Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant. It has extremely potent euphoric effects, and individuals exposed to it can develop cocaine addiction after using the drug for a very short period of time.

A naturally occurring substance produced by the coca plant, cocaine can be consumed by several different methods, with varying levels of purity, speed of onset, and intensity. Cocaine hydrochloride powder is usually "snorted" through the nostrils or dissolved in water and injected intravenously. "Crack," a commonly used form of cocaine, is easily vaporized and inhaled and, where absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection. Cocaine or crack is sometimes mixed with heroin, yielding a drug combination known as a "speedball."

Because of cocaine’s short half-life, users feel they need frequent doses to maintain a "high." Tolerance will always occur with repeated use, causing users to increase their doses to intensify and prolong the effects. Cocaine addiction can cause addicts to spend extremely large amounts of money on the drug within a very short period of time. As a result, individuals using the substance may become involved in theft, prostitution, or drug dealing. Important responsibilities such as work or childcare may be seriously neglected to obtain or use cocaine. Mental or physical complications of chronic use are common, including paranoid thoughts, aggressive behavior, anxiety, depression, and weight loss.* There is no safe way to use cocaine. Any form of use can result in the absorption of toxic amounts of cocaine, leading to medical emergencies and/or sudden death.

Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction: