Cocaine is one of the world’s most addictive drugs. It is extracted from the coca plant and is distributed in two forms: cocaine hydrochloride and ‘crack’ cocaine, which is cocaine hydrochloride that has been processed with ammonia and water.?
In the short-term, the drug produces bursts of euphoria, a feeling of well-being and power, along with anxiety and restlessness. When these effects wear off, the user will become depressed and lethargic and will be capable of sleeping for several days.?
Cocaine dependency can produce spells of extreme paranoid psychosis, in which the user loses their grasp on reality and experiences auditory hallucinations. Ingesting cocaine can also cause a number of unpleasant bowel disorders including ulcers and gangrene, along with a range of other symptoms including respiratory problems, heart problems, strokes, digestive problems, skin infections and severe allergic reactions.?
The drug works by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is naturally produced in small amounts. Cocaine artificially increases the release of dopamine, by preventing its re-absorption, but the body gradually adapts to the higher level of dopamine, which means the user needs to take ever higher quantities of the drug to produce the desired high.?
Cocaine addicts experience changes in their brain structure, which can lead to unusual or unpredictable behaviour. This behaviour can become more serious and disturbing as the addict seeks ever greater doses, and, along with their deteriorating health, they may place themselves at risk of danger or exploitation. Watching these changes take place can be extremely distressing for the addict’s friends and family.?
It is possible for cocaine addicts to make a fresh start. Addiction is a disease that will worsen over time, but if you seek cocaine addiction treatment from a provider with the expertise to deal with this specific problem, you can make a recovery. Get help today with your cocaine rehab. Call us and book an assessment or arrange a callback, and let us help you free yourself from cocaine addiction and achieve the healthy life that everyone deserves.
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