Cocaine

CROSSING A DIFFERENT KIND OF LINE

Because we’re preoccupied with the opioid epidemic, we often forget that cocaine remains the second-most trafficked drug in the world. A dominant addiction threat within our borders, cocaine is commonly seen as a white-collar party drug by young adults. Because of the energy it brings, cocaine has long been considered a big club drug. It’s an unfortunate reality that cocaine abuse and addiction goes hand in hand with partying. Many younger and middle-aged adults all over the world associate cocaine abuse with social interaction.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that around 1.5 million Americans admit to engaging in past-month cocaine abuse. Adults aged 18 to 25 years also have a higher rate of current cocaine use than any other age group. In fact, 1.5 percent of young adults report past-month cocaine use.

We’ve heard endless stories of cocaine addiction, and have seen the similarities between them. Many people believe they can casually use cocaine habit and keep it separate from the rest of their lives. Some even believe that it helps them in their professional lives. Others will say it enhances their social interactions. The reality is that this drug very quickly catches up with you. It demands more and more of your mind and body until it eventually kills you. Stop gambling with cocaine addiction. Don’t let yourself become one of the stories that ends in tragedy. Get the treatment you need today.

WHAT DOES COCAINE DO TO THE BRAIN AND BODY?

People who view cocaine abuse as a habit don’t realize the physical toll this drug takes after using just once. It’s easy to convince yourself that your habit is still under your control. That’s why it’s hard for those struggling with cocaine addiction usually don’t realize that they desperately need help. For cocaine addicts, nose issues are only the beginning. Without treatment, users can suffer from lasting symptoms and effects of their cocaine abuse. Long-term effects of prolonged cocaine use can include:

• Hypertension
• Permanent damage to the heart or brain’s blood vessels
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Sexual dysfunction
• Permanent organ damage
• Severe depression
• Tolerance, addiction, and more

It’s more than just dealing with a long-term bloody nose for cocaine addicts. If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms related to cocaine abuse, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. Ignoring any of these signs or symptoms could potentially lead to further long-term damage from untreated cocaine addiction.

As harmless as it might seem to try cocaine once or twice, the first time could be fatal. Aside from gambling with possible addiction, the body is irreversibly damaged. In fact, the chance of a heart attack is dramatically increased in the first few minutes after taking the drug. There’s nothing fun or attractive about spiraling into sickness. Don’t take the chance with your life.

IS SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT BATTLING COCAINE ADDICTION?

Once you know what they are, it’s easy to spot the signs of cocaine addiction. As cocaine abuse transforms into addiction, users find themselves experiencing different physical and behavioral symptoms. Although there are a lot of symptoms of cocaine addiction, there are a few that stand out more than others. These signs include but are not limited to:

• Restlessness and Irritability
• Paranoia and Anxiety
• Frequent Bloody Nose
• Dilated Pupils
• Accelerated Heart Rate
• Overconfidence
• Poor Judgment
• Hallucinations

While cocaine dependence and cocaine abuse are different, the reality is that many people casually abusing cocaine can develop dependence. According to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD 10), cocaine dependence is part of a cocaine use disorder. Often, cocaine dependence and abuse are related to alcohol abuse disorders because both are “party drugs.” The combination of these two often can be dangerous since alcohol is a depressant and cocaine is a stimulant.

The longer cocaine abuse goes on without treatment, the worse the withdrawal period will be. It’s common for cocaine users to feel as though they can detox on their own. However, their withdrawal symptoms wind up proving to be unbearable, and they’ll give in. Often, people detoxing by themselves will engage in a long and painful cycle of relapse before looking for treatment.