Steps2Rehab - Addictions - Cocaine
The substance cocaine is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It works by stimulating the central nervous system and also as an appetite suppressant. Cocaine powder, freebase and crack are all forms of cocaine. They are stimulants with powerful short term effects that work to speed up mental and physical processes..
Common street names for powder cocaine include:
- Coke
- Charlie
- C
- White
- Snow
Common street names for crack cocaine include:
- Rocks
- Wash
- Base
- Freebase
- Pebbles
Cocaine can be administered by:
- Smoking
- Snorting
- Injecting
Freebase and crack cocaine are usually smoked and reach the brain very rapidly. Powder cocaine is usually snorted and is absorbed more slowly into the system. Hence, the effects of freebase or crack cocaine tend to be much stronger and develop into physical addiction quicker than snorted powder cocaine. Injecting cocaine is thought to be the most addictive administration of the drug. However, all forms of cocaine, regardless of method of administration, is highly addictive.
The chances of sporadic use developing into a physical and psychological dependence is high, as the psychological craving for the drug develops rapidly. This is due to changes in the brain which leave the individual to deal with the constant and unrelenting desire to use again. Recent investigations into long term use of cocaine have suggested that long term changes may be made to the central nervous system, highlighting the possibly more physically and mentally damaging effects of cocaine abuse.
Psychological, mental, physical and social problems stemming from cocaine abuse can include:
- Convulsions
- Respiratory and heart failure
- Increased risk of overdosing if used with other drugs or alcohol
- Increased risks for anybody with high blood pressure – chances of having a heart attack are high
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia and panic attacks
- Financial problems - can be an expensive habit to keep
- Decreased sexual desire
- Injecting can put the individual at risk from vein damage ulcers and gangrene, as well as viral infections associated with using needles, I.e. HIV, hepatitis viral infections
- Smoking crack causes damage to the lungs. Breathing problems may result, as well as causing chest pains
In addition to the psychological and mental health risks associated with abusing cocaine, are risks that are directly linked to severe levels of intoxication an individual may experience when 'high'. Over confidence, intense 'come downs', a high proclivity for developing an addiction, depression, anxiety and paranoia, can all contribute to a risk taking lifestyle. Behaviours that would never have been considered outside of cocaine abuse can occur frequently, removing safety and responsibility from the forefront of the addicts mind.
Undoubtedly cocaine addictions cause the individual a wide spread of problems, varying in severity, dependent on multiple factors. However, there is a solution for everyone, and multiple treatment programmes exist ready to help even the most extreme cases get into recovery and stay there.
