Cocaine Overview
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that has increasing deteriorating effects on the human body when used frequently.
“The drug is extracted from coca leaves and is highly farmed and grown in places such as Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.”
Cocaine is one of the more highly used drugs within the United States of America amongst American youth. Therefore, it is classified as a schedule 2 drug and can be taken or injected in a number of forms. The drugs short term effects include a injection of happiness to the user’s body and a can create a greater sense of energy and stamina.
Cocaine Addiction in United States
Cocaine addiction is a severe drug issue throughout the United States of America. Because of its increased availability the addiction rates related to cocaine use are on the rise.
In 2015 over 1 million people had reported using some sort of cocaine recreationally over the course of their lifetime. To dive into these numbers deeper 2% of students in grade 8 and 3% of grade 10 students and 4% of grade 12 students had reported using cocaine at some point in their lives.
The rise in cocaine usage can be attributed to it’s perceived effects on mood and energy levels. Cocaine enlists certain endorphins through a person’s body that temporarily increase their positive outlook and create false pretences of energy and strength.
The addiction to cocaine can take effect very quickly.
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Effects of Cocaine
- Short term happiness and energy
- Talkativeness
- Overconfidence
- Is quick to consume and provides a short high
- Weight Loss
- Anxiety
- Alertness
The drug triggers or instructs the body to search for it’s next high after first use because of the short term pleasure it has on the user. The glamorization of the drug in Hollywood cinema has lead to open acceptance of the drug in many social circles.
Cocaine Addiction Statistics
Cocaine use includes that of crack. The difference between users of crack and cocaine is often significantly different. Crack users are typically found in low income areas where as cocaine is prevalent amongst affluent individuals.
Cocaine is extremely addictive and users who abuse the substance regularly are prone to becoming addicted and often require treatment from residential rehab facilities.
- Over 1 million Americans use cocaine everyday.
- 80% of cocaine users consume alcohol at the same tie
- Cocaine is prevalent in the young adult part scene. This is where recreational drug use often turns to addiction.
- Compared to other illicit drugs cocaine is the leading cause of emergency room visits.
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Cocaine Addiction Symptoms
The over exposure of cocaine in individuals could lead to some very damaging side effects. The overuse of cocaine usage can lead to heart inflammation, major artery blockages and ruptures to ones aorta. Cocaine abuse has links to severe heart failures, heart attacks, strokes and brain damage.
Some other symptoms of addicts who over use cocaine are:
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Bloody Noses
- Burned Lips and Fingers
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and need help, don’t wait, call one of our treatment specialists now.
Cocaine Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms of cocaine users can be a serious concern for addicts as the drug often times will have to be detoxified in steps rather than all at once. The detoxification of the drug can can lead to depression and hypersomnia.
Cocaine withdrawal often has no visible physical symptoms like the vomiting and shaking that is associated with the withdrawal of heroin and alcohol. But there are some common withdrawal symptoms that must addicts face:
- A crash that involves severe fatigue
- Lack of pleasure or excitement
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Agitation
- Paranoia