Drugs and Alcohol Addiction is a universal problem. There are several ways to overcome it.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is one of the most powerful as well as widely abused addictive stimulants available. This drug has been abused for more than a century and the leaves of coca have been ingested for thousands of years.
The most commonly available form of cocaine is a fine, white, crystalline powder. Often it is available diluted with cornstarch, sugar, procaine or other stimulants. 'Freebase', a form of cocaine widely used for smoking, is very dangerous as it reaches the brain within seconds. However, its effect does not last for long and the user will increase the dose and the frequency to retain the high. This will result in addiction to the substance.
Crack is a form of freebase cocaine available as small lumps or shavings. The name crack comes from the crackling sound made when the mixture is heated. Smoking crack is as dangerous as smoking freebasing cocaine. The easy availability of this drug makes it a major problem public health problem in many American cities.
Popular methods of taking cocaine are snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug. Cocaine can also be rubbed onto mucous tissues.
Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine is a drug which directly affects the brain. Its action on the body is instant and the effects disappear within a few minutes. Small amounts of cocaine usually make the user feel energetic and mentally active. It can also decrease hunger and sleep. Repeated and increasing use of cocaine leads to a state of restlessness and paranoia. This may result in paranoid psychosis.
Regularly inhaling cocaine can lead to loss of sense of smell and a chronically inflamed nose. Intravenous injection of cocaine may cause an allergic reaction, which can result even in death. Cocaine has a tendency to kill hunger and regular users may experience weight loss. Disturbances in heart rhythm, respiratory failure, and seizures and headaches are some of the many medical consequences of cocaine abuse.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
A constant crave for cocaine is the most visible symptom of cocaine abuse. Restlessness, irritability, and anxiety are common among cocaine abusers. A feeling of depression on withdrawal of the drug has been reported in many cases.
Treatment
Behavioral treatments are proved effective for cocaine addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another successful approach. Therapeutic communities or residential programs are useful in severe addiction cases.
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