What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is an illegal stimulant which has been in use for numerous years. This drug gives its users such strong effects because it blocks dopamine from being reabsorbed into the brain, causing distortion of the body’s movement and pleasure. Coca leaves are what this drug is derived from.
Almost immediately after taking cocaine, its effects begin to take place. Effects of cocaine can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. This is determined by the amount taken, how it was taken and by the drug’s purity. Typically, those who take cocaine experience feelings of euphoric happiness and an increase in energy.
Today in the U.S., cocaine is the most popularly used drug. Due to this popularity, numerous cocaine rehab treatment centers are available for anyone seeking drug treatment for cocaine abuse and addiction. Popular street names for this drug include coke, C, happy dust, flake, blow and snow.
How is Cocaine used?
Cocaine can be injected, smoked or snorted. The most common form is probably smoked cocaine. The drug can also be rubbed onto mucous tissues to produce similar effects.
Freebase is a form of cocaine that is smoked. This form of cocaine creates a sudden, intense high, but is extremely dangerous. Crack is a form of freebase that is also smoked. The use of crack is just as dangerous as freebase and is becoming more and more popular because it is inexpensive.
Effects of Cocaine
Long-term effects of cocaine use include:
- Irritability
- Heart attack
- Respiratory complications
- Stroke
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Bronchitis
- Pregnancy complications
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Malnourishment
Cocaine is both a physically and psychologically addictive drug. In many cases of cocaine use, dosage must be increased with use to achieve the same effect first given. This tolerance can lead to overdose in severe cases. For those seeking drug treatment, cocaine rehab facilities are available.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiousness
- Extreme cravings
- Depression
- Sweating
- Thoughts of suicide
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Anger
- Muscle soreness
- Shaking
- Reduction of energy
Withdrawal symptoms occur when cocaine users quickly stop using the drug. The length of time withdrawal symptoms occur varies depending on the person and the frequency and amount of cocaine they were used to taking. Cocaine addiction treatment is available for those who seek recovery for their cocaine use.
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