How Does Cocaine Affect ADHD?

Cocaine is a stimulant substance; therefore, even in those without ADHD, it might make them feel more energized and euphoric.

Cocaine may, however, have a calming effect on ADHD patients because it boosts dopaminergic transmission, which is malfunctioning in this condition. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects motivation, learning, and pleasure. Cocaine may, therefore, aid those who suffer from ADHD in controlling their impulsivity, restlessness, and inattentiveness symptoms. With that said, it is still not recommended to take cocaine and ADHD as it can result in harmful side effects when abused.

The medication has an impact on specific brain regions, including the following:

• Both the hippocampus and the amygdala are involved in working memory.
• Subcallosal and orbitofrontal cortices, which are involved in volition
• The crucial executive control regions of the prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus

Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake are inhibited, causing more of these “pleasure chemicals” to circulate in the blood.

Increased arousal, euphoria, attention, and alertness are the effects in those without ADHD. However, the executive and behavioral dysfunctions associated with ADHD may be improved in some people with the condition.

Skip To:

• How Does Cocaine Affect ADHD?
• What Is Cocaine?
• Cocaine Effects on ADHD
• Can Cocaine For ADHD Work?
• Does Cocaine Help ADHD?
• Cocaine and ADHD Treatment

Learn More:

• Cocaine Overdose
• Cocaine Side Effects
• ADHD Treatment
• Cocaine Addiction Treatment

5.2 million

Among people aged 12 or older, 1.9% (or about 5.2 million people) reported using cocaine in 2020.

Source: NIH

19,447

In 2020, approximately 19,447 people died from an overdose involving cocaine.

Source: NIH

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant substance made from the leaves of the coca plant. Dopamine’s effects are enhanced, giving the user heightened energy and stamina. The increased impact of dopamine also brings on the euphoric and pleasant experience of a cocaine “high.”

Cocaine is currently classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. However, a doctor can provide it for medical procedures, including local anesthetic and some ear, eye, and throat operations.

One of the main problems with cocaine and ADHD is that to boost profits, dealers frequently contaminate their products with things like talcum powder, cornstarch, flour, powder, or baking soda, especially if you’re using it to treat something like ADHD. Even worse, cocaine and ADHD may be contaminated with harmful chemicals, such as amphetamine or fentanyl. If you are not accustomed to the effects of opioids, this could result in an instant overdose.

Cocaine puts too much strain on your system, overstimulating your body. Your body works at an increased rate, which can cause side effects, including:

• Alertness
• Excitation
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• abnormal heartbeat
• chest pain
• Unexpected cardiac arrest
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Death

Can Cocaine For ADHD Work?

Cocaine use disorder and other substance use disorders may be more common in people with ADHD. According to a study, 23% of young adults with substance use disorders also had ADHD. Some people say, “cocaine makes me tired ADHD.” Those people get tired because once the “high” of cocaine wears off, the user will experience a “crash” and feel tired after a while.

In a different study involving 6,872 adults between the ages of 20 and 39, those with ADHD and coke were considerably more likely than those without the disease to have a substance use disorder.

Regarding cocaine, remarkably, some studies suggest that adults with ADHD use the drug at a rate of roughly 26%, with 1 in 10 developing cocaine use disorder. In contrast, 1.9% of adults aged 12 and older in the general population will have used the substance during their previous year.

People with ADHD may use cocaine as “self-medication” for various causes. However, the main explanation is that cocaine’s effects on the brain may be able to lessen some of the symptoms of ADHD. Cocaine affects the systems that don’t work correctly in people with ADHD in a manner comparable to that of prescription drugs. Cocaine use boosts dopamine levels, making up for the absence of the chemical.

Cocaine use in people with ADHD could not result in the typical “rush” and high-energy state that healthy people frequently experience. Cocaine may instead help persons with ADHD focus and relax more. People who feel like they can’t keep up with the outside world may find this enticing. Due to the dangers of this illegal drug, cocaine use should never be considered a treatment for ADHD.

Cocaine and ADHD Treatment

We Level Up NJ offers a comprehensive treatment program, including evidence-based and cognitive behavioral therapy, for people suffering from addiction who are also affected by ADHD. Depending on how severely their alcohol addiction has affected them, certain people with drug use disorders may be eligible for treatment at a specialist institution like ours.

We collaborate with highly qualified addiction specialists to provide patients with the motivation and support they need to give up drugs and maintain their long-term health. We provide dual-diagnosis treatment programs for those suffering from these illnesses and co-occurring mental health conditions.

If you are battling drug addiction, contact us to discuss your treatment options and learn how we can support you as you start your recovery. We will be there for you at every turn. With the help of our program for medically assisted detox, We Level Up NJ offers appropriate therapy and 24-hour medical staff to support your recovery. Call us immediately to speak with a therapy expert and reclaim your life. Our counselors will address your worries because they are aware of your difficulties.