While immersed in my drug addiction, I did everything I could to ignore the effects. I didn’t want to believe that I was an addict, but as time went on I couldn’t quite shake the constant unease in my stomach. I knew what I was doing to my mind and body; I didn’t need anyone to tell me that I was slowly destroying my health.
You know – as well as I knew then – that cocaine use is horrible. You don’t need me to preach to you about all the awful things you are doing, but as my heart aches for you, I am going to tell you anyway. I justified my decision to continually use drugs by convincing myself that the only person I was hurting was myself. How wrong I was. While cocaine does a number on your health, it hurts in so many other areas of your life too. If you are still thinking about cocaine, here are 5 reasons you need to stop.
It Will or Has Already Financially Destroyed You
Cocaine is addicting. As the hunger inside you grows, you will not only need it more often, but you will need larger amounts every time to reach the feeling you crave. It costs money to reach that high. At first you feel in control. After all, it is like spending money on a couple of drinks or a night out on the town; sure it has a price tag, but it is all just for fun right? Wrong! That little night of cocaine use slowly gets out of hand, and soon you are sacrificing in other areas of life to pay for more “fun.” I don’t know where you are at now, but soon you will miss rent and car payments. Heck, maybe you will sell your car and move in with someone all for the sake of needing more cocaine. You will lose your job and financial security. You will give up almost anything for something that is worth nothing. There were days when I needed my drug so bad that I sacrificed buying groceries for a few more days. It will get worse; you could become homeless, jobless, and begging on the corner for more cocaine money.
You Have and Will Continue to Lose People You Care About
Moments will arise where you will have to choose between cocaine and a relationship, and you will choose cocaine. It will be your only friend, if you can call it that. As your money disappears, the temptation to use those around you will surface. You might “borrow” or even steal from friends and family for a few more days of cocaine. Lies, hiding, and personality changes will hurt those closest to you. I was embarrassed of my addiction, and in an attempt to conceal it from family, I lied. The lies grew and grew, along with my continual absence. Too busy feeding my addiction, I missed important days and moments that I will never get to experience. I still cringe at the pain I caused; if only I could take back those years. When you realize how selfish cocaine is and the excruciating pain it causes others, you can find the strength to throw it away.
It Will Wreck Your Body
This isn’t new to you, at least it shouldn’t be. Cocaine hurts the heart as it increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and puts you at risk for heart disease or a heart attack. It can cause ulcers, nasal perforation, strokes, kidney failure, and seizures. Every time you use, you put yourself in danger of serious health problems and even death.
You Will Mentally Suffer
The chemicals in your brain are not meant to be played with, and after blocking the production of critical hormones and chemicals, your mind will act out. Paranoia, hallucinations, irritability, panic, erratic thoughts, and even cocaine psychosis can occur. While most of these are only temporary, the more you play with this dangerous drug, the longer the effects can last.
You Will Become Someone Else
Go take a peek in the mirror. Is the person you see staring back at you, the person you want to be? It is even you? Drugs change your personality, and it is not for the better. When I look back on the person I was while doing drugs, it is like looking at a stranger. I was not me; my heart and soul were trapped in a monstrous body. The only way you can truly be you is by freeing your mind and body from the control of cocaine. It is time to stop and live the life you were meant to have.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: ePi.Longo (Flickr)
