If someone handed you a piece of cake and said that if you ate it there was an 8% chance you’d have a seizure, would you do it?
What if the piece of cake was cocaine? Cocaine and seizures have more of a relationship than many people realize. Our team at Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to providing healing for our community and one way we do this is through education. Today we’re going to talk about cocaine, seizures, and how the two interact.
Is There a Link Between Cocaine Use and Seizures?
People with epilepsy or other seizure conditions can have external factors trigger their seizures. Many people know about flashing lights and epilepsy, but even substances like alcohol and cocaine can also trigger a seizure.
It’s important to note, however, that even those without a history of seizures can be at risk of experiencing a seizure because of cocaine.
What Causes Seizures in the First Place?
Seizures are tied to chemical and electrical signals in the brain. These signals are normal and are how we do nearly everything, from blinking to reacting to stimuli. When these signals act abnormally, whether they misfire or too many act at once, this is the most common cause of a seizure.
How Does Cocaine Influence Seizures?
Cocaine is a stimulant. This means it speeds up different processes within the body and mind. While it’s in your system it also influences some of the chemicals in your brain, the primary one being dopamine.
When cocaine messes with the chemicals in your brain, alongside speeding up your system, it can simulate the same effects of mixed signals and hyperactivity in the brain that leads to seizures.
Can Cocaine Cause a Seizure Disorder to Develop?
While there is not currently a significant enough link between cocaine and epilepsy to say that it can cause seizure disorders to develop, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
The more frequently you have seizures, the more susceptible you can become to changes that lead to epilepsy. Other common causes of the development of epilepsy include:
- Head trauma
- Brain tumors
- Alcohol use disorders
- Strokes
- Heart conditions
- Infections (especially HIV and meningitis)
- Brain bleeding or swelling
Cocaine use disorders can cause strokes and an increased risk of HIV if taken as an injection. Being under the influence of substances like cocaine can also put you at increased risk of injury, including head trauma.
Can Cocaine Addiction Treatment Help Lessen Seizures?
When substances like cocaine alter your brain’s chemistry, stepping away from the substance can help bring back balance. Seeking cocaine addiction treatment and starting a path of recovery can decrease your risk of seizures, or halt them entirely if you don’t have a seizure disorder.
For those who have epilepsy, removing potential triggers from your regular routine is always beneficial in decreasing the risk of a seizure occurring.
What Cocaine Use Disorder Treatment Options Are Available Near Me in Arizona?
There are many things you should keep in mind when considering treatment options that will work for you. From the distance you have to travel, to the level of support and care you’ll receive, you deserve a place that suits your needs.
A good treatment program should approach your treatment with honesty and respect. If you’re in need of a place to stay, no matter the reason why, this should also be kept in mind when researching where to go.
With our extended care program and housing options available, our team at Wolf Creek Recovery is here to support you in the long term with your recovery. Our team understands what it’s like to take this monumental step and always approach care with compassion and understanding. Give us a call today at 833-732-8202 to get started.
Build a life you love.
