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Teen Cocaine Use More Harmful Than Adult Use

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When it comes to teen cocaine use, it can be more harmful to teenagers than adults. The dangers of teen cocaine use include physical health problems, psychological problems, and even legal consequences.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine, call Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today to discuss teen cocaine use. Our cocaine rehab centers and adolescent addiction treatment offer comprehensive and compassionate care for teens struggling with substance abuse issues. We use evidence-based practices to create an individualized treatment plan that helps teens address the root causes of their addiction.

Teen Cocaine Use

Education and awareness are essential tools that can help teens avoid the temptation of using cocaine and other drugs. Parents should talk to their teens about the adverse effects of drug abuse and make sure they understand the consequences of their actions. Additionally, it is important to teach teens the importance of seeking help if they find themselves in a situation where they are feeling tempted or pressured to use drugs.

There are also many resources available for teens who may already be struggling with cocaine abuse. Treatment options can range from outpatient therapy to intensive inpatient programs, and it is important for teens to find the right help.

The Dangers of Teen Cocaine Use

Teen cocaine use can cause long-term physical and psychological issues that can have a lasting effect on their health. The following are some of the dangers of teen cocaine use:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Seizures, coma, or death due to overdose.
  • Depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other mental health disorders
  • Liver damage and other organ problems
  • Increased risk of risky sexual behaviors
  • Legal consequences, such as being charged with possession or sale of the drug

These are just a few of the dangers associated with teen cocaine use. It is important to understand that teen cocaine use can lead to serious health problems and even death if not treated properly. Physically, cocaine use can damage a teen’s heart muscle and lead to irregular heartbeats or heart attacks. It can also cause seizures and other neurological disorders. In addition, it increases the risk of stroke, respiratory failure, and coma.

Effects of Cocaine on Teen Brain Development

Cocaine gives a person a rush of happiness, numbness, and alertness. But as it wears off, cocaine causes a crash and can make that person feel irritable, hostile, and paranoid.

Scientists used to think that the human brain stopped developing in the teenage years. In recent years, however, it was established that the brain continues growing until well into a person’s twenties. Teenagers using cocaine are at a greater risk than adults for shortfalls in cognitive development in memory and attention.

When a teenager uses cocaine, the changes it makes to their brain can alter the rest of their life. These changes involve behavioral, developmental, and cognitive growth impairment.

 

Treating Cocaine Addiction With A Multidisciplinary Approach

Teens are at a greater risk of developing a cocaine use disorder, which includes addiction.

In a normal brain, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released into the reward pathway when that person does something they enjoy. Then after the activity, the dopamine goes back into the cell that it came from.

We offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating cocaine addiction through a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, 12-Step support groups, and medication management. Some of the methods included in multidisciplinary treatment include:

  • Behavioral therapy and behavior modification
  • Individual and group counseling
  • Physical activities
  • Pain management
  • Social skills training
  • Adventure or Wilderness therapy
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Stress reduction
  • Alternative therapy such as yoga, acupuncture, or massage
  • Vocational training
  • Family or relationship counseling and therapy
  • Support groups
  • Relapse prevention and aftercare

Overcome Teen Cocaine Use at Vertava Health

If you suspect that your teen is using cocaine, it is important to intervene and get them the help they need right away. Contact one of the adolescent treatment specialists at Vertava Health today at 844.470.0410 for more information.