Cocaine Addiction, Treatment and Recovery

There has been an enormous increase in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction since the 1980s. Treatment providers in most areas of the country report that it is the second most commonly cited drug of abuse among their clients. The majority of individuals seeking treatment smoke crack, and are likely to be poly-drug users, or users of more than one substance.


Crack Cocaine Addiction is Widespread

The widespread abuse of crack cocaine has stimulated extensive efforts to develop treatment programs for this type of drug abuse. Cocaine abuse and addiction is a complex problem involving biological changes in the brain as well as a myriad of social, familial, and environmental factors. Therefore, treatment of cocaine addiction is complex, and must address a variety of problems. Like any good treatment plan, treatment strategies need to assess the psychobiological, social, and pharmacological aspects of the patient's drug abuse.


Cocaine Addiction and Impact on Health

Through the use of sophisticated technology, scientists can actually see the dynamic changes that occur in the brain as an individual takes the drug. They can observe the different brain changes that occur as a person experiences the "rush and the high" and finally, the craving of cocaine. They can also identify parts of the brain that become active when a cocaine addict sees or hears environmental stimuli that trigger the craving for cocaine. Because these types of studies pinpoint specific brain regions, they are critical to identifying targets for developing medications and treatments to treat addiction.


Cocaine and Crack Availability

Cocaine is a principal drug threat to the United States. Both powder cocaine and crack are prevalent throughout the country, and overall availability is stable. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Field Divisions report that powder cocaine and crack are readily or widely available, and most describe cocaine as the greatest drug threat to their areas. Obviously, many more residential and long-term treatment resources are needed.

Addiction Warning Signs

Signs & Symptoms of Drug Abuse
  addiction warning signs

There are many different kinds of drugs and substances of abuse and for each there are usually visable and recognizable signs and symptoms of abuse. Knowing the symptoms of drug abuse and being able to check for specific signs can make the difference. more..

Cocaine Health Effects

Long Term Addiction Issues
  stop using drugs

The Fine Line Between Abuse and Addiction. The Long-term effects of cocaine encompass addiction irritation and frame of mind disturbances skittishness paranoia and auditory hallucinations. Cocaine is a severely addictive drug, with lenf term effects. more..

Drugs & Danger

Common Addiction Signs
  cocaine dangers

Are you seeing posible addiction signs in a loved one's behavior or habits? Do you suspect that you might be seeing the signs and symptoms of drug addiction or alcohol abuse? There are many things you should look for that might seem innocent. more

Cocaine Side Effect
Users of Cocaine experience many short- and long-term physical effects. Short-term effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature as well as tremors, vertigo, muscle twitches, and paranoia.
Consequences of Abuse
Other consequences of cocaine abuse include chaotic heart rhythms, seizures, and strokes. Long-term use may lead to loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, throat irritation, and deterioration of the nasal septum.
Crack Kills
The American Heart Association reports that long-term use of the drug can cause aortic dissection (a tearing in the lining ofthe aorta), which may result in death. Aside from that, there are many other serious and fatal effect.
Continual Cocaine Use
When cocaine is used habitually, an addict can begin to feel paranoid and/or depressed. Regular users of cocaine can experience hallucinations, seizures, heart attack or stroke.
Powerfully Addictive
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug. Once having tried cocaine, an individual may have difficulty predicting or controlling the extent to which he or she will continue to use the drug.
Get Treatment Now
If you or someone you love cannot seem to stop using cocaine or crack cocaine a drug rehabilitation or drug treatment center can help. Make a free call to 800-559-9503.