Which psychological effect is commonly associated with long-term cocaine use?

Long-term cocaine use is frequently linked to increased anxiety or paranoia due to the drug’s stimulating effects on the central nervous system. Cocaine initially produces euphoric feelings and can enhance mood, but its prolonged use leads to significant alterations in the brain's neurochemistry. This can result in heightened anxiety levels, feelings of paranoia, and even psychosis, as the body's balance of neurotransmitters is disrupted.

Cocaine's stimulation of dopamine release can produce intense feelings of pleasure initially, but as the effects wear off, users may experience negative psychological states, including anxiety and fear. The cycle of repeated use can lead to a condition known as cocaine-induced psychosis, characterized by delusions and paranoia, making it a common psychological effect associated with chronic use. Understanding these effects can help inform treatment approaches for substance use disorders.