Cocaine dependence

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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Cocaine dependence
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Craving, anxiety, depression, paranoia, fatigue
Complications	Cardiovascular disease, stroke, seizures, respiratory failure
Onset	Variable, often after repeated use
Duration	Chronic, with potential for relapse
Types	Substance use disorder
Causes	Cocaine use
Risks	Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, mental health disorders
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, DSM-5 criteria
Differential diagnosis	Other substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Prevention	Education, counseling, community programs
Treatment	Behavioral therapy, support groups, medications
Medication	Disulfiram, modafinil, topiramate
Prognosis	Variable, dependent on treatment and support
Frequency	Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States
Deaths	Increased risk of overdose and cardiovascular events

Cocaine dependence' is a type of substance dependence that involves a psychological desire to use cocaine regularly. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain.

Causes

Cocaine dependence can develop after the repeated use of cocaine. This is due to the intense and immediate high that the drug produces, which can lead to repeated use and eventually dependence. Factors that can contribute to cocaine dependence include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and the pharmacological effects of the drug.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cocaine dependence can include a strong desire or compulsion to use cocaine, difficulties in controlling cocaine use, a physiological withdrawal state, tolerance, and neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of cocaine use.

Treatment

Treatment for cocaine dependence often involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for cocaine dependence. Medications such as Disulfiram and Modafinil have also been used to treat cocaine dependence.

See also

• Substance dependence
• Cocaine
• Stimulant
• Dopamine
• Genetics
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Disulfiram
• Modafinil

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