Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. There are two primary forms of cocaine. Crack: This type of cocaine is processed into a rock crystal. Powder: This type of cocaine is a white powder. Drug dealers could mix it with other stimulants such as synthetic opioids and amphetamines to produce a highly effective substance. The most common methods of cocaine use among adolescents are smoking, snorting, and injection.

Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

Teen cocaine use has increased since COVID-19 in the Los Angeles area. As the drug becomes more available to the younger generations, the dangers continue to rise because of what is being put (“cut”) into the cocaine, without the end buyer knowing. Cut drugs can lead to overdose and other severe side effects. Deaths from cocaine use have also risen to over 24,000. This is why it’s important to educate your teen about the dangers of cocaine and get your teen the help they need if they are abusing the drug.

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What is Cocaine?

What are the Effects of Cocaine on the Teen's Brain?

Signs and Side Effects of Teen Cocaine Use

Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Understanding Teen Cocaine Addiction

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. There are two primary forms of cocaine:

Crack: This type of cocaine is processed into a rock crystal.
Powder: This type of cocaine is a white powder. Drug dealers could mix it with other stimulants such as synthetic opioids and amphetamines to produce a highly effective substance.

The most common methods of cocaine use among adolescents are smoking, snorting, and injection.

Understanding Cocaine Use and the Brain

What are the Effects of Cocaine on the Teen's Brain?

Given the stimulating effect of cocaine, it mainly affects the brain. When cocaine enters the bloodstream, it activates the production of dopamine. High dopamine levels increase the pleasure and reward effects in other parts of the body. The chemical components of cocaine also block the return of dopamine to the brain and prolong the duration of the high effects. Continued euphoria could impair the brain and make it tolerant of cocaine. Long-term teen cocaine use leads to addiction and dependence. The effects are fatal for adolescents, as their minds are still developing.

Teen Cocaine Use Effects

Signs and Side Effects of Teen Cocaine Use

Given the euphoric effect of cocaine, it is easy to identify the effects on the body. The intensity and duration of the effect depend on the potency of cocaine and the method of consumption. While these are the most common signs, it’s important to remember that every teen is different and other side effects may occur.

HIGH BODY TEMPERATURE

Teen cocaine users often experience an abnormally high body temperature and lowers the body's ability to cool itself down.
DILATED PUPILS

Cocaine abuse can cause the pupils to become larger than normal, even during periods of low lighting. Eyes may also appear red due to expansion of blood vessels.
NOSEBLEEDS AND SNIFFLES

Cocaine is typically snorted or inhaled, so prolonged use can cause nosebleeds and sniffles due to nose irritation.
APPETITE AND WEIGHT LOSS

The appetite of teen cocaine users may decrease, leading to rapid weight loss. Teens may also forget to eat due to hyperactivity and restlessness.
HYPERTENSION AND INCREASED HEART RATE

Cocaine increases blood pressure and heart rate due to a rush of adrenaline in the body, which can lead to chest pains and even a stroke.
SENSITIVITY TO SOUND, TOUCH, AND SIGHTS

The senses of teen cocaine users may become heightened, causing excessive sensitivity due to interference with the central nervous system.

Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment by Key Healthcare

Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

There are many ways to help your teen stop using cocaine. A majority of the time, adolescents will use cocaine to cope with their mental health. This is why Key Healthcare provides dual diagnosis cocaine addiction treatment to treat both the mental health condition and substance abuse. We develop individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term recovery for your child. If you are interested in learning more about our teen cocaine addiction treatment options, contact us today.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our cocaine addiction IOP takes place 9 hours per week over the course of 4-12 weeks. Your teen will participate in therapy sessions that help them work through the reasons for their cocaine use.

Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)

Our cocaine addiction PHP takes place 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks. Teens will attend therapy sessions where they will develop the coping skills needed to stop using cocaine and treat underlying mental health issues.

Extended Care

Our male-only cocaine addiction extended care program is a combination of our partial hospitalization program and sober living. Your teen will have around the clock support to treat all mental health and substance abuse issues related to his cocaine use.

Individual and Group Therapy

We utilize a variety of therapies to treat mental health conditions and dual diagnosis cocaine addiction including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. During sessions, teens will learn coping skills and how to process their emotions.

Insurances We Accept

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.