Addiction and Eating Disorders: How Drug Use Disrupts Healthy Eating Patterns
If you often use cocaine and always wonder why you’re eating too much or too little, then it could be a sign that you’re dealing with an eating disorder. An eating disorder is a mental disorder, and it is characterized by abnormal eating behavior—several factors, including the frequent use of cocaine, cause this condition. In fact, research recently conducted shows that about 50% of patients who are suffering from eating disorders are substance users, particularly cocaine.
Eating disorders are of several types, but the most common one among habitual cocaine users is anorexia – a condition characterized by extreme food restriction and low eating volume. Are you curious about how cocaine abuse can disrupt your eating patterns? If so, then this blog is specially for you. In this blog, we’ve curated different ways by which frequent use of cocaine can cause eating disorders.
Suppress Appetite
Drugs, especially cocaine, are good appetite suppressants. Each time you snort cocaine, some neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, will be activated. When these chemicals are active in the body, they stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces your appetite. Once your sensation of hunger is reduced, you’ll begin to feel dizzy, drowsy, and anxious. If you’re experiencing these challenges, don’t just sit back. Visit a rehabilitation center like Harp Private Rehab, where you’ll get the best care without breaking the bank.
Increase Dopamine
Besides norepinephrine and serotonin, another chemical that is released when you use cocaine frequently is dopamine. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in our daily activities, including eating. However, in chronic cocaine users, dopamine levels in the brain are much higher compared to those who don’t use the drug. During this period, the need for food is significantly reduced, which can consequently result in weight loss.
Trigger Mental Health Problem
Some mental health problems caused by cocaine addiction can disrupt your eating pattern. Anxiety, for instance, can increase the level of cortisol in the body, which may, in turn, lead to overeating. This condition, which is often referred to as binge eating, can cause obesity – a risk factor for diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and many more.
Insomnia
Most substance abusers, including cocaine addicts, often suffer from a lack of sleep. Cocaine is a potent stimulant that can make you stay awake for an extended period. When this happens, you will become physically depleted, and you’ll need food to regain your energy. If this constantly occurs, it can lead to obesity, which can later degenerate into diseases such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, diabetes, and so on.
Cocaine addiction is a severe problem that can lead to eating disorders by either suppressing appetite or elevating dopamine levels. The most effective way to prevent this complication is to withdraw entirely from the drug. We understand how challenging it can be to withdraw from cocaine usage, but with the help of Harp Private Rehab, managing the problem will become easier. All you need to do is book a session, and you’re on your way to recovery.