Cocaine and Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction has been a problem for many years throughout the United States and in other countries. For many, cocaine use is strictly social but for millions of cocaine addicts, the reality is that this drug is dangerous, addictive and most of all deadly.

Cocaine is a stimulant that is a derivitave of the cocoa plant. Many years ago, cocaine was commonly used in the medical field (specifically the dental field) as a numbing agent or anesthetic. Cocaine has also been used to treat certain medical illness in the past but today is seen as a dangerous substance that should not be used or abused by anyone.

During the 1980’s, cocaine became a widely used substance throughout the society. Crime rates increased as a result and cocaine addiction became a common parody in the United States. While drug rehab centers today do not see too many cocaine addiction cases, the drug is still a common choice amongst Americans and still has very powerful (and negative) effects on society. Millions of Americans suffer from cocaine addiction and need help to stop.

There are two forms of cocaine – crack cocaine (hard) and powder cocaine (soft). While both forms of this drug are dangerous, crack cocaine is said to be more addictive than it’s soft counterpart. Crack cocaine is mixed with baking soda and water, then heated to form a solid substance that can be broken into pieces and smoked. Additional chemicals sometimes used in the cooking method of crack cocaine make this type of cocaine more addictive. For many crack addicts, the cocaine addiction begins with just one “hit” from the pipe.

Effects of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction can result in many different (severe) medical complications such as heart attack, respiratory failure, seizures, strokes and neurological problems. The use of cocaine has also been linked to heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, accelerated heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Additional negative effects of cocaine addiction and cocaine abuse include convulsions, coma and death.

For cocaine addicts who snort the powdery substance regularly, a loss of smell is not uncommon. Additional sinus problems may occur as a result of snorting cocaine such as nosebleeds, sinus infections, and runny nose. Snorting cocaine can also result in difficulty swallowing, irritation of the throat and a hoarse sounding voice.

When cocaine is used in large amounts, the user may experience vertigo, paranoia and irritability as well as feelings of restlessness and anxiety. It is possible for a person to die from just one dose of cocaine although it is not very common. Most cocaine addiction related deaths are the result of cardiac arrest or seizures that result from an overdose of cocaine. It is also possible for a person who uses cocaine on a binge (excessive overuse of the drug in increasingly larger doses) to end up in a full blown psychosis.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Cocaine Rehab Centers

Cocaine rehab centers treat cocaine addiction and related physical or psychological problems associated with drug abuse and specifically cocaine use. Cocaine addiction is treated similarly to other drug addictions at drug rehab centers. In most cases, there is no detoxification phase required before a cocaine addict can begin treatment for cocaine addiction. Most cocaine rehab centers will begin treating the cocaine addict immediately because there is little to no physical addiction to cocaine.

Cocaine addiction treatment at drug rehab centers takes many different forms. Depending on the individual, the circumstances, and the severity of the cocaine addiction. Cocaine addiction treatment will usually consist of counseling, therapy and behavioral changes that will limit placing the individual back into situations in which cocaine was commonly used. Cocaine rehab centers can help the cocaine addict to overcome the psychological dependence on cocaine and live a normal life free from drugs.