Understanding How Cocaine and ADHD Interact

Many people throughout the United States face difficulties associated with cocaine addiction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Some people start using cocaine because it gives similar effects to ADHD medications, or they use it with their prescription drugs. However, these effects are short-lived and quickly result in more detrimental side effects and addiction.

Healthcare experts use the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose mental health conditions. These conditions include ADHD and substance use disorders.

When a person has more than one mental health condition simultaneously, such as ADHD and substance abuse, these are referred to as co-occurring disorders. ADHD is frequently found alongside substance use issues.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 25% of people seeking addiction treatment also have ADHD.

Studies show that children with ADHD who use medication may be more likely to develop a cocaine addiction than adults. This means that there is a connection between taking ADHD medication and the risk of cocaine addiction in the future. Parents and healthcare providers need to be aware of this potential risk.

Monitoring and supporting these children throughout their development can help prevent future substance abuse problems. Currently, about 6.4 million children in the United States are taking prescription stimulants for ADHD. This could lead to a rise in cocaine addiction rates.

What Is Cocaine?

People extract cocaine, a highly addictive and illegal stimulant, from the coca plant. It appears as a fine powder that is either white or off-white, which individuals may snort, smoke, or inject. People typically smoke crack cocaine because it is a cheaper and more potent form of cocaine. It is made by processing cocaine into a hard substance.

In the brain, cocaine interacts with dopamine receptors, triggering the release of the “feel-good chemical” dopamine, which generates sensations of pleasure and reward. Additionally, cocaine prolongs the presence of dopamine in the system beyond the typical duration.

The body processes cocaine rapidly, resulting in brief effects. Consequently, users often require frequent doses to sustain their high. Cocaine can remain in the body even after the initial effects have worn off. It can build up over time and potentially cause delayed side effects or overdose.

Using cocaine often, even for a short time, can lead to addiction and many negative effects on your health.

Stimulants and ADHD

Stimulants can help people with ADHD by calming them down and helping them manage their symptoms. They work by affecting dopamine and the central nervous system.

In a healthy brain, dopamine is released, targets specific brain areas, and performs its functions as intended. People with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders have low dopamine levels. This means their bodies do not produce enough dopamine and have trouble using the dopamine they make.

Adderall and Ritalin help regulate dopamine levels by boosting its production and enhancing its effectiveness in the body.

Experts are still learning about how ADHD impacts the brain, but they have found that it mainly affects the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain, also known as the frontal lobe, helps control dopamine and handles:

• Making decisions
• Solving problems
• Staying focused and lessening being easily distracted
• Keeping moods steady
• Remembering recent things
• Showing personality traits
• Stopping sudden actions

Stimulants help calm the overactive parts of the brain in people with ADHD. They do this by increasing dopamine levels. This leads to improved focus and a more regular pace of functioning. While cocaine is also a stimulant that temporarily boosts dopamine levels, it is not the same as prescription medications. It serves as a short-term fix with long-term negative consequences.

Cocaine Addiction and ADHD

Since cocaine is a stimulant, it can temporarily alleviate symptoms of ADHD, almost like a sedative. However, using cocaine often can lead to tolerance, increase the risk of substance abuse, and make adult ADHD symptoms worse.

Moreover, there is a notable correlation between individuals with ADHD and their tendency to self-medicate using substances, particularly stimulants. Researchers call this behavior “relief craving” because people with ADHD use substances to feel better, not to get high.

People with ADHD struggle to control impulses and may choose quick fixes over seeking help from doctors. While prescribed ADHD drugs can help reduce the risk of substance misuse, they do not eliminate it.

As mentioned earlier, cocaine triggers a surge of dopamine and enjoyable feelings. After a crash and damage to brain receptors, dopamine levels drop. This makes ADHD symptoms worse. It also causes withdrawal symptoms that are similar to ADHD.

Effects of Cocaine on ADHD

Cocaine can have similar effects to ADHD medications in people with ADHD, which may seem surprising since it is a stimulant. This is because, as previously mentioned, people with ADHD process dopamine differently.

Some potential effects of cocaine use with ADHD include:

• Improved executive functioning
• Feelings of calm
• Mood regulation
• Tiredness
• Less fidgeting
• Better focus

The effects are fleeting and occur only from the initial doses of cocaine. As people with ADHD continue to smoke or snort cocaine, they will eventually feel the same stimulation as others. However, the substantial amounts of cocaine required to achieve a high include dangerous short and long-term side effects.

Responding uniquely to cocaine doesn’t equate to possessing a tolerance. If you have different reactions to cocaine than most people, you can still become addicted, dependent, or overdose.

Strattera is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It helps regulate norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that works like dopamine. These medications work like antidepressants and don’t have stimulant effects, but they can still be abused. Research shows that non-stimulant ADHD meds don’t help much with reducing cocaine cravings in those already addicted.

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine can affect the body and mind in various ways. The effects depend on the amount taken, the person’s health, and whether they are using other drugs simultaneously.

Some expected short-term effects of cocaine use include:

• Anxiety
• Dilated pupils
• Cocaine psychosis
• Feelings of euphoria and confidence
• Increased heart rate
• Vomiting
• Paranoia
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Abdominal pain
• Mood swings
• Twitching
• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Risky sexual behavior
• Bursts of energy
• Reduced inhibitions
• Talkativeness

Most short-term effects of cocaine resolve as the drug exits the system; however, some effects can lead to long-term complications. Illegal drugs like cocaine are sometimes mixed with other things, which can increase the chance of side effects or an overdose.

Long-Term Cocaine Effects

Cocaine can have long-lasting effects that develop quickly and may require medical attention and addiction treatment.

Long-term consequences of cocaine use include:

• Chronic respiratory infections
• Stroke
• Suicidal thoughts
• Bowel decay
• Depression
• Drug cravings
• Paranoia
• Infected injection sites
• Sexual dysfunction
• Kidney damage
• Heart attack
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Coke nose
• Anxiety disorder
• Withdrawal symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal is not as dangerous as opioid or alcohol withdrawal. However, it can still cause intense mental and physical symptoms. These symptoms may require outside help and support.

Residential treatment programs that focus on treating cocaine abuse and ADHD are the best choice for people dealing with both conditions.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment at White Oak Recovery Center

To overcome substance use disorders and mental health issues, the first step is to get a diagnosis and treatment. Then, create a collaborative, personalized plan with an addiction treatment specialist that fits your needs and goals for the future.

White Oak Recovery Center acknowledges and addresses substance use and co-occurring disorders using evidence-based treatments and therapies.

WORC provides medical detox with constant supervision and a high ratio of patients to counselors. This ensures you get comprehensive care and support while you’re here. The staff will be available around the clock to monitor your progress and help as needed. Your well-being and addiction recovery is our top priority during your stay at our facility.

We provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and various other evidence-based methods to manage your addiction triggers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We provide personalized treatment, group therapy meetings, and family therapy. These services help you rebuild your support system and enhance your communication skills.

We want to find and address the root causes of addiction. We will give you the tools and support you need for a happy and healing recovery that lasts a lifetime.

Reach out to speak with one of our caring treatment admissions team members to begin your journey toward a meaningful and enduring recovery today.