The odds are that cocaine abuse will impact your life at some point. This could mean that a best friend, coworker, or family member succumbs to the drug. Cocaine abuse treatment can save lives. Contact the friendly team at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center online or by calling us at 781.587.3636 today. Our personal experience with cocaine abuse helps us treat our patients with compassion. We can help you attain the life you deserve.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that, when snorted, smoked, or injected, will boost a user’s energy levels and keeps them wide awake. Cocaine raises a person’s heart rate and increases their blood pressure, making them feel good by flooding their brain with dopamine. This is one of the chemicals that increases the feeling of pleasure.
There are two main types of cocaine:
- A white powder that is snorted, injected, or smoked
- A rock called crack cocaine is generally smoked, although sometimes it is placed into body orifices
Because of its euphoric high, cocaine abuse is rampant. It is one of the most addictive drugs on the market today. Most people struggling with cocaine abuse will require professional cocaine abuse treatment. It is difficult to quit using the drug on your own.
5 Cocaine Abuse Facts
Knowing some facts about cocaine abuse may help you identify the drug’s impact. It was once thought to be harmless enough that Coca-Cola used it as an ingredient during the product’s initial launch. Today though, there’s no mistaking its danger. After a meteoric rise in the 20th century, millions still suffer from cocaine abuse. Cocaine can jeopardize a person’s health, family, and career. Here are five cocaine abuse facts that may just help you better understand the drug:
Intense Cravings Can Occur Quickly
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. It can create intense cravings in the people snorting, smoking, or injecting it even after only a short period of use. This can lead to cocaine abuse that quickly spirals out of control.
Cocaine Withdrawal is Severe
The withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine abuse can be severe. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Sleeplessness
- Weight loss
- Convulsions
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Nightmares
Unlike opioids, cocaine withdrawal doesn’t come with the same physical symptoms but can still be debilitating.
There Are Many Ways of Using Cocaine
People can snort cocaine in its powder form through their noses or rub it into their gums. Others dissolve the powder and inject it into the bloodstream or inject a combination of cocaine and heroin. This is called a Speedball. Another popular method of use is to smoke crack cocaine.
Cocaine Can Cause Permanent Damage
Smoking and injecting cocaine be more damaging to an individual’s health than snorting the drug. These alternate methods of using cocaine have been known to cause permanent heart damage and breathing disorders. Snorting the drug can lead to long-term damage, like a loss of smell and chronic nosebleeds.
It Can Lead to an Overdose
Cocaine is highly dangerous and can lead to a deadly overdose. A cocaine overdose will cause extreme paranoia and confusion and increased heart rate, seizures, and heart attacks. Though not common, a cocaine overdose can cause death.
Learn More at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center
Cocaine abuse grips its users tightly, but you can overcome addiction with a professional treatment plan administered by our compassionate team. We have personal experience with your journey and can help. Our cocaine abuse treatment program is where your recovery journey can begin. Contact us using our secure online form today or at 781.587.3636. Don’t wait. Cocaine abuse treatment is possible.
