What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug that can take over your life in a second. Cocaine is an illegal, schedule II substance abused for pleasurable effects. It is a highly addictive and powerful substance that has no limits; the drug took over Elliot’s life. It got to the point where he was doing lines of cocaine in the morning to get through the day.
This powerful drug can be found in numerous forms such as white powder and a rock-like form known as “crack cocaine.” Regardless of the form you seek pleasure in, cocaine is a strong stimulant that can take your life from you with just one hit or line.
Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is rapidly acting regardless of the way it is abused; it can be snorted, smoked, or injected. The main effect of cocaine is what it does to the brain, which increases the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that gives you a euphoric feeling and a positive outlook on life. When dopamine levels increase, it creates the high that people are striving to get- which leads to the abuse and addictive power of the substance.
The high cocaine gives you is completed with multiple effects, including:
- Amplified energy
- Feelings of euphoria
- Magnificence; exaggerated self-esteem
There are people who abuse cocaine as an attempt to improve their performance or accomplish some other goal they have set for themselves. Cocaine also acts as a long-lasting and alternative to coffee in which people abuse to study, stay alert, or accomplish a difficult work task. It is also used as a weight loss tool because it can suppress the appetite. People tend to find themselves, just like Elliot, enslaved by addiction, scared and alone.
Despite the euphoric feeling cocaine gives, it may also bring about:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Feelings of restlessness
- Paranoia
- Panic
The Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
No matter how long or how short of time the cocaine is abused, it is associated with vital side effects. Cocaine abuse can lead to a heart attack in the abuser, even in first time abusers. Abusing large amounts of cocaine is sometimes allied with unpredictable and violent behavior.
Other signs of Cocaine Abuse include:
- Muscle twitches or tics
- Increased heart rate
- Vertigo
- Tremors
- Paranoia
- Increased body temperature
- Dilated pupils
- Constricted blood vessels
- Increased blood pressure
Cocaine Withdrawal
When the abuser goes without cocaine, the body will have a strong hunger and negative reaction without it. The most common cocaine withdrawal symptom is a “crash.” A “crash” has symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Restlessness
- Amplified paranoia
- Feelings of depressions
- Apprehension
- High desire to continue or restart using the substance
Cocaine Treatment
Cocaine addiction cannot be cured but can be treated with the proper support and care. Treatment for cocaine can happen in an inpatient or outpatient facility.
Inpatient rehab is where you would go to have care 24/7. It is common for inpatient facilities to be staffed with mental and medical health professionals. It will also include a detoxification process to remove all toxic chemicals from the body in a safe and comfortable manner. Along with detox, inpatient is equipped with individual and group therapy to help get to the root of the issue on why you started abusing cocaine in the first place.
Outpatient treatment is a bit different then inpatient. You would still live at home and continue your daily life while attending the outpatient facility on a weekly basis. This treatment will also include group and individual therapy that will focus on your cocaine problem.
Cocaine addiction is a serious manner; it took down Elliot’s life and it can take down yours. We are here to help anyone who suffers with any addiction. It is never too late to make the right decision and turn your life around. Do not wait another minute. Call us today at: (866) 578-7471
