View the Full List of Illicit Drugs
Cocaine Rehab
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a white powder, made from the coca plant, which is native to South America. It has a powerful stimulating effect and produces a short-term feeling of euphoria. Users have increased energy, are often talkative, and feel happy.
Cocaine can be inhaled in its powdered form. Once in the nose, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissue. It can also be dissolved in water and injected. Cocaine can be processed into small rocks, called crack, and then smoked. Smoking or injecting the drug deliver it into the system quicker and give a more powerful high, but the high doesn’t last as long. Smoking or injection high lasts from 5 to 10 minutes, while a snorting high can last up to half an hour.
The initial high from cocaine is difficult to replicate, and the short high is frustrating. This leads many users to binge on the drug, taking repeated hits in a short period to keep their high going. This type of behavior increases the risk of developing an addiction to the drug.
What Are the Consequences of Using Cocaine?
Frequent cocaine users are at an increased risk of suffering heart attacks and strokes, which can cause sudden death. They also have a higher risk than the general population for contracting HIV. This is due to sharing needles as well as behaving in risky sexual behavior due to impaired judgment. Nosebleeds, hoarseness, problems swallowing, and a chronically runny nose are all common in individuals who frequently snort cocaine.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse
Individuals who are abusing cocaine often experience changes in behavior. They may become irritable, restless, anxious and paranoia. Severe paranoia, including auditory hallucinations, where the user hears things that are not there, are common as well.
Effects of Cocaine Abuse
In addition to severe paranoia, abusing cocaine can lead to a variety of health issues. Cocaine use raises blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term use of the drug can lead to heart, nervous system, and respiratory problems. Cocaine abuse can also cause digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies. Individuals who inject the drug can develop severe skin infections and allergic reactions.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine?
Withdrawal symptoms include tiredness, depression, an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, unpleasant, vivid dreams, restlessness, slowed reaction time, movement, and slowed thinking. If you or someone you love is experiencing any symptoms or effects of cocaine abuse, please contact a few accredited cocaine rehab centers before it’s too late