Cocaine
Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Specifically, it is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which mediates functionality of these neurotransmitters as an exogenous catecholamine transporter ligand. Because of the way it affects the mesolimbic reward pathway, cocaine is addictive.
Addiction
Cocaine dependence (or addiction) is psychological dependency on the regular use of cocaine. Cocaine dependency may result in physiological damage, lethargy, psychosis, depression, akathisia, and fatal overdose.
Signs of Cocaine Use
Addicts of this drug often share the following symptoms, among others :
- Weight loss
- Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Runny nose
- Perspiration, chills, or increased body temperature
- Tremors or hyperactivity
- Nausea
- Weakened immune system
Reasons to Quit
The harmful effects of cocaine abuse are dangerous to ignore in an addict. Cocaine overstimulates the sympathetic and central nervous systems, the effects of which often manifest in such symptoms as paranoia, restlessness, irritability, and hallucinations. Physically, long-term (and even short-term) use of the drug can lead to gastrointestinal complications, high blood pressure, blood vessel narrowing, and heart attacks. It can also damage the user's sense of smell if the drug is snorted or breathing complications if it is smoked. Serious illnesses including HIV can be contracted if cocaine is taken through injections. The adverse health effects of cocaine abuse can easily seep into a user's daily life, leading to issues such as erratic behavior, strained relationships, and money problems.
Methods of Quitting
Many issues that accompany cocaine addiction are unsolvable without proper medical treatment. However, there are several vital steps that an addict can take to begin their journey towards recovery. The first course of action is for the individual to stop using cocaine and its accompanying drugs completely. Withdrawal symptoms, which can include craving and depression, will occur and eventually dissipate as the user continues to abstain from the drug for a longer amount of time. Increased water intake and over-the-counter cough medications can aid the recovering addict while their abuse symptoms subside.
There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine abuse. Researchers are testing various drugs that have the potential to be successful in treating these cases, but current addicts must recover through other means. Behavioral interventions and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be prescribed.
Summary
Cocaine is a viciously addictive substance that can lead to dangerous outcomes. Fortunately, treatment exists that allows individuals to be successful in overcoming their addiction. Learning about how to quit cocaine abuse and contacting a cocaine - crack rehab center can help change a user's path of deadly addiction back to one of positive health.