Cocaine addiction is a difficult issue to deal with, and it can be extremely difficult to overcome without the help of a drug rehab program. Drug treatment can become a life saving measure when dealing with the long-term effects of cocaine abuse with what it does to the body.
Cocaine addiction occurs as a result of continuous use. The more it is abused; a higher tolerance to the drug is developed. For the addict, this means that to get the same result, more and more cocaine has to be used. This results in addiction and greater health problems.
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant. In the brain's normal communication process, dopamine is released into the synapse, where it binds with dopamine receptors on neighboring receptors, and then is recycled back. Dopamine is the receptor in the brain chiefly responsible for the experience of pleasure in the body. When cocaine is present, it blocks this normal recycling process. The buildup of dopamine results in an influx of pleasure, which explains why it is so addictive. As a stimulant, cocaine heightens the awareness and the energy of the individual when used. There are primarily three ways cocaine is abused: snorting, injection and by smoking it.
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Short-term effects can lead to long-term problems, which can be very troublesome. First-time use can lead to overdose, cardiac arrest or stroke. This can happen initially with first use, or even for a period afterwards. High levels of the drug can increase risks of erratic behavior and psychosis, like anxiety or paranoia. Cocaine abuse can frequently lead to cardiovascular (heart problems) and brain effects such as a stroke, seizures and in some case coma. The most dangerous effect of cocaine use is when it is combined with alcohol. This combined usage results in the body manufacturing cocaethylene, which intensifies the euphoric effect of cocaine, and significantly increasing the risk of death. Also, sometimes cocaine becomes a destructive tool. It's not a secret that many models use cocaine to stay thin. Many models rely on this drug to keep weight off in a brutal trade that will not forgive aging or natural weight progression.
Long-term abuse does its damage. In the brain, a tolerance to drug is developed. More cocaine is needed to experience the fleeting amount of pleasure. Over time, the dopamine system of the brain is also affected and damaged by this abuse, due to the growingly high levels of toxicity in the brain. These high levels of toxicity can also lead to developing psychological complications. Common complications include anxiety, violent behaviors and paranoia.
The methods of abusing cocaine also do their own damage to the body. Snorting cocaine leads to irritations to the nasal cavities and the lungs. Prolonged abuse by snorting can destroy the olfactory sensors in the nasal passages creating a loss in the sense of smell. Individuals who ingest cocaine can experience a greater number of intestinal and bowel problems. Some cases have even developed gangrene in parts of their digestive systems from cocaine. Those who inject this drug run the risks that come from intravenous drug abuse.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Without proper help, cocaine addiction can be fatal. Overdose is always a risk with the abuse of cocaine. Although it is highly addictive, it is treatable. With the help of a drug rehab center or treatment service one can develop the skills needed to address cravings from this drug.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
The most effective programs for cocaine provide more than one approach to drug addiction treatment. It consists of intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and supportive programs for long-term relapse prevention. Addiction treatment should also be individualized to address the personal needs of the addict. When it is completed, continuing programs and services should be in place to offer support and additional treatment. One non-profit worldwide organization that offers additional programming and services for cocaine abuse is Cocaine Anonymous (CA).
For those seeking a private and exclusive rehabilitation facility that deals with cocaine addiction and abuse, we encourage you to call us. We are a nationally recognized, health care accredited drug rehab facility. The focus of treatment is on the individual, with therapy and programs that address their personal struggles with addiction. This is coupled with a long-term plan of action to continue care when treatment is completed. We encourage you to call today for an assessment at 1-877-997-3422.
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