About Cocaine

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant derived from the cocoa plant which grows mainly in Peru and Bolivia. Cocaine is one of the oldest narcotics and has been used in the medical field to treat illness and also used as an anesthetic. Cocaine effects the brain creating intense feelings of euphoria for the user and this intense feeling creates the addiction. Even though the debate still rages on as to whether cocaine creates physical dependence, there is no debate about the psychological addiction resulting from cocaine abuse.

Cocaine has been one of the most widely abused narcotics in the history of our society, especially with the cocaine boom in the 80’s and 90’s. While admissions to addiction treatment centers have recently been on the decline for cocaine abuse, it is still a very powerful stimulant being abused by millions of Americans. Cocaine, while derived from the cocoa plant is usually diluted with cornstarch, sugar, or talcum power to increase the amount of sellable product for dealers, increasing profit.

Cocaine is sold in one of two forms. It can be found as a fine white powder (cocaine hydrochloride) which users either snort or mix with water and inject intravenously. There is also a form of cocaine commonly referred to as freebase or crack, which is produced by mixing cocaine hydrochloride and baking soda, then mixing that with water and heating. This process creates a solid form of cocaine which is then cut into “rocks”, suitable for smoking through a pipe. The crack form of cocaine provides the user with an intense rush of euphoria, and usually effects the user much more rapidly than cocaine hydrochloride that is snorted. This makes crack more addictive than cocaine, but by no means minimalizes the addictive effects of cocaine. During the big cocaine boom of the 80’s and 90’s, the demand for the drug was overwhelming and since then, the different substances to mix with cocaine hydrochloride vary from location to location. This variation makes the street sale of cocaine dangerous since the buyer will have no way of knowing what he may be getting in the cocaine. This lack of knowledge can prove to be very dangerous for addicts.

Effects of Cocaine

When cocaine enters the body and hits the brain, it has varying effects on the user, both physical and psychological. The physical symptoms a cocaine addict will experience are raised blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased appetite, increased temperature, and dilated pupils (eyes look like black holes). Some of the psychological effects can be feelings of euphoria, mental alertness, paranoia, and illusions of invincibility. Once cocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream, users will feel more uninhibited and impulsive. Often, first time users will experience these symptoms with increased intensity since they have not yet developed a tolerance to cocaine. The increased intensity of the first cocaine rush will never be reached again throughout cocaine use, even though it is this intense feeling cocaine addicts try to experience every time they get high. Because of the increased heart rate and blood pressure, some users experience cardiac arrest, which can sometimes lead to death. Many people erroneously believe cocaine use is does not have fatal overdose potential, but the truth of the matter is that cocaine is a very dangerous drug. It is not just the physical effects of cocaine abuse that are dangerous, but also the life choices made once under the influence of cocaine. Many addicts engage in dangerous social and sexual activity under the influence of cocaine. Millions of cocaine addicts steal and commit immoral acts to obtain money for cocaine, as it is still a relatively expensive drug. Cocaine addicts experience very low crashes when the cocaine high wears off, sending many into depression and an intense state of aggravation. As with most drugs, the crash or withdrawal is the part of using that keeps addicts motivated to continue their drug use. While there has not been any noticeable physical withdrawal symptoms, the craving for cocaine is overwhelming when it is absent in the brain.

Effects of Crack

The effects of crack are similar to effects of cocaine, but the main difference between the two drugs is the speed of the effects in the system. When crack cocaine is smoked, it usually takes less than 20 seconds to reach the brain, giving the user a rapid, intense feeling of euphoria. This high usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes, leaving the user craving more crack to maintain the high and feelings of grandiosity and pleasure. When a crack user crashes after the effects have diminished, feelings of anxiety, irritation, and depression set in, making the craving for more crack overwhelming. Thus, the crack addiction has taken effect. Crack cocaine addicts generally experience more social ease, feeling talkative, energetic, impulsive, and more hyper-sensitive to light and sound. Although the seemingly positive effects of crack cocaine use are euphoric, there are many negative side effects of abusing this substance. Crack cocaine addicts experience agitation and become argumentative. Crack also causes paranoia, poor judgment, extreme weight loss, and a myriad of physical problems, including increased heart rate and temperature, which can lead to heart attack and seizures.

As it is with cocaine hydrochloride, crack cocaine also makes the withdrawal process very uncomfortable for the addict. Without the presence of crack cocaine, the addict will feel depression, anxiety, irritability, and severe cravings for more crack. The physical symptoms of withdrawal do not cause medical concern like those of alcohol, heroin, and certain prescription drugs, but while in withdrawal crack cocaine addicts will experience such intense cravings and feelings of depression that suicide is a serious concern and often these addicts need to be monitored during this process to ensure their own safety and prevent relapse.

Treatment for Crack and Cocaine Addiction

Generally the treatment process for crack and cocaine is no different than treatment for most other drugs. The thing that separates crack and cocaine addictions from heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug addictions is the detox or withdrawal process. This process is defined as the removal of the substance from the body and it is vital to the recovery process. Virtually all addiction treatment centers require the detoxification process to take place before treatment can begin. The most important part of the treatment process is complete commitment to sobriety from the addict. Addiction treatment can be the best in the world, but success cannot be achieved unless the addict truly wants help and is dedicated to recovery.

Once an addict has the motivation to get help, it is important to check into the varying kinds of addiction treatment centers throughout the world to see which one is appropriate for each individual need and circumstance. Addiction treatment is an investment and it is imperative to check into various centers to see what types of rehab programs are offered and what will work best, to avoid having to make another investment in the future. Having the information about addiction and exploring the most effective ways to treat this disease are key in the recovery process. Please explore the rest of our links and if there are any concerns about your own or someone else’s drug use, please fill out our free confidential assessment form and we will be right back with you to discuss your situation and the best possible treatment methods for you. We are here to help and if there is anyway at all that we may be able to further assist you in seeking help, please feel free to call us anytime day or night.