Recreational cocaine use is often regarded as harmless, but cocaine addiction is a serious problem that can have deadly consequences. Many people who use cocaine do so in environments where other substances are being used, and, as a result, complex, long-term medical issues can arise from this substance abuse.
Deaths have gone up, and continue to go up every year, as a result of cocaine addiction. Any drug addiction can be hard to beat, but with the right treatment plan, you or your loved one can overcome cocaine addiction. Our team at Quit Alcohol is committed to providing you and your loved ones with resources so you can overcome addiction, once and for all. For more information about cocaine addiction and how finding the right rehab facility can help accomplish your sobriety goals, read on!
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant, meaning that it stimulates high levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. Because it causes euphoric effects on the brain, it is easy for users to develop an addiction to recreational cocaine use.
In most instances, cocaine is a fine powdery substance that is snorted, but, in more serious addictions, it may be smoked or even injected. In every case of cocaine abuse, individuals are putting themselves at great risk for the negative side effects of this powerful stimulant.
Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a schedule II drug, meaning it is categorized as having a high potential for abuse. Recreational use often leads to abusing cocaine, which can have uncomfortable, serious, and even deadly side effects. Short-term effects of cocaine use can range from overconfidence and excitement to alertness and anxiety, but the long-term effects of cocaine addiction are much more serious.
In particular, cocaine is known to cause serious strain on the heart, leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It is also known to cause problems such as seizures, stroke, cerebral hemorrhaging, and heart failure. The most common causes of death for people struggling with cocaine addiction are stroke or cardiac arrest.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
As with any substance use disorder, help is available to those who want to overcome addiction. It is important to note that in some cases, an intervention may be required to help persuade a loved one to seek professional help for their cocaine addiction. Substance abuse treatment often begins with a period of detox followed by medical and psychological rehabilitation that can last anywhere from 30 days to several months, depending on the severity of the addiction.
During the detox period, individuals may experience painful withdrawal symptoms, but addiction treatment centers are staffed with medical professionals to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Deciding to seek treatment for substance abuse is difficult, but addiction treatment can lead to a lifetime of sobriety and peace, free from the physical and emotional trials of substance addiction.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals caught up in cocaine abuse who make the brave choice to seek treatment must, unfortunately, work through withdrawal symptoms as part of the recovery process. These withdrawal symptoms can include depression, agitation, restlessness, fatigue, and increased appetite.
Since cocaine use causes a euphoric feeling, stopping the drug use can cause suicidal thoughts in more serious cases. It is important to have medical supervision while experiencing withdrawal symptoms to safely move through the symptoms and onto the next phase of recovery.
Seeking Help with the Help of Quit Alcohol
Cocaine abuse, like any drug abuse, leads to long-term health problems and personal chaos, and discord. Thankfully, addiction treatment is available. There are thousands of rehabilitation centers across the country, and we can match you with a center that specializes in cocaine addiction.
Every addiction is different, so our addiction specialists work hard to come up with the right individualized treatment plan, whether it be inpatient care, outpatient care, or partial hospitalization. Once your rehab program has ended, there are many long-term support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, designed to help those who have recovered from addiction continue to lead a sober and full life. For more information surrounding cocaine addiction, or to access additional support, reach out to us online or at (877) 683-2684 at any time.
