Cocaine
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that can be snorted, dissolved in water or injected intravenously. The high from cocaine lasts 30 to 45 minutes. The short-term effects can be quite drastic. Users have reported feelings of euphoria and increased energy, an increased sex drive and stamina, alertness, increased sociability and a loss of appetite. Users might also experience an elevated heart rate and rapid breathing, dilated pupils and profuse sweating. Large doses can even result in chest pains, convulsions, hallucinations and death.
All of these side effects can be scary and change your life negatively. You need to recognize your addiction to cocaine and ensure that you follow through to get the help you need.
Identifying Cocaine Abuse in New Jersey Addicts
Addicts tend to have extreme mood swings and feel very anxious most of the time. They suffer from insomnia, experience extreme weight loss and can have long-lasting problems with their memory. Cocaine users experience extreme highs followed by severe depression and low energy after the drug wears off. Cocaine can be highly addictive because the extreme high-to-crash cycle, drastically altering the behavior of the individual. Identifying the symptoms of cocaine addiction can help you identify when your loved one needs professional drug treatment help. It’s not likely that an addict will recognize these symptoms on their own.
Cocaine Dependency in New Jersey Addicts
The psychological dependency of cocaine is caused by the physical presence of the drug and the alteration of brain biochemistry. Cocaine increases dopamine levels synthetically and the body learns to adjust to the presence of cocaine. This is called tolerance. Because of tolerance, addicts must take more and more of the drug to experience the same effects they did before. Tolerance can lead to a psychological dependency, resulting in the constant desire to consume the drug. Addicts will often spend much of their time seeking out ways to obtain the drug and preparing to use it.
Also, because the brain learns to function in the presence of cocaine, removing cocaine from the body results in insufficient natural brain dopamine levels. This causes severe depression in the user and is one of the symptoms experienced during the withdrawal process. Other symptoms of withdrawal include fatigue, irritability, a loss of appetite (for up to two weeks) followed by severe hunger and the potential for violent behaviors. Withdrawal can be a very difficult time both physically and emotionally for the addict, and professional monitoring through drug detoxification is strongly recommended for anyone going through cocaine withdrawal.
Cocaine Rehab for New Jersey Addicts
If you are a cocaine addict, it may be time for you to consider rehabilitation. Call us toll-free at 1-888-374-5724. Professionals are standing by to help you or your loved.
