How You Use Cocaine Determines How It Damages Your Body

There are different ways to use cocaine, and those different ways impact your body differently. Cocaine is most commonly found in a powdered form which is snorted through the nose. Crack cocaine is a mixture of cocaine and baking powder which creates a rock formation that is smoked. Cocaine can also be used by freebasing it, or mixing it with a strong alkali, before injecting or smoking the drug. When cocaine is snorted, it erodes the tissue in the nose and can lead to cancer. The damage cocaine causes to your nose is irreversible and will change your appearance forever. Crack cocaine is extremely damaging to the lungs. Freebasing can lead to the transmission of deadly diseases, circulatory problems and instant death. Mixing cocaine with alcohol or other drugs like ecstasy or LSD is hard on the heart and may lead to a heart attack. Both regular cocaine and crack cocaine are very addictive. There is no safe way to use cocaine.

Cocaine Will Damage Your Finances

Cocaine is one of the most expensive drugs available. A cocaine addiction can destroy your income and your ability to provide for yourself and your family. Cocaine is illegal in almost all parts of the world, and if you are caught with cocaine, you may face expensive legal fees, court fees and even jail time.

Cocaine Will Harm Your Children

If you are a potential mother, you should know that cocaine will enter your bloodstream and affect your baby. Your child can become dependent on cocaine in the womb. Cocaine can cause permanent developmental problems and mental retardation in unborn babies. Children who have parents who use cocaine are trapped in a devastating situation. Young children are often aware that something is wrong with their parent, but they are unable to change the situation. Cocaine can lead to child neglect, and a violent temper caused by cocaine use can lead to child abuse.

Cocaine Destroys Families

What does cocaine addiction do to the friends and family of the addicted person? How are your parents, your partner or your children affected? Are there any young people in your life who look up to you? Consider the impact of a cocaine addiction on the people who love you. If you do not seek help for yourself, seek help for those who care about you. Imagine the pride you will feel when you are clean and free from cocaine, and imagine sharing your success with the people you love.

Get Help for Cocaine Use Now

We offer a completely private 24 hour toll-free helpline to help you recover from cocaine addiction. Call us now to speak with an experienced recovery assistant about your treatment options, insurance coverage for rehab care, family counseling and more. All calls are confidential. Change what cocaine has done to you today; call now.

• Cocaine is used to self-medicate depression, anxiety and other mood disorders that originally led to a secluded lifestyle
• Cocaine provides feelings of grandeur that appeal to someone feeling inferior, flawed or overly self-conscious
• Isolation eliminates positive social networks where friends discourage drug use
• Cocaine is used to forget past traumas that encouraged isolation

The following are ways cocaine abuse leads to isolation:

• Cocaine users isolate themselves from those who want them to quit or who point out the negative aspects of cocaine use
• Cocaine use can lead to loss of employment and estrangement from loved ones
• Cocaine users become more interested in acquiring the drug than in social interaction
• Illicit drug use can result in arrest and court-ordered isolation behind bars
• Cocaine abuse affects finances thus limiting social activities
• Addiction causes physical deterioration and a less favorable appearance
• Cocaine users dislike traditional social settings, because they must refrain from use

Dangers of Cocaine and Isolation

A particular danger of co-occurring cocaine abuse and isolation is that isolation reduces a person’s willingness to ask for help. A secluded individual lacks a social network that would notice the changes, encourage treatment and provide support. In cases where isolation results from social anxiety, seeking help is especially difficult, because it forces people into the social situations that they find so uncomfortable. Isolation compounds the health problems caused by cocaine, just as the drug problem magnifies any social anxieties. Addressing both issues through integrated treatment is necessary for recovery.

Cocaine Addiction Recovery and Community

An important step to ending cocaine abuse or addiction is finding a positive recovery community or support group. These groups consist of counselors or other recovering users that will welcome any individual that is interested in getting better. Caring counselors can help with social anxiety, while a supportive community provides a whole new network of friends with similar values and goals. These networks provide real recovery that impacts all areas of your life.

Help Ending Cocaine Abuse and Isolation

We are here to help. Our staff understands cocaine abuse and isolation and can answer any questions with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. We are available 24 hours a day on our toll-free helpline, and we look forward to helping any way we can. End the cycle of cocaine addiction and isolation today; call now.

Among recovering cocaine addicts, common causes of relapse are drug cravings. Cocaine withdrawal leads to powerful psychological cravings. Physical withdrawal causes a person to desire cocaine in order to alleviate withdrawal symptoms which may include irritability, anxiety and paranoia.

What Happens in Cocaine Rehabilitation?

The first step to overcoming cocaine cravings is beginning a professional addiction treatment program. In a treatment program, a qualified staff actively works to help patients cope with cravings. Healthy diets, fitness plans and stress relief all help alleviate cravings. Therefore rehab centers offer nutritional counseling, work out rooms and therapies such as yoga and acupuncture that are known to relieve stress. High quality rehab centers offer specialized treatment plans, meaning that each client is evaluated and offered an individualized treatment regime. Focusing on an individual’s specific and unique needs optimizes the recovery process. A treatment method for cocaine addiction that is often effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Treatment plans generally include varying combinations of counseling and support groups.

Will I Still Have Cocaine Cravings after Rehabilitation?

Cocaine cravings will continue after rehab, but these cravings are manageable. Triggers for cocaine cravings after rehab may include socializing with friends who abuse drugs, any action that resembles a former drug-seeking ritual or reoccurring situations that were common at the time of abuse such as a high stress relationship or environment. Some of these situations are beyond the recovering user’s control. Situations that cannot be avoided can be discussed with a sponsor or addiction professional. A sponsor is someone who has been in recovery from cocaine addiction for a long period of time and is willing to help others through difficult scenarios that may potentially result in relapse. Sponsors can help someone leave a tense environment and can talk others through cravings and difficult times. Another way to cope with cravings is by participating in aftercare programs which often involve support group attendance. Support groups offer recovering individuals the benefits of a positive community and the satisfaction that comes from helping other through similar struggles.

Need Help Overcoming Cocaine Cravings?

If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine addiction or cocaine cravings, we can help. We can answer your questions and offer you more information about addiction treatment and recovery. We can also locate a treatment center and recommend a program that is right for you or your loved one. We can even check your insurance, and let you know your level of coverage. Just call our toll-free helpline for instant support from a trusted counselor. We are available 24 hours a day, and all calls are confidential.

Who Is Affected by Cocaine Abuse?

Cocaine affects individuals of all ages, from infants born addicted to cocaine to the elderly. Adults are common users of cocaine, and cocaine use among men is almost twice that of women. Teens and young adults are the largest consumers of cocaine. The following are more statistics about cocaine use:

• The National Institute on Drug Abuses reported in 2008 that 5.3 million Americans age 12 and older had abused cocaine
• Psychologists report that teens are more likely to become addicted more quickly than older users
• 1 out of 4 Americans between the age of 26 and 34 have used cocaine in their lifetime
• Approximately half of all drug-related emergency room visits are due to cocaine abuse

How Culture Influences Cocaine Abuse

Americans are infatuated with politicians, celebrities, professional athletes and musicians. When these high profile people admit to using cocaine or are arrested for the possession or use of cocaine, they may not realize the impact these events have on the general public. The American public is often made aware of cocaine use and abuse by people we idolize or admire.

What to Do if You Suspect Someone Is Abusing Cocaine

Even though many “noted” people deal with their cocaine use in a cavalier manner or try to avoid any confrontation or further dialogue about their cocaine use, we have a significant problem with cocaine abuse in this country. If you suspect someone is abusing cocaine, you need to take action. Rehabilitation counselors and former addicts suggest that you speak candidly with the person while assuring them that your focus is on their health and wellbeing. Don’t ignore the problem, and be prepared to encounter resistance when you approach the person you suspect of cocaine usage. Don’t be discouraged by his or her response or behavior, and seek additional help from addiction professionals.

Get Help for Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine abuse is a serious problem. Call us to ask questions about your or a loved one’s cocaine use. Call our toll-free helpline any time, as we are available 24 hours a day. We want to help you find the right recovery plan for you. All calls are confidential, and we are here to help.

• Heart disease
• Respiratory failure
• Strokes
• Seizures
• Fatality
• Constricted blood vessels
• Hypertension
• Nasal cavity damage
• Sudden rapid weight loss
• Significantly shorter life expectancy

If you or someone you know may be abusing cocaine, avoid these potential complications by immediately seeking help.

How Does Cocaine Impact the Brain?

Without professional addiction treatment, cocaine users cannot learn from their struggles with addiction and choose to make positive decisions later on. Cocaine impairs the brain’s ability to learn from experience and change future behavior. This type of mental impairment leads to compulsive drug use at any cost, as users lose the ability to think clearly and rationally about their choices. Family relationships fall short of the brain’s desire for cocaine, and because cocaine is extremely expensive, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $35,000 per kilogram, users may soon face bankruptcy.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is not a hopeless scenario. Recovery can occur through cocaine addiction treatment. Though consequences such as financial ruin are not immediately repairable, treatment can help users achieve permanent sobriety so that they can rebuild their life from the ground up. Through medical treatment, counseling and therapy, former cocaine users regain control of their lives and learn to lead a satisfying existence free from cocaine abuse.

Need Help Finding Treatment for Cocaine Addiction?

If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, we can help you find the treatment that can lead to long-lasting sobriety. Our counselors are standing by our toll-free helpline 24 hours a day. Call now for instant support or information. All calls are free and confidential. Make the call that may save a life. Call us today.

The intensity of the high and the length of intoxication depend on the purity of the supply and the means of administration, but cocaine is highly addictive in all its various forms. Powder cocaine is usually snorted and can destroy nasal tissue. It may also be dissolved and injected intravenously, creating a risk for collapsed blood vessels and infections. The cheapest version, crack cocaine, is a solid crystallized form that is smoked. This gives the user a much more potent but shorter lasting high and is the most quickly addictive form of the drug. Because of its plentiful supply and low cost, crack has become a massive scourge on the poorer urban communities in the US. In addition to the danger associated with the drug itself, violence related to the drug trade has escalated, catching users and innocent bystanders in its path.

Cocaine Abuse Risks

Cocaine is refined in South American labs to a very high level of purity. Then as it makes its way through the distribution channels it is mixed with a wide range of powders (cornstarch, sugar, powdered anesthetic, vitamin C or other cheap drugs) by. In each step of its distribution it is cut with various additives, meaning that to the end user it could be diluted by as much as 99% with a range of possible substances. This mystery poses one of the first real dangers of cocaine abuse. It can be impossible for the users to know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. Other serious risks include these symptoms:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Panic attacks
• Permanent brain damage
• Infections from shared needles
• Association with dangerous criminals
• Legal complications from illegal activity
• Dangerous behavior while high
• Escalation to other drugs as tolerance to cocaine grows
• Death by overdose

Concerned About Cocaine Addiction?

If you are concerned about your cocaine use, or if you have tried to quit unsuccessfully, we can help. The most effective treatment will include medically supervised detox followed by thorough, holistic rehab. Through individual and group counseling, spiritual care, the cultivation of healthy relationships and habits and education about your condition, we can empower you to beat this addiction and take your life back from the destructive power of cocaine.

Our specially trained counselors are standing by any time of day or night to answer any questions you may have. We can even check to see if your treatment may be covered by insurance. Call our 24 hour, toll-free helpline today and let us help you take your first steps toward freedom from cocaine.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

When cocaine abuse first begins, it may be possible to keep it a secret, but as the addiction grows it becomes harder to hide. There are a number of reasons for this. Cocaine changes a user’s body and brain. Cocaine causes the neurotransmitter dopamine to build up beyond normal levels, and the body adapts by producing less. The user then needs to take the drug in increasing amounts to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Even if the user has gone through withdrawal and detox, the lower dopamine levels make it difficult to find pleasure. Cocaine can cause other physical problems including the following:

• Cocaine constricts blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack or stroke
• Cocaine is associated with respiratory failure
• Cocaine can cause seizures
• Combining with alcohol or other drugs increases the risks of serious harmful physical effects

The effects of cocaine abuse often manifest as emotional behaviors. Paranoia, anger, hostility and anxiety are all common behavioral effects of cocaine addiction and are hard to hide. As addiction takes over a user’s life and the drug becomes more important, interest in other activities tends to decrease. This may lead to problems with school or work or may strain relationships. Important responsibilities may be neglected.

Confidential Cocaine Addiction Treatment

People may fear pursuing addiction treatment, because they don’t want their secret addiction to become known. There are privacy laws, however, that protect the confidentiality of those receiving substance abuse treatment. It may be more difficult but not impossible to maintain secrecy when a residential treatment program is chosen, but these offer the best recovery results. Outpatient programs, which often allow users to continue with jobs and other responsibilities, can also be good options.

Make a Call and Let Us Help with Cocaine Addiction

As cocaine addiction grows, it becomes more and more difficult to hide. Seeking treatment before legal, financial or physical consequences make the addiction public is a wise course of action. Make a confidential call to our toll-free helpline and let us answer your questions about treatment and check your insurance coverage. Our helpline is staffed 24 hours a day by counselors who understand your situation and know how to help. Call today.

Cocaine Addiction and How It Affects Friends and Family

One of the reasons that cocaine is so addictive is that the effects of cocaine use only last around an hour. This leads many users to take multiple doses in a day or to binge by taking dangerously high doses in a single sitting. After a short amount of time, cocaine abuse leads to tolerance and dependence.

Cocaine abuse and addiction leads to secretive and secluding behavior. Aside from the shame users may feel due to addiction, they may also fear the consequences of admitting to their problem. Cocaine is illegal and is associated with illicit activity to obtain cocaine or the money to afford cocaine.

Cocaine Addiction Intervention

An intervention is a calm, controlled way to confront someone about his or her addiction. It is best if the number of people involved in the intervention is kept small and limited to family members and close friends. The person being approached about their cocaine use will not feel ganged up on or singled out as much as they might in front of a larger group.

Take turns sharing your concerns with the person. Tell them the signs of addiction you’ve seen and why they worry you. It is important to avoid making accusations. Many addicts will still be in some degree of denial and will only feel defensive if accused. They may, however, feel more able to admit that they need help if the people close to them express genuine concern. Staying calm and making sure the person understands that you’re only looking out for them can break down the walls between an addict and recovery.

Have a treatment plan lined up before staging an intervention. Let the cocaine user know help is available, and be able to provide specific details about recovery. The gift of recovery is the greatest gift you can offer.

Get Help for Cocaine Addiction

If you have a loved one struggling with cocaine addiction, we can help. If you need help approaching a cocaine addict or finding a rehab treatment facility, call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline. Help someone you love overcome addiction. Call now.

Possible Causes of Cocaine Addiction

What causes individuals to become addicted to a drug? Drug addictions are more complex than they appear to be on the surface. Everyone is different, and causes of addictions are often unique to each individual’s life experiences and background. The following are four of many potential causes of cocaine addiction:

• Genetics. Genetics play a major role in every aspect of our life. Studies show that addictive behaviors tend to run in families. However, it is important to understand that just because a relative is addicted to a substance does not mean you will automatically be addicted to that substance as well. You may be more susceptible to addiction, and it is worth being extra cautious about drug and alcohol use, but genetics are not a guarantee of addiction.
• Psychological disorders. Pre-existing mental, psychological and emotional disorders can also lead to cocaine use and addiction. Individuals may turn to cocaine to hide or alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Using cocaine to “self-medicate” leads to psychological addiction and the belief that the drug is needed to cope with everyday life.
• Social environment. An individual’s social environment greatly affects his or her life. Friends and family have a direct impact on almost everything a person does. If friends use cocaine on a regular basis, others in the same social circle are more likely to begin using as well.
• An escape. Many individuals first use cocaine as way to escape. They don’t just want the high, they want to get away from their thoughts, stresses and emotions. They want to get away from their memories and pain that they are dealing with either psychologically, emotionally or physically. They want to clock out just for a short time, but the first time turns into a second and eventually the user feels he or she can’t live without cocaine.

The first step toward a cocaine addiction is experimenting with cocaine. Users don’t begin using cocaine with the intent of becoming addicted, and many doubt they will even try the drug a second time. Cocaine addiction is a subtle disease and determining when recreational use ends and addiction begins can be difficult.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine addiction is complicated and requires care that addresses more than just physical symptoms. In order to treat the addiction in the best and most effective way possible, recovering users should consider holistic treatment. Holistic treatment addresses the whole body and mind and looks at the causes of addiction in order to prevent relapse. With holistic treatment, the patient’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing is explored, leading to higher and long-lasting success rates.

Cocaine Addiction Help

Cocaine addiction is serious and life-threatening. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer questions and help find the right treatment for you.

What Families Can’t Do: End Cocaine Abuse for a Loved One

The family members of a cocaine user suffer emotionally as they watch someone they love sink further and further into abuse and addiction. Often loved ones will feel conflicted with how to best help the addict. Worry for the safety of the addict may drive loved ones to overstep healthy boundaries, thinking that their love and protection will bring the addict to his or her senses. Unless family members embrace the fact that the only favorable resolution to addiction is recovery, there will be endless heartache and difficulty. In this way, the family must realize what they can’t do.

Families cannot break the cycle of addiction for their loved one. If love were enough to end the pain of addiction, the world would be filled with recovered addicts. Families also can’t sustain their addict financially. Those who abuse cocaine become resourceful and manipulative in order to fund their expensive habit. They will beg, borrow and steal from loved ones because they are steeped in the complexities and deception of addiction. Cutting cocaine users off financially or even emotionally is sometimes a necessary step, as it allows the user to fully realize the impact their behaviors and actions have.

What Families Can Do: Plan a Cocaine Abuse Intervention

When a loved one is abusing cocaine, he or she may need the caring intervention of family and friends. An intervention is a strategic meeting of friends and family with the addict with the goal of helping the addict find treatment. In order for the intervention to be healthy and productive, it should adhere to the following basic guidelines:

• If possible, professional intervention help should be obtained. There are recovery counselors who specialize in this important process, and the wisdom from their experience is invaluable. This person also serves as a neutral party to keep both the addict and the family on track and in check during the process.
• The intervention gives family and friends an opportunity to share their observations and concerns for the addict. This should always be done in a caring way, even when the content of what is said might be extremely painful for both sides.
• A plan for treatment should be in place prior to the intervention. If the meeting is successful, and the addict admits the need and the desire for treatment, the specific opportunity available should be presented so the addict can act on his or her new resolution as soon as possible.

When an addict enters a treatment program for cocaine abuse, he or she will need the support of family in order to see it through.  Counseling for family members can be a helpful part of the recovery process, giving loved ones the resources and boundaries they need to assist the addict’s journey to sobriety.

Find Cocaine Abuse Help for Your Family

There is hope for individuals struggling with cocaine abuse and their families. Call us today, and let us help you take the first steps towards recovery and freedom. Our helpline is toll-free, and we are available to talk 24 hours a day.