Cocaine is best defined as an addictive drug that increases your levels of attention, energy, and awareness (a stimulant.) It stems from a native South American plant called the coca plant, and is illegal in the U.S., yet is still widespread and abused by masses of people.
It exists in quite a few different forms, but the most commonly used is a fine, white powder; it also can be made into solid crystal rock. Majority of users snort the powder into their nose, while others massage it onto their gums, or mix it into water then inject it with needles. The rock crystal is also sometimes heated up and the smoke is then inhaled.
Cocaine sends a naturally occurring chemical called dopamine into each part of your brain that controls pleasure. Intense feelings of alertness, along with energy, is called a high.
Short Term Effects:
– High sensitivity to sound, touch, and sight
– Extreme happiness
– Decreased appetite
– Irritability and anger
– Paranoia
- Using cocaine may also serve as a catalyst for more serious health problems and other long term side effects: headaches, convulsions, seizures, heart attack, stroke, mood swings, sexual incompetence, heart disease, lung damage, HIV or hepatitis from injection, bowel decay from ingestion, and runny nose, nosebleeds, loss of smell, and trouble swallowing from inhalation. It may also trigger cravings for the drug itself and the associated euphoric high. However the more you abuse cocaine, the more your brain will adjust to it; over time you’ll need a stronger dose to achieve the same state of being. This, unfortunately, often leads to addiction or overdose.
Many people who become addicted to this drug do eventually seek a way out. But, they typically experience a phase called withdrawal that brings along bouts of many physical and mental obstacles. These can include:
Drug cravingsDepression
Anxiety
Difficulty concentratingFatigue
Increased appetiteChills
NightmaresNerve pain
Muscle aches
A lesser-known fact is that overdose is often more difficult to treat. Yet this does not equal impossible, as there are many resources that can greatly increase your chances of pulling through this difficult time and conquering the disease. At Asana Recovery, we understand the difficult process of recovery from the chains of addiction, through our daily work helping those struggling with this the most. While some believe they are able to make it idly, rehabilitation programs are very helpful in the battle to stop dependency. It is not without hardship or easy but can be done if supported by the best team possible. Counseling along with aftercare can assist you in addressing your cognitive reasoning for pursuing addiction, while helping you build structures to better cope with life, without it.
Supervised detox and residential treatment at Asana Recovery is offered in a supportive, relaxed, environment. We are forever committed to ensuring life-long recovery, serving as guidance on the path to a happier and healthier future. There’s no better time than present to call us at (949) 438-4504, and learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction recovery program; we’re always ready to speak to you!
