Cocaine was labeled as a very popular drug in the 1980s and 1990s, but still remains popular in today’s society. It sells on the street as two chemical forms. One is the crystalline powder form and its mixed crack-cocaine base. This form comes in “rock” form and is smoked by users. It has been processed using such additives and baking soda and ammonia. This emerged as a major epidemic in more urbanized areas of the country in the 1980s but remains a major problem among all demographics. Because of this, the need for cocaine addiction rehab continues to increase.
Why Choose Cocaine Addiction Rehab
Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant, that’s synthetically derived from the coca leaf. This plant is native to such South American countries as Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. Users tend to snort, inject, or smoke the substance. It goes by the common street names of “coke,” “blow” or the “white girl.” It’s typically sold as a fine white powder and most often is diluted by suppliers, using other similar-looking additives. In fact, it currently holds the label as a Schedule II drug. This means it has a very high potential for abuse but has served some use in modern medicine as a local analgesic. Drug addiction rehab can help users conquer their abuse of the drug. Without this help, stoping the use of cocaine can be almost impossible.
How Does It Work in the Brain?
Like with other drugs, cocaine addiction results from the effect that cocaine has on the brain. It’s a powerful central nervous system stimulant and induces intense feelings of grandiosity and euphoria in users. It increases levels of the brain’s pleasure chemical, dopamine. Typically, dopamine releases in response to potential rewards. The causes of this can include the feelings one gets from eating food, sex or doing other enjoyable activities. After it’s release, it enters back into the cell that released it. Cocaine prevents the dopamine from being recycled, which amplifies the dopamine signal and interrupts regular brain communication. This flood of dopamine is what causes cocaine’s euphoric high.
After they have been abusing cocaine for a prolonged period of time, they will eventually build up a tolerance and may feel incapable of feeling the same high as they did before from the drug. This heightens the risk for other adverse physical and psychological side effects from using cocaine. As the level of tolerance grows, the need for cocaine addiction rehab grows as well.
Long-Term Effects
- Cardiorespiratory problems (heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes)
- Deteriorated tissue in the nose
- Permanent damage to the the blood vessels or the brain and heart
- Skin infections or abscesses (if injected)
- Severe tooth decay
Behavioral Symptoms
- Extreme talkativeness
- Mood swings
- Violence
- Abandonment of interests
- Increased energy
- Restlessness
Physical Symptoms
- Insomnia
- No sense of smell
- Dramatic weight loss
- Constantly runny or bloody nose (if snorted)
- Dilated pupils
- Inability to eat
If you think cocaine addiction rehab is right for you, turn to Morningside Recovery. Call us at 855-416-8202 or head to our Contact page for our online form.
“It’s not just a drug or alcohol facility, it’s so much more than that. The way you learn to take care of yourself is hands-on. They don’t just throw information at you. It’s a learning experience if you really want it.” – Morningside Alumni