When it comes to the most dangerous drugs in our country, cocaine naturally tends to land among the top contenders. Ever since Peruvian marching powder was brought to the United States, many people started scrambling to get their hands on this deadly stimulant, drawn from the extract of the coca plant from South America. What was once considered a major booster (sort of like caffeine) is now regarded as one of the most toxic drugs on the black market, as many drug dealers are taking the opportunity to cut this drug with fentanyl or heroin, creating a cheaper product. For today, let’s take a closer look at the four layers of cocaine consumption.
Different Circles of Suffering
Much like the infernal realms describe by Dante, the different stages of cocaine use seem to spiral deeper and deeper into a world of pain and suffering. Each method brings a unique sort of boost, followed by dangerous side effects and possible death. Let’s assess the different methods for using cocaine and determine which one is the most toxic to human health (although we can tell you each one is infamously harmful):
- Oral: Overall, this form of consumption is the weakest. By eating cocaine, people will experience a high after an hour and will suffer from the effects for only 30 minutes. However, the danger lies in the fact that people will eat larger and larger amounts to achieve a high, not realizing they are close to overdosing.
- Snorting: Pretty much the stereotypical method of cocaine consumption, snorting triggers a high that occurs within 20 minutes but only lasts for 15 minutes. In many cases, the nose will not fully recover, and nasal tissue will sustain heavy damage.
- Injection: Besides damaging the veins, injecting cocaine will trigger a high in only 30 seconds, but this euphoria will last for 15 minutes. In this case, addicts can contract infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis C if the needles are not clean.
- Smoking: Possibly the most dangerous method on this list, smokable cocaine is usually cut with other dangerous chemicals, non-drug materials, or addictive drugs like fentanyl.
The Most Dangerous Game
While all of these methods are incredibly dangerous, as we said before, smoking this drug is the most dangerous procedure an addict can practice. As the Center for Substance Abuse Research points out, crack cocaine, if smoked, will trigger even more intense highs, leading to an even greater risk of addiction down the road.
Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Over the course of many decades, cocaine has risen from the ranks of an over-the-counter stimulant to one of the most feared and destructive substances on the planet. Ultimately, this substance can destroy a person’s brain and body and trigger a severe form of addiction. However, as with any sickness, you can easily find a way to cope with your symptoms. Although addiction has no known cure, you can still stay strong and get clean, if you know where to find the right resources.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
