Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant found in South America. Also known as “coke”, “snow” or “blow”, it is either snorted, injected or smoked. Consumption of cocaine produces feelings of intense euphoria, high energy, and improved confidence.
Cocaine was introduced in the United States in the mid-19th century as an anesthetic. Gradually, its use evolved and people started using the substance recreationally. The social, physical, and psychological impact the substance had on users made the government classify it as a drug and introduce anti-cocaine laws that came into effect by 1930 leading to its prohibition.
Cocaine, after extraction from the coca plant, is mixed with salts like hydrochloric acid (HCL), lidocaine or benzocaine that mimic its numbing effects. Before being sold on the streets, it is further adulterated with baking soda or lactose to increase its weight. Basis its extraction process, cocaine can range from anything from a white crumbly substance, to a pure white fine powder, to a hard or oily crystal known as “crack cocaine”.
Symptoms of Cocaine Use
Cocaine increases the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine is known for regulating the brain’s reward and pleasure centers and a high level of dopamine disturbs this balance making one feel unusually happy. Owing to its perceived positive effects on an individual’s mood and energy levels, cocaine has become one of the most widely abused illicit drugs in the United States.
Cocaine is an addictive substance prone to dependence. The symptoms of cocaine abuse include:
- Hyperactivity
- Common cold
- Reduced inhibition
- Increased enthusiasm
- Lack of concentration
- Increased alertness causing agitation
- Muscle spasms and involuntary movements
Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Long-term cocaine abuse can lead to permanent physical and mental damage. Some of the common short-term effects of cocaine use are:
- Nausea
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
- Violent behavior
- Hyperstimulation
- Reduced appetite
- Panic and psychosis
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Constricted blood vessels
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Convulsions, seizures, and death from overdosing
Long-term cocaine effects include:
- Psychosis
- Severe depression
- Respiratory failure
- Severe tooth decay
- Disorientation and confusion
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Extreme irritability and mood swings
- Malnutrition owing to loss of appetite
- Irreversible tissue damage in nose if snorted
- Damage to organs like liver, kidney, and lungs
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of the heart and brain
- Inability to enjoy sexual life, infertility, and reproductive damage
- Perpetual high blood pressure, leading to stroke or heart attacks
- Increased risk of developing infectious diseases like HIV and Hep C
- Death due to cardiac arrest and suffocation
Drug Addiction Treatment for Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine has a direct impact on the parts of the brains that regulate mood and pleasure. Because of this, continued use of this drug, increases tolerance, which in turn, leads to addiction. However, cocaine addiction is treatable.
Our partner’s detoxification and cocaine addiction treatment have a high success rate, making us and our partners the leaders in cocaine addiction treatment. Their substance abuse program is designed after understanding the social, medical, and neurobiological aspects of a patient’s cocaine use to ensure effective and lasting drug recovery.
The brain wellness program at Invictus Health Group’s partner’s state-of-the-art behavioral treatment center helps the medical staff find cognitive deficits the patient might suffer from.Conversely, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the patients break and negate the false and unconstructive thoughts that they come to believe about themselves. Both these are aimed to target addiction as well as the underlying cause that led to it.
Invictus Health Group and Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction treatment at Invictus Health Group’s partners focus on three main points, which are:
- Research backed and comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs
- Customized intervention program for each patient
- Continued care services after completion of treatment
An addiction develops due to certain underlying causes. The medical team at Invictus Health Group’s partnering treatment facilities determines these causes, be it a mental or behavioral disorder or trauma. After this, both the addiction and the causes are addressed simultaneously to promote long-lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is battling a cocaine addiction, get in touch with Invictus Health Group at 866-548-0190 and connect with an admission specialist at the earliest. Our trained staff will guide you through the admission process ensuring a smooth start to your journey to recovery. You can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.
