Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant?

Written By: Geoffrey Andaria, Mental Health Writer
Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
November 25, 2024
Modified:November 25, 2024
Reading Time: 14 minutes

Written By: Geoffrey Andaria, Mental Health Writer
Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
November 25, 2024
Last Update:November 25, 2024
Reading Time: 14 minutes

Cocaine profoundly affects your brain and body—but is it a stimulant or a depressant? Understanding this is important to grasp its impact on health and well-being.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Is cocaine a stimulant or a depressant?” This question can be a bit confusing to answer for some.

Cocaine misuse remains a big issue in our country. Many people have heard about it or seen its harmful effects through friends or the news. One thing is clear: using cocaine can lead to severe problems. Cocaine can seriously affect your health, job, education, and family—the list is long.

However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about what kind of drug it is. Knowing what cocaine is and the risks it carries is vital for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

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Cocaine's Origin, Forms, & Global Impact

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful drug made from the coca plant, which is mainly native to South America. After processing, it turns into a fine white powder, but it can also form hard, crystal-like rocks called crack cocaine. Even though it’s illegal in many places, people still use cocaine a lot because it gives them an intense, happy feeling. However, this feeling doesn’t last long; when it goes away, they want more, starting the cycle again.

Cocaine is very popular, especially in Europe and North America. This popularity creates a strong demand for it in these countries.

This drug has spread to almost every part of the world. The global cocaine market is a dangerous and violent network of dealers. They make a lot of money from the growing demand for this drug.

According to the Federal Controlled Substances Act (the federal U.S. drug policy ), cocaine is a Schedule II drug. This means people have a high chance of abusing it, which can cause serious health problems.

Effects on Dopamine & the Brain

How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?

When you take cocaine, it fills your brain with dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel happy and rewarded. This gives you a quick, intense feeling of happiness, along with lots of energy and being very awake.

The good feeling is “great,” but it doesn’t last long. Soon, your brain adapts to this, and you experience a loss of the good feeling, which people call a “crash.” Your brain then wants more cocaine to feel that good again.

This is how addiction starts. The more you use cocaine, the more your brain wants it. Over time, using it can change how your brain works, making it harder to derive happiness from anything else in life.

Is Cocaine a Depressant or Stimulant?

Experts classify cocaine as a stimulant substance. Its main effects connect to its influence on the central nervous system (CNS), specifically by increasing dopamine levels. When dopamine levels rise, it can give you a sudden burst of energy, increased alertness, and a strong sense of happiness.

Stimulants are basically chemicals that amp up activity in your brain and spinal cord. They make your brain work more intensely. Doctors sometimes use stimulants to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.

Prescription drugs like Concerta, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin are common stimulants used in the US. People often use them for these purposes.

However, the downside is that many people misuse stimulants because of the excitement they provide. People often call dangerous stimulants like amphetamines, cocaine, crack, nicotine, caffeine, and ecstasy “uppers.” They are known for giving you energy and a feeling of excitement.

On the other hand, cocaine is not a depressant, even though some people might think it is. Depressants work differently in the brain than cocaine does. Depressants, also known as “downers,” slow down the body by reducing activity in the central nervous system.

They can release chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which make you feel relaxed, sleepy, and even sedated. The effects can include slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a slower heart rate.

Common depressants include opioids like hydrocodone and benzodiazepines like lorazepam. Like stimulants, these drugs can be highly addictive. Mixing them or taking large doses can cause serious problems. This includes overdose and severe damage to body organs.

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Short-Term & Long-Term Effects

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cocaine?

Cocaine can take effect rapidly, often within minutes of consumption. That’s what makes it quite dangerous. Let’s discuss the impact on your body.

How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?

The first use of cocaine quickly increases your central nervous system, causing many immediate changes in your body. You can see these changes in how your heart beats, blood pressure, energy levels, and appetite.

What Are the Immediate Effects of Cocaine Use?

When you use cocaine, you usually feel a strong, happy surge. After that, you might notice some quick, apparent effects:

Increased alertness: You might feel more awake and focused.
Dilated pupils: Your pupils will likely get wider.
Rising body temperature: You might feel hotter than usual.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Your body works harder to keep up with the drug’s effects.
Surge of confidence: Many people feel an intense boost in self-assurance.

The amount you took determines the length of these effects. If you snort the drug, the high takes longer to start but usually lasts a bit longer. The high happens almost immediately if you smoke it, but the effects don’t last as long.

The experience can be much stronger and more upsetting for people who use more significant amounts. You might feel very worried, anxious, or even behave strangely or violently.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

It’s worrying to consider the short-term effects, but the long-term harm from using cocaine can be extremely severe. Using it regularly can lead to effects that go beyond a quick high. It can change your life and impact almost every organ in your body.

How Does Cocaine Use Lead to Addiction?

Cocaine can quickly become addictive because it affects your brain’s reward system. The more you use it, the more your brain adapts to the significant dopamine rushes.

Over time, you need more of the drug to feel the same good feeling. What starts as a fun activity can quickly feel like something your body needs. It’s as if you become a slave to it.

It’s tough to stop because you get caught in a cycle of using the drug, feeling down when it wears off, and then needing to use it again.

What Are the Health Risks of Long-Term Cocaine Use?

Using cocaine a lot or for extended times can lead to various severe physical and mental health issues, such as:

Nasal damage: Snorting cocaine can harm the blood vessels and the lining inside your nose, and it could cause long-lasting damage.
Heart problems: Cocaine puts a lot of stress on your heart, which can cause heart problems. Over time, this can cause irregular heartbeats and a faster heart rate. It may also raise blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.
Fatal overdose: Higher tolerance can mean the more you use cocaine, the more your body gets used to it. This means you’ll need to take more of the drug to feel the same effects. This increases the risk of overdosing and even dying.
Breathing problems: Smoking cocaine can cause long-term coughing and may damage your lungs and breathing system over time.
Nerve issues: Neurological problems can appear as headaches, migraines, or seizures.
Gastrointestinal issues: When less blood flows to your stomach, it can cause pain. This can also harm your digestive system, including your intestines.
Excessive weight loss: Cocaine can greatly change your appetite. This can cause significant weight loss, including loss of muscle and bone mass.

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Different Forms & Methods of Use

How is Cocaine Used?

Cocaine comes in various forms, each with different levels of purity and ways to use it. But no matter which form you use, it always comes with serious risks. You could become addicted and face serious health issues, no matter how you use it.

What Are the Different Forms of Cocaine?

There are a few different forms of cocaine, and each has its way of affecting the body.

Powder Cocaine: It is the most common type you’ll find. It’s a fine white powder that people usually snort or mix with water to inject. It gives a quick, strong effect when used.
Crack Cocaine: This is a more robust version of cocaine in small rock-like pieces. People usually smoke it to get a faster, more intense high. It affects you quickly and strongly, giving you a very intense experience.
Freebase Cocaine: This is like a purer form of crack. People smoke it, but they also consider it more dangerous because of the harsh chemicals used in its production.
Cocoa Paste: Before coca leaves become cocaine, they first change into a sticky, brown substance called coca paste. You could either smoke it or process it into cocaine, yet it remains a less refined and more crude version of the substance.
Coca Leaves: Coca leaves contain small quantities of cocaine within them. People usually consume them by chewing or making tea, which results in a less intense effect than processed forms. This is a common occurrence in regions such as Peru and Bolivia.

What Are Common Methods of Cocaine Use?

People use cocaine in various ways, but experts consider none of them safe. Many individuals use it unlawfully for recreational purposes; however, doctors prescribe it as an anesthetic for specific medical procedures in rare instances. Nevertheless, that is highly rare. The most frequent ways it is utilized by those who misuse it are:

Snorting: It is the most common way of abuse. You inhale the powdered cocaine through your nose.
Smoking: Crack or freebase cocaine is consumed by smoking for a rapid, potent high.
Injecting: Injecting cocaine in liquid form greatly raises the risk of overdose and infections like HIV and hepatitis. This is especially true if people share needles.
Oral consumption: You can rub it on your gums, and it gets absorbed this way, but it’s not as common.

How Can Cocaine Use Be Prevented?

Preventing cocaine abuse means more than just staying away from the drug. It requires teaching the whole community. Everyone should know how important it is to protect their mental, emotional, and physical health. This is especially true when it comes to the risks posed by these substances.

If you are worried about your own risk or want to help someone else, there are steps you can take. These steps can reduce the chances of addiction and help you live a better life.

Here are a few successful tactics:

Stay Away from Cocaine: The best way to prevent cocaine use is by deciding firmly not to try it. If you avoid places or situations where temptation arises, you will take charge of your well-being and decisions.
Get Professional Help: If you want cocaine or have used it before, please contact addiction treatment experts for help.
Therapy, medication, and support groups offer the necessary assistance and direction to remain cocaine-free.
Build Strong Family Connections: A loving and supportive family can be your best help in avoiding drug use. They can make your home a happy place. They offer comfort when you feel down. They will act if they see signs of drug use, like cocaine.
Live a Healthy, Balanced Life: Taking care of your body is important. Staying active, eating well, and getting enough rest can help reduce stress. These habits can also boost your self-confidence. Instead of giving in to the short-lived high from cocaine, this balanced lifestyle lets them choose healthier options.
Develop Healthy Coping Skills: A lot of people use cocaine to handle stress, anxiety, or past problems. Instead, try better ways to deal with these feelings, like writing in a journal, exercising, or talking to a counselor. These healthier methods will help you stay calm and clear-minded.
Understand the Dangers of Cocaine: Knowing the dangers of cocaine, both short-term and long-term, can help you make better choices. Spend time learning about these risks, such as addiction, health issues, and mental health problems, and share this knowledge with others.
Say No to Peer Pressure: It’s important to know how to say “no” confidently if someone offers you cocaine or pressures you to use it. Be selective about who you spend time with—choose friends and influences who respect your choice to stay away from drugs. Peer pressure can feel like a huge force to withstand, but you can overcome it with the right attitude and a robust support system.

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What Are the Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction?

Breaking free from cocaine addiction can seem challenging, like trying to solve a complicated puzzle. It takes a long time and can be very hard to go through. But with the right help, you can fully recover.

Treatment for drug addiction usually includes medical care, counseling, and support from others. This helps you through the process.

What Are the Steps in Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Knowing the stages of treatment for cocaine addiction can give hope to those struggling with addiction and their families.

Recognizing the Problem: The Precontemplation Stage

The first step in dealing with cocaine addiction is recognizing that there is a problem. This awareness comes before any treatment starts. In the pre-contemplation stage, someone might not be ready to admit that their cocaine use is causing issues. They might make excuses, ignore the bad effects, or believe they can still control the situation.

If you’re concerned about a family member at this stage, the best approach is to offer support with kindness. Don’t blame them. Gently help them see that getting help might be the right thing to do.

Thinking About Change: The Contemplation Stage

When someone starts realizing how cocaine is affecting their life, they might enter a phase called contemplation. During this phase, they consider making a change, but they aren’t ready to act on it yet. They can see the good things about being sober. However, they also remember the fun feelings from using cocaine.

At this point, support from family, friends, and colleagues is very important. Social workers, religious leaders, and treatment centers also need to provide help. The goal is to help them understand the long-term benefits of recovery without making them feel guilty or ashamed.

Getting Ready for Change: The Preparation Stage

The preparation stage is the stage that someone enters when they start to feel ready to begin making changes. This is the moment they choose to take action and begin getting ready to tackle their addiction. They might reach out to a rehab center, talk to a therapist, or start mentally preparing for treatment. Some people try to quit on their own, but getting professional help can greatly improve their chances of success.

Detox is part of this stage. Typically, the first step is a detox program overseen by medical experts. This helps safely remove cocaine from the body and manage difficult withdrawal symptoms.

Taking Action: The Action Stage

When someone decides to improve their situation, they move into the action phase. During this phase, they participate in therapy, which can happen in a live-in rehab (inpatient/residential) center or through outpatient rehab. They get help from counselors, therapists, and doctors.

This support addresses the physical, behavioral, and mental parts of their addiction. Common treatments during this stage include:

Behavioral therapy: There are many therapies involved; however, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very effective way to help people change the negative thoughts and actions that lead to addiction.
Support groups: Groups such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a community of people who know what they’re experiencing.
Family therapy: Including family can help rebuild relationships and create a strong support network.
Mindfulness: Getting better needs you to be in a relaxed headspace. Trying out meditation, breathwork, or yoga can profoundly help you chill out and sharpen your focus. Participating in these activities can assist in clearing your mind, resulting in a feeling of tranquility and concentration that can help prevent the temptations linked to using cocaine.

The action stage can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most fulfilling parts of recovery. When people start noticing real progress and enjoying the freedom that comes with living without cocaine.

Staying Sober: The Maintenance Stage

Getting over cocaine addiction for the long haul isn’t just a one-and-done thing—it’s something you keep working on. The maintenance stage focuses on holding onto the progress achieved during treatment.

Living a sober lifestyle means adopting a healthy routine. It involves developing good habits and staying connected with support groups. At this point, a person in recovery might:

Keep up with therapy to prevent going back to old habits.
Stay busy with activities you enjoy, exercise, and spend time with friends.
Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress.

Even though it might seem like you have completed the most challenging part, you still need to prevent a relapse. People in the recovery phase need to stay alert because the severe cravings to use can return, especially during tough times or significant life changes like divorce, grief, chronic illnesses like cancer, assault, and serious accidents.

Summary Table: Key Steps in Cocaine Addiction Rehab

Step	Key Details	Therapies and Approaches
Detoxification	Supervised process to eliminate cocaine from the body and manage withdrawal symptoms.	Medical Detox – Holistic Detox (e.g., acupuncture, nutrition therapy).
Behavioral Therapy	Focuses on addressing the psychological aspects of addiction through targeted therapy techniques.	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Contingency Management (CM) – Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Medication Support	Medications to support mood, reduce cravings, and ease withdrawal symptoms.	Antidepressants – Anti-craving Medications (e.g., Disulfiram) – Anti-anxiety Medications.
Group Therapy and Support	Peer support groups and family therapy provide encouragement and accountability.	Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Cocaine Anonymous (CA) – Family Therapy.
Holistic Therapies	Mind-body therapies to promote overall healing and emotional well-being.	Yoga – Meditation and Mindfulness – Art Therapy – Nutritional Counseling.
Aftercare and Long-Term Support	Continued therapy and support to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.	Ongoing Behavioral Therapy – 12-Step Programs – Sober Living Houses – Relapse Prevention Therapy.

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If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine addiction, remember that asking for help is the first step. It can lead to a better future. With the right support, getting better isn’t just a dream – it’s totally achievable for you.

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Sources

9-100.000 – The Controlled Substances Act: https://www.justice.gov/jm/jm-9-100000-controlled-substances-act

Cocaine: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Cocaine-2020_1.pdf

How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/publications/miscl/NIH_NIDA/Cocaine.pdf

Central Nervous System Depressant: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/central-nervous-system-depressant

Recovery-Oriented Mutual Self-Help Groups: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/recovery-based-mutual-self-help-groups.asp

Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant?

Table of Contents

Levels of Care

More About Cocaine

Families & Addiction

Cocaine's Origin, Forms, & Global Impact

What is Cocaine?

Effects on Dopamine & the Brain

How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?

Is Cocaine a Depressant or Stimulant?

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment

Check Your Coverage

You Could Be Covered 100% for Treatment

Short-Term & Long-Term Effects

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cocaine?

How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?

What Are the Immediate Effects of Cocaine Use?

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

How Does Cocaine Use Lead to Addiction?

What Are the Health Risks of Long-Term Cocaine Use?

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Can Help With Cocaine Addiction?

Different Forms & Methods of Use

How is Cocaine Used?

What Are the Different Forms of Cocaine?

What Are Common Methods of Cocaine Use?

How Can Cocaine Use Be Prevented?

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

Key Steps in Treatment

What Are the Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction?

What Are the Steps in Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Summary Table: Key Steps in Cocaine Addiction Rehab

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

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We Make Getting Help Easy

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Assessment

Intake

Personal Tour

Unwind & Relax

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Take the First Step at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

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