Cocaine is an extremely addictive substance. While South American Indians have been using the coca plant for thousands of years, it was for ritual and spiritual purposes only. It was through the introduction of cocaine into western culture and the marketing and medical possibilities of its usage, that it first became a recreational drug and a serious economic and social issue. The process of how it is made and the final product of this, bares limited resemblance to the plant. Cocaine is both more intoxicating and less pure than the leaves of the coca plant. The practice of administration enables absorbtion of more of the intoxicating qualities. Instead of chewing the leaves as the Indians do, cocaine is snorted, injected, or smoked. This increases the high, compounds the "crash" of withdrawal, and secures the addiction. Cocaine is also more dangerous because of the process of mixing, or "cutting" it with a variety of substances to achieve a higher yield. These substances range from harmless fillers to toxic poisons. While crack cocaine is even less pure, and more toxic than the salt version, it is also more addictive. It often only takes one "hit" to ensure the development of a dependence because of the powerful force and quickness of the high. Cocaine addiction can lead to a number of fatal injuries and possibility of death. It effects all aspects of the body and the mind, and without treatment could be fatal.
There are a variety of drug rehab options out there for the eradication of cocaine addiction. Despite the power of the drug, it is possible to recover from it's grip. Unlike certain cases of withdrawal from heroin or alcohol, while uncomfortable, the withdrawal from cocaine is not nearly as exhausting or dangerous. There are no tremors, vomiting, seizures, or other physical symptoms during withdrawal. The process, depending upon amount and frequency of use, can take about five to seven days. Symptoms of withdrawal include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, paranoid delusions, irritability, and insomnia. These symptoms often recede shortly after withdrawal, and with counseling, nutrition, and exercise it is not long before the individual will begin to look and to feel healthy. Cocaine addiction treatment has positive results in both out patient and inpatient settings. History of abuse, level of dependence, overall health, physical damage, and psyche of the individual should be evaluated before choosing type of treatment.
Like other drug addictions, the abuse of cocaine develops a multitude of debilitating symptoms. Along with the physical decay of the respiratory, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, cocaine has a negative effect upon the psyche. Depression and anxiety become acute, and paranoia, mood swings, and loss of control and attention begin to be exhibited. Whatever drug rehab is considered should be adequately equipped to deal with these issues. It is also probable that the individual has developed more than one addiction to a variety of drugs. Cocaine is often mixed with alcohol, heroin, speed, marijuana, and tobacco. It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose all the symptoms. Without information and the proper knowledge of the situation it is impossible to formulate a treatment plan that has any hope of being a success.
Recovery from cocaine addiction is possible. Through withdrawal and treatment the desperation and paranoid actions of the addict can be forgotten. In their place is a person well equipped, able, and willing to face life on their own terms.
Source: www.dea.gov
