How to Quit Cocaine
Cocaine — commonly known as crack, rock, or coke — is an addictive and widely abused stimulant drug. This article details the effects of cocaine, how to discern whether someone is an addict, and which steps to take in order to recover from cocaine addiction.
Signs of Cocaine Use
Cocaine addicts often share the following symptoms, among others:
- Weight loss
- Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Runny nose
- Perspiration, chills, or increased body temperature
- Tremors or hyperactivity
- Nausea
- Weakened immune system
If a loved one is displaying signs of cocaine addiction, do not hesitate to contact a cocaine – crack rehab center. The majority of the effects of cocaine addiction are more easily solved through professional treatment than at-home methods.
Reasons to Quit
Cocaine overstimulates the sympathetic and central nervous systems, manifesting in such symptoms as paranoia, restlessness, irritability, and hallucinations. Physically, long-term (and even short-term) use of the drug can lead to gastrointestinal complications, high blood pressure, blood vessel narrowing, and heart attacks. It can also damage the user's sense of smell if the drug is snorted or breathing complications if it is smoked. Serious illnesses including HIV can be contracted if cocaine is taken through injections. The adverse health effects of cocaine abuse can easily seep into a user's daily life, leading to such struggles as erratic behavior, strained relationships, and money problems.
Methods of Quitting
Many issues that accompany cocaine addiction are unsolvable without proper medical treatment. However, there are several vital steps that an addict can take to begin their journey towards recovery. The first course of action is for the individual to stop using cocaine and its accompanying drugs completely. Withdrawal symptoms, which can include craving and depression, will occur and eventually dissipate as the user continues to abstain from the drug. Increased water intake and over-the-counter cough medications can aid the recovering addict while their abuse symptoms subside.
There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine abuse. Researchers are testing various drugs that have the potential to be successful in treating these cases, but current addicts must recover through other means. Behavioral interventions and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be prescribed.
Summary
Cocaine is a viciously addictive substance that can lead to dangerous outcomes. Fortunately, treatment exists that allows individuals to be successful in overcoming their addiction. Learning how to quit cocaine and contacting a cocaine – crack rehab center can help change a user's path of deadly addiction back to one of positive health.
Sources
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cocaine_abuse/article_em.htm#Cocaine Abuse Overview
http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/cocaine.html
http://www.cocaine-effects.com/
http://www.addictionca.com/signs-of-cocaine-use.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000947.htm
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