Cocaine Addiction
The Long Term Effects Of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is one of the most
widely used drugs throughout the world. It is found in two forms, powdered
cocaine and crack cocaine. Crack cocaine, or more commonly just known as crack,
is smoked while powdered cocaine can be used in many different ways including
orally, being inhaled, by injection and as a topical application. Both forms
have a very high rate of dependency and users find that they require more and
more of the substance to get a high over time, increasing the very real risk of
overdose and serious health complications with use.
In the United Kingdom,
despite the significant penalty of up to a lifetime in prison for supplying or
up to 7 years for possession, the use of cocaine continues to be common. It is
estimated that cocaine is the second most common drug of choice behind cannabis
in all age groups. Over 800 000 individuals are estimated to be users, with the
most common age group using cocaine being the 16-19 year-olds. About 300,000 of
those using are between the ages of 16 and 24. Crack use is significantly less
with an estimated 181,000 throughout the UK.
Cocaine can, for some
individuals, be highly addictive even within just a few uses. New studies of
cocaine users completed in Germany found that specific gene variants are found
more frequently, about 25% more often, in people with a cocaine addiction than
those that reported using cocaine socially without an addiction issue.
The Dependency Issue
The reason that cocaine is
so addictive for many people is because of the nature of the changes it has on
the brain and its immediate effects. This is true whether it is smoked, snorted
or injected. It enters the blood and travels to the brain where it stops the
"feel-good" chemicals in the brain being re-absorbed. This overload
of naturally occurring brain chemicals that cannot be balanced leads to the
feelings of euphoria and happiness, self-confidence and the ability to
accomplish anything that are reported with use.
As the brain tries to
balance the chemicals and reabsorb them as in normal functioning, the entire
brain chemistry changes. The user needs to consume more and more cocaine per
use to get that same feeling of being on top of the world.
In turn, coming down from
the high results in more significant symptoms. These include feelings of
depressions and despondency, exhaustion and fatigue, anxiety, paranoia and
irritability. In all, it is not pleasant and the addicts first impulse, and one
they will act on if possible, is to use more cocaine to get back to that good
feeling.
Serious Side Effects
Besides destroying lives,
careers and relationships the use of cocaine on a regular basis and with
increasing frequency or amounts results in serious health risks. These issues
can include seizures and strokes, heart attacks and arrhythmia, lung and sinus
damage, and digestive problems that can include ulcers and perforations.
Admitting there is an
addiction is the first step in seeking help in recovery. It is possible to
successfully end a cocaine addiction with counselling, rehabilitation by
finding a strong support network for life.
Posted by: Philippe Jacquet