People typically don’t anticipate becoming addicted to cocaine when they try it for the first time. They may think of it as nothing more than a fun party drug. Peer pressure and other conditions may cause them to lower their normal boundaries. However, they may find themselves dealing with a cocaine addiction that impacts most aspects of their life. Red Oak Recovery® provides treatment options for people who need help overcoming cocaine addiction. Call our team today at 866.457.7590 for support in your addiction recovery.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug. It comes from the coca plant found in South America. Many common remedies and elixirs from the earlier 20th century contained cocaine. It was also popular for doctors to use as a local anesthetic. However, once its addictive properties became more widely known, using cocaine in any way other than for approved medical purposes became illegal in the U.S.
Cocaine stimulates your central nervous system. The impacts of cocaine are often felt quickly but can wear off just as fast. The overall effect it has on you depends on the form in which you take it. Some people prefer snorting or injecting it as a powder. Others prefer using a crystallized form called crack cocaine. It is heated and smoked through a glass pipe or other instrument to speed up the effects.
What Causes Cocaine Addiction?
One of the most common cocaine effects is the feelings of euphoria it causes. That “high” often makes people want to use the drug again. However, most people quickly come down from those emotional highs, leading to a quick “crash” where you start feeling withdrawal symptoms.
How long the impacts of cocaine last depend on the purity of the product the person is using. Most drug manufacturers mix cocaine with other substances like caffeine or benzocaine. They may also combine it with other drugs like methamphetamine, which can be addictive on its own.
You may be more prone to developing an addiction to cocaine if you have a family history of addiction. People with underlying mental health disorders may use cocaine or other drugs to manage their illness symptoms. People can also be drawn into a cocaine addiction by using cocaine in a social setting.
What Are the Side Effects of Cocaine?
Ongoing cocaine use can lead to you developing a tolerance for the drug. That often prompts people to consume larger doses of the drug in one sitting in an attempt to replicate previous highs. Ongoing cocaine use can change the chemical make-up of your brain. It sends signals to the rest of your body that it can’t function unless you provide it with more cocaine. That can lead to constant cravings and an obsession with finding more drugs.
Some people develop health problems tied to their cocaine use, including:
- Losing their sense of smell
- Nosebleeds caused by the deterioration of the nasal cavity
- Problems with swallowing
- Coughing or other persistent respiratory issues
- Contracting blood diseases through needle sharing
The fear of going through withdrawal symptoms often keeps people from trying to stop their cocaine use. However, you could be putting yourself at risk of an overdose if you do not get treatment for your cocaine addiction. You may also end up with long-term psychological impacts that may be permanent.
Find Help at Red Oak Recovery®
Red Oak Recovery® offers a therapeutic environment that promotes whole-body healing. Individuals seeking treatment for cocaine addiction or other disorders can benefit from the empathetic, evidence-based approach our facility takes to substance use treatment. We offer a variety of programs and services, including:
It’s crucial to educate yourself about different treatment options to make an informed choice as you start your path to recovery. Learn more by contacting Red Oak Recovery® at calling 866.457.7590.
