SYMPTOMS OF COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine is a dangerous drug, the effect of which is very strong, because it occurs after a few minutes after taking it. This substance causes a state of euphoria and increases self-confidence. Nevertheless, the effects of the drug last very short, about 30 minutes. Therefore, relatively quickly, right after a significant improvement in well-being, there is a drop in mood, which is severe and prompts you to take more doses of the drug.

It should be pointed out that some people are somehow more susceptible to the effects of the drug, and therefore the effects of withdrawal are more severe for them. And addiction to them can happen even after taking one dose of the drug. So what are the symptoms of cocaine addiction, how to recognize the addiction? It should be pointed out that cocaine is a drug that has a very strong effect on the central nervous system.

The typical symptoms of cocaine use are:

• state of euphoria
• joy and contentment,
• talkativeness and the desire to make new acquaintances,
• reducing the feeling of physical and mental fatigue,
• a strong need for emotional contact with people,
• sexual arousal.

In addition, cocaine use is associated with changes in appearance, including dilated pupils and runny nose (when used through the nose). There is also usually insomnia, associated with a significant increase in energy and willingness to act, which are caused by the effect of the drug. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that the above symptoms are characteristic of the first phase of cocaine addiction.

However, with entering the next phases of addiction and the development of subsequent stages of addiction, the perceived pleasant, euphoric states change. The expected state of contentment and euphoria is occupied by feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety and irritability. It should be pointed out that cocaine has a destructive effect on all activities of an addicted person’s life. The addictive potential of this drug is very strong, so it is impossible to get out of the addiction on your own. For this reason, it is necessary to implement addiction treatment in specialized facilities dealing with detox and addiction therapy.

THE EFFECTS OF COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine causes strong mental and physical dependence, which makes it play a dominant role in the addicted person’s life. The addictive potential of cocaine is very high, therefore the overarching goal of the activity is to get more doses of the drug and get high. Desperate attempts to get more doses of the drug induce drug addicts to criminal acts, such as theft, burglary or assault.

It should therefore be emphasized that cocaine abuse leads to a number of changes in the proper functioning of the body and contributes to the development of many diseases. It is worth pointing out at this point that even irregular use of cocaine promotes the development of serious complications. The most common effects of cocaine addiction include mood disorders, anxiety, delusions and sleep disorders. In addition, long-term drug use can cause seizures, muscle tremors, motor stereotypies, headaches, stroke, kidney and liver damage.

People who use cocaine may also experience nosebleeds, fits of rage and aggression, disturbances of consciousness, hypothermia, post-cocaine psychosis (formations) as well as depression and anhedonia. It is worth emphasizing that cocaine has a strong effect on the circulatory system. It causes an increase in blood pressure, tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Importantly, in the case of cocaine, it is very easy to get poisoned and overdose, which pose a threat to the health and life of the addict.

HOW TO TREAT COCAINE ADDICTION?

Treating cocaine addiction is very difficult. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome appear after discontinuation or significant reduction of doses of the drug. The occurrence of unpleasant ailments forces the addict to take more doses of cocaine. For this reason, it is almost impossible to recover from addiction on your own.

Cocaine addiction treatment involves detoxing the body of toxic substances. This stage of treatment takes place in a hospital or a specialized addiction treatment center, as it requires constant monitoring of the patient’s health and vital functions to prevent a drug collapse. In addition, pharmacological treatment is often necessary.

Drugs, depending on the patient’s condition, are administered to relieve pain, lower blood pressure or have a sedative effect. In addition, the drugs are aimed at eliminating the unpleasant feeling of strong drug craving and alleviating psychosis-like symptoms caused by cocaine. After detoxification of the body, it is necessary to start the next stage of treatment, which is psychotherapy in individual and group form.

HOW TO HELP A COCAINE ADDICTION?

Getting out of drug addiction is extremely difficult and long-lasting. That is why it is very important to help in getting out of addiction. For this reason, people from the closest environment should provide support (read more about intervention) and understanding to the sick and encourage them to start treatment. It is important to understand addiction as a disease over which the addict has no control or influence.