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Help With Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is one of the most abused illicit drugs worldwide, and millions of people each day abuse or are addicted to some form of cocaine. It is one of the most addictive drugs available, and induces a nearly incomparable high. Users can become addicted to cocaine after just one use, as is often the case. Once someone abuses cocaine and becomes addicted, they will most often have a constant urge to seek out and use the drug at all costs. There are many sad cases of individuals losing all self worth and forsaking all moral values just to get more of the drug. This of course results in many person and social consequences which can affect someone for the rest of their lives, or even take their lives in the end.

Cocaine addiction can be extremely difficult to overcome because of the extreme dependence that develops so quickly. As stated above, cocaine produces an extreme sense of euphoria and pleasure. This intense high, that is almost unrivaled, is caused by the drug's effects on certain brain chemicals which regulate pleasure and reward. The body cannot produce these levels of pleasure on its own, and soon begins to rely on the cocaine stimulated pleasure for any pleasure at all. So when someone stops taking cocaine, their body and minds respond with both physical and psychological cravings for the drug which an individual can very easily give into. This is what propels them to seek out and use more of the drug no matter what they have to do to get it, or who they hurt in the process. This is how the cycle of cocaine addiction begins; a cycle which can be virtually endless if the individual doesn't get help to stop it.

For example, individuals who abuse and are addicted to cocaine will often go on cocaine binges which can last for several hours or even days. When the cocaine has run out and the binge ends, users will almost immediately experience a "crash". This crash along with intense drug craving is a driving force to seek out and use more cocaine as soon as possible, to avoid these negative effects. These negative effects are typically known as cocaine withdrawal, which often results in anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability, paranoia, exhaustion, insomnia and even physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. While these symptoms are not life threatening for the most part, there are instances of individuals crashing so hard as part of cocaine withdrawal that they become depressed to the point of suicide. Worse yet, if they take cocaine again and take too much in an attempt to achieve a significant high they may overdose on the drug which can result in many negative side effects and even death. Because cocaine is a stimulant, there is always a chance of this due to the fact the stimulants affect important systems in the body including heart rate and blood pressure.

An individual attempting to kick a cocaine habit on their own may try to do so with the best of intentions, but most will fail and may even turn to other substances of abuse such as alcohol, sedatives, and anti-anxiety medications to treat their symptoms and ease cravings. However, this is just another form of substance abuse and does not address the real problem at all. Individuals who are addicted to cocaine should seek the help of trained treatment professionals at a drug rehab which has a proven record of treating such addiction issues. For example, inpatient and residential drug rehab programs which require a stay of at least 3 months, and even up to a year in some cases, are going to be an individual's best chance at overcoming cocaine addiction. The craving and depression that an individual experiences as a result of cocaine addiction can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy use of the drug, so it important that anyone attempting to stop using cocaine receive the support and professional supervision they need during their rehabilitation.

Treating cocaine addiction can sometimes involve many weeks and even months of education, counseling and intense therapy to uncover and address the underlying causes of addiction issues. There are many effective drug rehab programs which can help individuals through this process. While treatment will be an arduous process that requires a dedicated effort on the part of the client and treatment staff, cocaine addiction can be overcome and resolved for good. Contact a drug rehab program in your area to receive help for you or someone you know who may be struggling with cocaine addiction.

Facts

  • Death is a possible consequence of barbiturate withdrawal if the condition is left untreated.
  • Some private and employer-subsidized health plans provide coverage for drug rehab and its medical consequences.
  • Methadone often takes 20 to 24 hours to leave the body once it's been taken, but this can vary from person to person.
  • Methadone maintenance treatment is a multi-billion dollar global industry which is very profitable for drug companies and clinics.