According to a study by the American Journal of Psychiatry, cocaine abuse is linked to depression.
The study concluded that depressive disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in people who abuse cocaine.
This research also found that 28%–53% of people who abuse cocaine are diagnosed with depression.
Learn more about the dangers of cocaine abuse
Effects Of Cocaine That Contribute To Depression
Cocaine is a stimulant, and it activates the sympathetic nervous system. Cocaine exposure can cause significant changes in neurons that release glutamate.
Glutamate is an amino acid that nerve cells use to send signals to other cells. Cocaine abuse causes long-term changes in dopamine and glutamate systems.
During the withdrawal process, the glutamate levels drop, which research has shown is a factor in depression.
Cocaine produces extreme highs, which turn into extreme lows. When a person abuses cocaine, their brain is not able to properly adapt to the negative consequences of drug use.
Read more about the effects of cocaine
Symptoms Of Cocaine Use Linked To Depression
If you or a loved one have abused cocaine, there is a range of symptoms that may lead to or worsen the effects of depression.
Symptoms that may cause depression include:
- insomnia
- paranoia
- loss of appetite
- financial problems
- mood swings
- irritability
- low sex drive
- anxiety or panic attacks
- hallucinations
- aggressive behavior
- vivid or unpleasant dreams
How Withdrawal From Cocaine May Lead To Depression
Cocaine has a short half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug dose to be cleared from the body. The effects of cocaine occur quickly, especially when smoked.
This also means that the comedown happens relatively soon after the last dose, and withdrawal symptoms follow.
The comedown from cocaine abuse can be intense, sometimes resulting in severe depression, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.
In order to avoid symptoms of depression from the comedown or withdrawal symptoms, people may continue abusing cocaine, which in turn increases the risk of addiction.
Recovering From Cocaine Abuse And Depression
The onset of depression after cocaine abuse can take a real emotional and physical toll on a person. Depending on the person, these effects can last weeks, months, or years.
A safe way to come off of cocaine is through a supervised detox program or another personalized treatment plan.
Contact our helpline today to learn more about your options for treatment programs.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- American Journal of Psychiatry—Depression Among Cocaine Abusers in Treatment
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/ajp.155.2.220 - National Center for Biotechnology Information—Cocaine and Psychiatric Symptoms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181074/ - National Center for Biotechnology Information—Targeting the Glutamatergic System to Treat Major Depressive Disorder
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3439647/ - National Institute on Drug Abuse—Cocaine Research Report
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-some-ways-cocaine-changes-brain - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Cocaine withdrawal
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm
