify why they used cocaine for the first time.

Adler Health offers a variety of behavioral therapies, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Eye movement desensitization reprocessing
• Exposure Therapy

Our team at Adler Health works with all individuals to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made from the leaves of a coca plant in South America. While it is typically an illegal drug, in rare cases, it can be found in anesthesia medications.

As an illegal drug, cocaine is typically a fine white crystal powder. Sometimes, dealers mix it with other substances, such as cornstarch or flour, to increase the amount of cocaine they have. They may also combine it with other drugs, such as fentanyl, to make it stronger.

Cocaine increases energy, attention, and alertness. People struggling with depression or other co-occurring mental health disorders may use cocaine to ease the symptoms. Cocaine is also known to boost confidence and courage.

Yes, there is clear and supporting evidence that proves cocaine can cause depression. The longer a person uses cocaine, the higher the risk of developing depression and long-term brain damage.

Using cocaine and depression are commonly linked. Cocaine causes a flood of dopamine in the brain. The increase in dopamine creates a “high” feeling in users.

Long-term and chronic abuse of the drug causes significant changes and damage to the brain’s reward/pleasure system, neurotransmitters, and brain cells. As the tolerance to cocaine builds, the less dopamine is produced.

Eventually, the only way for someone struggling with cocaine addiction to feel pleasure is by increasing the amount they use. Without cocaine, they often feel majorly depressed and unmotivated and suffer from severe mood swings. We can assist with depression treatment.

With chronic, long-term cocaine use, they may eventually feel little or no pleasure at all. They only suffer from adverse side effects, including anxiety, depression, and paranoia. The brain is now damaged and can’t produce dopamine naturally or through artificial stimulation.

At this point, many struggling with cocaine addiction feel hopeless and trapped. When people get here, the risk of suicide is extremely high if they don’t seek help.

Cocaine causes a high level of dopamine to be released into the part of the brain that controls pleasure. This causes intense feelings of alertness and energy.

However, cocaine can also cause uncomfortable and even severe side effects. The side effects of cocaine are broken down into short-term and long-term.

One primary symptom of depression is the inability to feel pleasure or Anhedonia. Dopamine is a reward chemical the brain produces. It is responsible for feeling good, regulating emotions, and motivation.

The DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses) defines Anhedonia as the diminished interest or pleasure in response to stimuli that were once perceived as rewarding.

Chronic, long-term cocaine users can find it impossible to determine if cocaine use is causing the drop in dopamine and depression symptoms or if an undiagnosed depressive disorder is exacerbating cocaine use.

One of two major symptoms of depressive disorders, in addition to symptoms of depressive mood, is a poor response to antidepressants.

This is the reason it is crucial to get into treatment for an addiction to cocaine and depression. Once stopped, a person can receive the full benefit of medications and therapy.

Some people struggling with depression seek professional help. Others self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. People who self-medicate with cocaine may find temporary relief from their depression symptoms.

However, during the comedown or withdrawal phase, the symptoms of depression are often amplified. This leads to using more cocaine and spiraling downward quickly.

Some symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are similar to depression symptoms and include:

• Feeling sad
• Dissatisfied with life in general
• Dysphoria
• Loneliness
• Demotivation
• Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
• An increase in anxiety
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Poor appetite
• Paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts and ideations

Are cocaine and depression leaving you feeling helpless and hopeless? Do you know life can be so much better, but the thought of withdrawal from cocaine has you scared?

At Adler Health, our dual diagnosis program can help you overcome depression and start a life of happiness and peace. All you have to do is make the first step and admit you need help. Contact us to find out how we can help you.