Cocaine is obviously a destructive drug for anyone to use, but research shows that it can hit women particularly hard.
The reason, at least in part, can be attributed to the normal hormonal fluctuations that women go through.
In fact, the journal Neuroscience News reported the results of a study showing that estrogen intensifies the brain’s dopamine reward pathway.
The result, according to the study, is that women who try cocaine are more likely to become addicted to men.
Women may also be more sensitive than men to cocaine’s effects on the heart and blood vessels, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
There is, however, at least one way in which are less vulnerable to cocaine than men. Research shows that women’s brains may be protected from some of the more detrimental effects of cocaine.
Women and Cocaine Recovery
Unfortunately, the study also found that women may have more trouble than men abstaining from cocaine.
The journal concluded by saying that more research is needed on women and cocaine, as well as other drugs. If women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction when estrogen levels are high, the same may be true for other drugs as well.
Why Women Use Cocaine
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, women report using stimulants because they believe it will give them more energy to deal with their work and household responsibilities.
Hope and Healing at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House, our first goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable. You’re then assigned your own master’s level therapist who will work with you to come up with a plan for rehab and help you rebuild your life.
One-on-one and group therapy sessions will help you heal emotionally, while chef-prepared meals and activities like yoga and boxing help heal your body. Meanwhile, you’ll be staying in a clean and cozy setting that feels like home, with staff that treats you like family.
Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the cocaine addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
