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Just How Addictive Is Cocaine

Just How Addictive Is Cocaine

Just How Addictive Is Cocaine?

Cocaine addiction centers in the US report that addiction to the stimulant is still a serious problem. Research shows that almost one million Americans met the criteria for cocaine dependence or addiction in 2014. The drug has been glamorized as a party drug for many years despite the fact that it is one of the most dangerous substances on the planet. There are millions of people using cocaine recreationally around the world for its jolting euphoric effect but the fast-acting nature of the drug and the devastating lows experienced once the “high” has passed make it highly addictive.

Many users seek to perpetuate the high cocaine gives and can often take more doses to sustain the sensation. This leads to early dependence and sometimes addiction that has the potential for very damaging consequences, often threatening the lives of users who have lost control of their cravings.

Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of people have been released from the grip of cocaine addiction to go on to live happy and fulfilling lives without drugs. This is most often achieved by attending a cocaine addiction center where the serious and very damaging effects of cocaine abuse can be unraveled in a clinical environment.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant that generally comes in a white power form or crystals which users snort, smoke, inject or ingest. The crystal form of cocaine is known as crack and is a variant of the drug that is even more addictive than the white powder version. Crack is often dirty or contaminated with other chemicals, making it cheap to acquire.

One of the most sinister aspects of all forms of cocaine is that toxic chemicals are used in the manufacturing process and it is very often “cut” with other substances to dilute it to give dealers a better profit. Sometimes cocaine is cut with other white powders like detergents, amphetamines, and silicon and it is virtually impossible for users to detect impurities just by looking at it.

These random substances that serve no purpose but to allow dealers to charge more can sometimes lead to severe medical complications that can even be life-threatening.

Why Is Cocaine Addictive?

Cocaine is generally known to be one of the most habit-forming substances in the world. The second the drug enters the brain by inhaling, smoking or injecting it, the brain’s neurofunction is warped and chemicals are produced to bring about a euphoric sensation. As an individual continues to use cocaine, they are likely to associate positive feelings with taking the drug which leads to them developing cravings. When something stressful happens or they are in a social setting where drug-taking is accepted, cravings can be triggered and the person finds themselves seeking to recreate the euphoria once again.

In a short time of using cocaine, tolerance develops which means a user will take more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. This is when their need to use is beginning to become a compulsion, which characterizes the early stages of addiction illness. With cocaine, tolerance can develop after just a few occasions of use and can uniquely remain in place even if someone hasn’t used for a while. This can lead to a person developing binge behavior and can lead to permanent internal damage and even death.

Is Cocaine Physically Addictive?

Once an individual has become psychologically addicted to cocaine and they repeatedly use to avoid withdrawal, they are at high risk of developing physical dependence which is generally accompanied by very difficult withdrawal symptoms.

The likelihood of someone developing abusive tendencies associated with addiction is increased if they smoke the drug because it is the shortest path to the brain. Those who snort it through a straw are also exposed to the risk of addiction although it may not develop as quickly if they regularly use in this way. However, the rule of thumb is that cocaine addiction develops over the course of about a year if a person is regularly using.

Can Cocaine Dependence and Addiction Be Treated?

Fortunately, the answer to this question is “yes”. Although cocaine addiction can have widespread devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health, there are several approaches to treating the illness that has been shown to be highly effective. Attending a specialist cocaine addiction center is always recommended due to the extremely potent nature of the drug and the fact that it wreaks extensive psychological damage that needs to be reversed.

The best cocaine rehab provides various complementary or alternative therapies in combination with medical treatments for the best chances of long-term sobriety. Despite the fact cocaine can have a significant grip on a person’s life to the extent that they have difficulty functioning at work or school, there is a good chance of achieving a successful recovery.

Admitting there is a problem is the first step in receiving the cocaine rehabilitation a person needs when they have been abusing cocaine for a period of time. The majority of cocaine rehab centers provide 24-hour medical supervision through detox together with fully supported cocaine rehabilitation, with a strong aftercare component to provide continued support in sobriety.

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