What’s The Connection Between Cocaine and Memory Loss?

The use of cocaine can cause many short-term and long-term health effects on individuals including memory loss.

Memory Loss

What does cocaine do to the brain?

It is important to understand the effects and dangers of cocaine and how it specifically effects your brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that plays a role in the pleasure received from abusing drugs such as cocaine. It is where the dependence starts to develop as the body seeks to repeat the same feeling as it did when the drugs were taken. Overtime, an individuals body can tolerant the effects of drugs and therefore will end up using them more in order to receive the same sensation – this is how an addiction forms.

Short term memory loss from cocaine abuse

It has been proven that cocaine can affect an individuals cognitive functions in which can lead to short term memory loss. Some effects of short-term memory loss from cocaine abuse include:

  • Misplacing items such as car keys etc.
  • Asking the same questions repeatedly.
  • Mood swings.

Long term memory loss from cocaine abuse

Cocaine itself does not cause long-term memory loss, however, it causes many severe long term effects which can further develop into long term memory loss or permanent brain damage such as clots and strokes.

The signs and symptoms of long term memory loss as a result of a stroke can include:

  • Short/ no attention span.
  • Reduced/ slowed movement and thoughts.
  • Struggling to complete simple tasks.

Get help today

If you, or someone you know is struggling from a cocaine addiction, New Leaf Recovery are here to help you! We advise that you should seek professional help as soon as possible as you may be able to reserve some of the short-term health problems that can develop from a cocaine addiction if you do so. Contact us today via our online contact form and call us on 0330 999 0330.