What causes Cocaine Use Disorder?
Cocaine stimulates the brain to release large amounts of the hormone dopamine, which, when amassed in sufficient quantities, results in the euphoria commonly reported by cocaine abusers. As a person continues to use cocaine, a tolerance is developed, and this means that higher doses and more frequent use are required to maintain the euphoria.
Furthermore, when a cocaine user stops using abruptly, they experience a crash or withdrawal. This results in an extremely strong craving for more cocaine, as well as fatigue (being tired), loss of pleasure in life, depression , anxiety , irritability, sleepiness, and sometimes paranoia. These symptoms often prompt the user to seek more cocaine to alleviate these symptoms of withdrawal.