Cocaine Addiction and Treatment

January 08,2013

Cocaine addiction puts users at high risk for extremely dangerous health complications. With each use blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature sky rocket...

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that comes primarily in two forms. The first is a white or off-white powdery substance; the second, also known as crack-cocaine, is a rock, solid form of the drug. Cocaine can be snorted, smoked, injected or ingested orally. The general effect of the drug includes increased wakefulness, alertness, hyperactivity, euphoria and elevated mood. The drug is popular amongst the nightlife crowds, the club scene and concerts and music festivals.

Adversely, cocaine users also report negative feelings due to cocaine use. Some may experience heightened paranoia, anxiety and bodily unrest. It is common for cocaine users to stop eating and sleeping for extended periods of time.

Generally, a dose of cocaine lasts only a short time, like half-an-hour to forty five minutes. Once this time passes, users often feel themselves coming down from the high. This is often accompanied with slight sensations of nausea and anxiety. Most users will take another hit of the cocaine to prolong effects or to abate the negative feelings associated with coming off of the high. It is common for users to take up to fifteen hits in a single night, which may span from two or three hours, to eight to twelve.

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance. Because of the high turnover rate from high to low, and the need for users to reuse the drug to continue the elevated sensations, the onset of addiction can happen rapidly. Cocaine also has a high affinity for tolerance growth in the human body. The tremendous acceleration felt from the initial high will deaden with each use. Higher and more frequent doses are needed for users to reach the same level of high after the first use. Long-term users are extremely susceptible to ingesting high amounts of cocaine and suffering from overdose.

Cocaine addiction puts users at high risk for extremely dangerous health complications. With each use blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature sky rocket. Not only does cocaine pose a serious possibility for stroke, seizure, heart attack and coma, it can also cause respiratory infections, and respiratory failure. Cosmetic damage can also occur as snorting cocaine can cause the septum of the nose to collapse, teeth to rot and malnutrition in the most severe cases.

Seeking help for a cocaine addiction is extremely important for any person suffering from dependency. Inpatient detox is often the most recommended route to begin therapy. Withdrawal from cocaine can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms can include severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, physical discomfort and intense cravings, which can be assisted in an inpatient setting. After detoxification, it is imperative for any recovering cocaine addict to seek additional assistance by means of enrolling in a rehabilitation program. Cravings for cocaine can last months after detoxification, which is best controlled by ongoing therapy in a professional drug rehabilitation center. For many, cocaine addiction is very powerful and requires serious therapeutic healing, as addictions are often spurred by previous or ongoing hardship.

Furthermore, those recovering from a cocaine addiction usually display good discipline by changing change old routines once they finish a rehabilitation program. Old hang outs, friends or hobbies which may have led to further cocaine abuse should be strictly avoided. Ongoing support can be attained after treatment through a variety of public support meetings in which recovered addicts can meet up and receive help and encouragement from each other.

______________________________________________________________

When a person suffers from a severe case of drug or alcohol addiction, the best method of treatment is seeking professional help at an addiction treatment facility. Licensed therapists and counselors are trained to conduct effective treatment for various kinds of addictions, as well as mental health issues and those suffering from psychological distress.

Center for Addiction Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-570-4562

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery

397

views

PDF Print Email Report

Contact

A Center for Addiction Recovery

800-570-4562

MARK KILLAR

Featured Sections