This post is more or less meant for the families and friends of those whom are suspected of being under the influence of harmful substances. In order to solve the problem, we need to know what the problem is. Although we may know what drug someone is addicted to, we may not always be aware of the nuances regarding that certain drug. It may help to hear some general information that not everyone knows about.

How it Works

The cocaine high is the result of an increase in the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the part of the brain that is responsible for both pleasure and movement. This is the reason Cocaine causes such a false sense of empowerment. Dopamine is a good thing, but Cocaine abuses the good thing to make it an ultimate thing, and thus the brain is reworked to think that it is natural for excessive amounts of dopamine. Cocaine can be typically snorted or rubbed into the gums of a person’s mouth. However, it can also be dissolved in a liquid and injected into the blood stream.

How we treat it

A commonly efficient way to treat cocaine addiction is through behavioral therapy. Behavioral Therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on reworking a person’s behaviors from harmful to productive ones. A big focus is on physical and mental desires that lead to certain behaviors (such as substance abuse). This is ideal for treating Cocaine Addiction because Cocaine affects the needs of the user’s mind and body.

Short term Symptoms

The faster the substance is absorbed, the shorter and more intense the high
This also works vice versa
Increased heart rate
Hyperstimulation
Increased Breathing
Increased Body temperature
Increased Blood Pressure
Increased Heart-rate
Restlessness
Erratic and Violent behavior
Possible Tremors
Muscle twitches
Notable instances of Cardiac Arrest
Notable instances of Seizures

Long term Symptoms

A Built-up tolerance (requiring more Cocaine to satisfy each time)
Increased Stress
Internal Tears and Ulcerations
Increased Risk of Stroke
Regularly Snorting Cocaine can result in a loss of Smell, Nosebleeds, and Inflamed Nose
Smoking Crack can harm the lungs
Smoking Crack can dangerously increase asthma
Psychological disorders such as Hallucinations and Psychosis

Withdrawal Symptoms

Depression
Fatigue
Anxiety
Appetite Increase
Discomforting dreams
Paranoid behavior