Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant? What Type of Drug is Cocaine?

What are Stimulants?

Stimulants are a class of drugs that result in increased activity in the body’s central nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord. They increase the levels of catecholamines—a group of brain chemicals that includes dopamine. These chemicals are used in the brain processes to signal reward and motivation. By increasing catecholamine levels, stimulants can temporarily increase a person’s energy level and alertness.

It is sometimes referred to as “uppers,” these drugs are frequently abused because of their euphoric and performance-enhancing effects. Typically, those who abuse stimulants undergo enhanced focus and heightened energy levels. Stimulants may also cause other changes in the body. The effects vary according to the specific drug, the amount of the drug, and how the drug is taken. For instance, stimulants that are snorted or injected have more immediate effects than drugs that are swallowed.

There are both legal and illegal stimulants, and both categories are commonly abused. Some of the most commonly abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription stimulants, like Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. Illegal stimulants refer to highly addictive and illegal substances such as cocaine, meth, ecstasy, crack, and amphetamines. Amphetamines and cocaine were originally used medicinally. In fact, cocaine was once called the “wonder drug.” But their addictive properties have made both unsafe for use.

Examples of Stimulants (Illegal)

The illegal stimulants most commonly used include:

5.2 million

Among people aged 12 or older, 1.9% (or about 5.2 million people) reported using cocaine in 2020.

Source: NIH

19,447

In 2020, approximately 19,447 people died from an overdose involving cocaine.

Source: NIH

Link Between Cocaine and Depression

Depression is a mental health condition frequently co-occurring with substance use. The relationship between the two disorders is bi-directional, meaning that people who abuse drugs are more likely to suffer from depression, and vice versa.

According to a study from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Depressive disorders have been the most commonly diagnosed comorbid condition among cocaine abusers. The effects of short- and longer-term cocaine abstinence on depressive symptoms are also of interest.

Depression is linked with lower levels of dopamine, and cocaine causes an influx of it. It is still uncertain whether dopamine cells are destroyed or just dysregulated by cocaine use, and if such changes could be reversed. Either way, cocaine has a scientifically proven negative effect on the neurons that produce dopamine. It is presumed that these neurons can repair themselves, but it takes time and dedication. Users often struggle with depression during recovery after chronic cocaine use, and it takes time to become accustomed to life without these added substances affecting brain chemistry.

Depression After Cocaine

Most of the time, this shift isn’t an issue because individuals feel relieved to have escaped a threat or overcome a stressful challenge and enjoy resting afterward. However, when substances trigger these changes, there is nothing to feel relieved about when their effects wear off. The disappointment individuals feel as cocaine rapidly wears off is one of the ways the drug can cause depression, especially when people experience it repeatedly.

Does cocaine make you depressed? The primary way cocaine causes depression is by directly changing the brain. In addition to norepinephrine, cocaine also increases serotonin and dopamine levels. People feel euphoric when the brain is flooded with higher levels of these chemicals than usual. Afterward, the brain enters a recovery period during which these now-depleted neurotransmitters return to normal levels. Unfortunately, during this phase, people feel worse than they did before.

Many individuals are familiar with these short-term effects but aren’t sure about the long-term effects of cocaine use. For example, does cocaine cause depression that lasts long enough to require treatment? Yes, cocaine depression happens, especially if people progress to cocaine dependence and start experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms.

What Is the Difference Between a Stimulant and a Depressant?

Is cocaine stimulant? Cocaine is a stimulant drug. But what does this mean? Basically, stimulant drugs increase activity in the central nervous system (CNS), speeding up messages between the brain and body. Cocaine stimulant drugs are sometimes known as uppers. Although many stimulants, such as cocaine, are illegal, prescription drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are stimulants, as are nicotine and coffee. Although medications prescribed by a medical professional should only be taken as advised, prescription stimulants are often taken recreationally to increase confidence, elevate mood, or enhance focus.

Is Cocaine a depressant? No. Depressant drugs, on the other hand, are often known as downers. This is because these drugs have the opposite effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and slow down brain activity. Common prescription depressants include benzos and opioids. Alcohol is also a depressant.

One common misconception is that you can take an upper and a downer simultaneously to cancel out the dangers. This is wrong, though. Mixing substances can bring an increased risk of overdose and other adverse effects. Taking alcohol and cocaine simultaneously, for example, is particularly dangerous. Likewise, using stimulants and depressants is considered substance abuse when not prescribed to you.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. Traumatic experiences can often result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our opioid addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Cocaine Rehab Near Me

Cocaine stimulant addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and clarify issues like withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.