Cocaine..let it roll off your tongue and ring in your ears for a second. Why do highly addictive substances all sound so.. “cool”. Cocaine and its derivatives, such as crack cocaine, are highly addictive substances.
Cocaine – or coke is smoked, snorted, injected, and probably even stuffed in places you don’t want to know about. The user receives almost instant gratification and may feel euphoric, alert, powerful, or even sensual. Often times these “symptoms” are mixed with anxiety and or restlessness..or maybe just all out disregard. Eventually (usually sooner than later) the high wears off and the users either uses more cocaine or “crashes”.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, hence cocaine users will frequently go to extreme lengths in order to get another “hit” or “fix”. Cocaine addicts are not limited to bums or teenagers, people of all statures are liable to become addicted to cocaine – no one is perfect. Cocaine addiction often effects not only the user, but people around the user as well. Friends, family or even jobs may be neglected, lied to and mislead in order to hide or satisfy the addiction. The user may go to extremes and concoct grand schemes in order to get the drug. This is one of the reasons addiction to cocaine or crack cocaine is often considered to be serious.
Signs of cocaine abuse include:
Change in mood, unusual appetite, altered sleep cycles, depression, absence at work and at home, running/sniffly nose, new group of friends and a drop in school grades. Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities are also common signs of cocaine use or other substance abuse.
People without their own money source (such as teenagers) may also have a frequent need for money, without good reason. Confronting the suspected user is the best solution. Cocaine addiction should not go overlooked and rehab options should be discussed and reviewed as soon as possible. Long term effects of cocaine use can include: irritability, mood swings, restlessness, paranoia, possible auditory hallucinations, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, social ineptitude, financial problems, liver and kidney problems, respiratory problems, and many other physical and mental health problems. And of course, addiction and dependence on cocaine.
The good news is that treatment options are available for cocaine addicts. Rehab centers are located all over North America and are designed to give recovering addicts a safe and healthy atmosphere in which they can overcome their addiction and conquer withdrawal. Many of these facilities are top-notch but I still recommend you research each facility thoroughly before committing a loved one. Rehab centres offer a variety of comforts for recovering addicts, some of these include drug detox sessions, group and private therapy, positive reward systems, limited opportunities to buy drugs, supervision, sports and games, and a self-contained environment. Some rehab centers even offer yoga, volleyball and other fun activities to keep their occupants..well occupied.
Cocaine users who intend on quitting should expect to go through withdrawal. This can last from days to weeks and may feel horrible, but will be well worth it in the end. Withdrawal can include nausea, vomiting, disorientation, dizziness, numbness, cold sweats, fever, diarrhea, restlessness and many other mostly mild symptoms. With proper care and attention withdrawal can be managed without any major concerns.
Cocaine users must be confronted and pointed (but not forced) towards therapy and hopefully rehabilitation. Even after a drug addict has quit using the drug, the cravings and or habits may stick around for a long time. Some suggest that habits take about 7 months to fade entirely when not in use, however many drug addicts report craving their favored drug many years later. Only knowledge and experience keeps them from giving in.
