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Cocaine Addiction and the Brain

The human brain is affected in many different ways by cocaine, and through new and improved research methods, scientists have found ways to "look" inside the brain and see what happens when a person takes the drug. They can view the changes that take place inside the brain when a person first takes the drug and experiences a high followed by intense cravings and cocaine withdrawal symptoms. This advanced view of the brain has created a more advanced understanding of what goes on inside a person's mind, as well as offering insight into how the brain responds to stimuli that induce cravings or withdrawal symptoms. When the brain is altered by stimulant drugs like cocaine, your behavior is altered as well, and you develop addictive and compulsive tendencies that can destroy your health, your relationships, your career your life.

At The Canyon, alcohol and drug addiction is treated using a combination of both established and cutting edge therapeutic options. Here in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, you will begin your journey in recovery with a versatile, well rounded and personalized treatment plan designed for you by your Canyon medical professionals, counselors and staff.

Cocaine Addiction and the Brain: What the Research Says

The smallest experiences can have a profound effect on the brain, changing and shaping it as you experience new things, ideas, concepts, meet new people and encounter new challenging situations. Research has shown that cocaine can alter the brain in similar ways, and an advanced research study details how cocaine has the ability to fundamentally alter the nucleus accumbens and the parietal cortex, the brain centers for motivation and motor function. This indicates that cocaine can have a serious adverse affect on the natural motivation/reward systems inside the brain, as well as on the coordination and motor systems, effects that last long after the high dissipates.

Cocaine Addiction and the Brain: What the Research Means

Research like this has serious implications for those who take cocaine or other psycho stimulant drugs, whether on a regular basis or while binging. Because these types of drugs can affect the brain in such profound ways, memory can be affected as well as the ability to assimilate new information. Behavior can also be affected adversely, which could lead to secondary problems down the road.

There is still more research to be done on the effects of psycho stimulant drugs on the brain and the brain's motivation/reward system, as well as on the behavioral learning properties of the brain, but it is clear that taking drugs like cocaine will undoubtedly effect major change in thought patterns and behavior. More research is necessary to further understand the implications that cocaine abuse and addiction has on the brain.

Cocaine Rehab at The Canyon

The core of The Canyon's Healing Life Program is to help you achieve an authentic relationship with your life and reconnect with your dreams and goals through holistic recovery from your cocaine addiction. The combination of established and new treatment program options at The Canyon will aid you in this journey, and our expert staff will get you started on your road to recovery. Contact us at The Canyon today at for more information.