Is Cocaine Addictive?

What Is Cocaine?

It is a highly addictive drug which is a strong stimulant and recreational drug by nature. It is a purified form of a chemical called cocaine hydrochloride. Earlier, in the 1900s, cocaine was used as medical anaesthetics for major injuries and operations. Later, it was banned or used rarely due to its addictive nature.

How Do People Get Addicted?

It reaches fast to the central nervous system when it is snorted/injected /smoked by an individual. As a result, it releases a high level of dopamine in the brain (Dopamine- The chemical that makes an individual feel motivated-reward-satisfied). At that mean period of time- the individual might feel a high energy, increased confidence, over-talkativeness and extremely excited. Frequent use of cocaine might make an individual feel the intense craving. Later, this craving turns into dependence and eventually makes the individual addicted.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Addiction-

Long and short-term health effects of cocaine abuse-

Short-term effects:

• Excessive sensitivity to touch and sound
• Extreme happiness
• Violence/aggression/ irritability
• Paranoid/ hallucinations
• Change in appetite

Long-term effects:

• Severe headaches
• Convulsions and seizures
• Heart attack/ Stroke/ Heart failure
• Mood swings
• Sexual problems
• Lungs damage
• Snorting causing loss of smell/ Nosebleeds/ Runny nose/ Trouble in swallowing

Effects of Cocaine Addiction-

As per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) cocaine has some critical effects and behavioural changes in the body that includes:

1. Tolerance-

Frequent practice of drug builds a high tolerance in an individual’s body. As a result, the individual develops resilience and withstands to the drug dosage level which gave him pleasure earlier. Further, this loop goes on in a repeat mode.

• Withdrawal-

When the individual tries to cut down or halt cocaine consumption, he/she experiences withdrawal symptoms such as aggression, depression, restlessness, sleep issues and many more.

• Loss of control-

Due to the desire to consume the drug, the individual tends to lose the control over their life. Eventually, they might fail to fulfil their roles and responsibilities both personally and professionally.

• Obsessive thoughts-

The person might always be preoccupied with the thoughts of the substance. In some cases, they spend more time even a full day thinking about it or trying to achieve/ abuse it.

• Behavioural change-

There will be a drastic change in the person/ behaviour in terms of both socially and occupationally. Furthermore, major changes might be occurring in their appetite and daily activities.

How do you know if someone is consuming cocaine

These cues help to identify if your loved one is consuming cocaine.

• White powder debris around the nose or mouth.
• Needle marks in the body.
• Burn marks on hands/ lips.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Mood swings.
• High risk-taking behaviours.
• A runny nose and/or frequent nosebleeds.
• Financial problems.
• Social isolation.

Cocaine highness might leave the body very quickly, which is the reason it has been taken in a binge pattern. Binge activity makes the individual take the dosage back to back. Eventually, the individual might end-up with dependence and latter addiction. Before it takes a toll on the body, start the treatment procedures as soon as possible. Remember prevention is better than the cure. Reach out to Cadabam’s the best cocaine addiction treatment center in Bangalore, India. Make an appointment, we are just a call ahead, call us @ +91 96111 94949.