Cocaine, Coke, Blow, Snow
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine increases alertness, produces euphoria, and give you the feeling of invincibility. The texture is similar to baby powder and range from a clear white, to an off-white and sometimes yellowish in colour.
Signs and Symptoms
Cocaine use becomes easier recognizable as the symptoms usually becomes more severe with continuous use. Most common signs will include:
> Large, dilated pupils
> Headaches or migraines
> Impotence
> Sniffing
> Nose bleeds
> Twitching or shaking
> Disappearing and returning more confident and excited
> Traces of white powder around the nose
> Paraphernalia includes needles/syringes, razor blades to align the powder into lines, straws for snorting
See below adverse effects and withdrawal for more signs and symptoms.
Methods of Use
> Injected
> Smoked
> Snorted
Adverse Effects
> Agitation
> Depression
> Anxiety
> Apathy
> Paranoia
> Hallucinations
> Potential for lethal overdose
> Insomnia
> Loss of appetite
> Blurred vision
> Vomiting
> Rapid breathing
> Chest pain
> Twitching
> Restlessness
Overdose Potential
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), an overdose is brought on by a person that takes enough of the drug to reach toxic levels to their system. Overdose toxicity can largely depend on the individual user and their specific susceptibility to the toxins. Potency of the drug can also vary as it is often mixed or ‘cut’ with other materials.
Due to cocaine being a very powerful stimulant, an overdose can lead to the failure of a number of organ systems and physiologic functions, causing the brain and body to shut down.
Typical signs of an overdose:
> Dangerously high blood pressure.
> Irregular heart rate.
> Extremely high body temperature.
> Extreme anxiety or confusion.
> Psychosis.
> Nausea.
> Agitation or tremors.
These symptoms may precede the onset of a heart attack, stroke or seizure.
Withdrawal
Symptoms depends on several factors including tolerance, length of addiction, metabolism, and severity of addiction. Withdrawal can be a painful and uncomfortable process and is often the reason why a person would rather return to their drug use.
Symptoms may include the following:
> Difficulty concentrating
> Slowed thinking
> Slowed activity or physical fatigue after activity
> Exhaustion
> Restlessness
> Inability to experience sexual arousal
> Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure
> Depression or anxiety
> Suicidal thoughts or actions
> Vivid, unpleasant dreams or nightmares
> Physical symptoms, such as chills, tremors, muscle aches, and nerve pain
> Increased craving for the drug
> Increased appetite
Treatment
> Self-help organizations – Talking with others who also have a disorder have been proven to be very effective.
> Therapy – Behaviour therapy or cognitive behaviour therapy is a proven evidence based therapy teaching skills to reduce the urges. Find a licensed practitioner.
> Medications – Studies suggest that some medication may be effective for the treatment of gambling addiction. Speak to a psychiatrist specialised in addiction treatment for an evaluation and recommendations.
> Treatment programs – Many in-treatment and outpatient programs can assist with a gambling disorder.
Why choose PRC Recovery?
We are a registered treatment centre specialising in the treatment of addictive disorders. Our individualised approach to treating addiction is based on international standards and includes the many proven modalities in the treatment of addiction.
Key focus areas for an effective program:
> Family involvement – family participation in the treatment of any addiction is vital.
> Individualised approach – underlying issues prolonging any addiction is based on the individual and therefore individual treatment plans are an important component to effective treatment of addiction by a qualified professional counsellor.
> 12 step program – Twelve step programs have proven highly effective in the treatment of addiction and starts forming the solid foundation in early recovery. It is also used as the platform to the introduction of self-help organisations, forming part of the aftercare.
> Aftercare – Stopping the addiction is only the foundation phase in the treatment of addiction. A well thought-out aftercare plan is crucial to sustain long-term recovery.
Sources
Understanding Cocaine Abuse
At PRC Recovery, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate complexities of various substances, offering insights, understanding, and support to those affected. In this installment, our focus is on cocaine�a powerful stimulant with far-reaching effects on individuals and society. Our commitment is to provide valuable information, promote informed choices, and emphasize the importance of seeking professional assistance for those navigating the challenges of cocaine use.
