Cocaine is a highly addictive illegal drug that comes from the coca plant. It produces temporary feelings of well-being and euphoria, and can, for a time, relieve feelings of depression, dread, or anxiety. It has a direct affect on the brain's "reward" system, and with repeated use, the brain relies on the drug to create those rewarding feelings. Other actions that normally activate the brain's reward system, such as food, water, or sex, stop working and cocaine becomes the only way to obtain the positive feelings.
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In a powdered form, cocaine is usually snorted. Crack is a processed form of the drug that can be smoked, and its affects reach the brain faster, making it even more addictive.
As with other drugs, as the body adapts to the
substance, more and more is required in order to maintain the feelings
of pleasure and euphoria. As tolerance levels increase, so too do
feelings of depression and other side effects when not high. People who
are addicted or abuse the drug then return to cocaine use to alleviate
these symptoms, and a negative cycle occurs. It is very difficult for
someone who is addicted to cocaine to stop using it. In addition to
requiring more and more of the drug, people who are addicted to cocaine
will often neglect other people, interests, or responsibilities in
order to get high. They may have tried to quit unsuccessfully, or may
return to using the drug after being off for a time.
Both short-term and long-term use can damage one's health. Long-term
effects of cocaine use include addiction, paranoia, irritability,
restlessness, auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not
there), and mood disorders. Cocaine addiction is physical as well as
psychological. This means that there are physical symptoms of
withdrawal in addition to emotional ones. These can include depression,
restlessness and insomnia, anorexia, fatigue, irritability, psychiatric
disorders, and intense cravings for the drug.
Treatment includes addressing any physical complications as a result of
cocaine use and complete abstinence from the drug. Remaining drug free
is a lifelong process. Treatment options include support groups such as
Narcotics Anonymous, counseling, and other in- and out-patient
treatment options. A professional can help a person deal with the
withdrawal symptoms.
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