Addictive Cocaine: Cocaine Abuse and Addiction, a Blot on Mankind

Published April 8, 2012

Cocaine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, which is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine readily passes into the brain when ingested into the body. In the brain, causing a buildup of dopamine, which high levels in continuously stimulates nerve cells, causing the euphoria, or the ‘high’ we hear about.

Even though it is considered illegal by possession, cultivation, and distribution of cocaine for non-medicinal and non-government sanctioned purposes in virtually all parts of the world, it is one of the most freely commercialized products in the world. Ever since its discovery, it has destroyed many lives all through history due to its addictive properties.

The use of Cocaine is a cancer that is prevalent across all socioeconomic strata and is no respecter of age, demographics, economic, social, political, religious, and livelihood.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is the world’s most powerful stimulant of natural origin known to man. In the form of fine white powder, it sold on the streets. Cocaine can be absorbed, inhaled, injected, sniffed or taken orally.

The powdery type being one of the two primary forms of cocaine, is used for snorting up the nose. The second is freebase, better known as crack cocaine, used for smoking.

No matter the form or type of cocaine you take, addiction is swift to follow and dependency evolves in less than 2 weeks. Did you ever imagine that a habit you started casually, maybe to fit in with your peers or maybe due to stress would make end by you being so totally addicted and in danger of losing your life? No mercy is shown by this addiction and is swift to act.

As it lacks the physical withdrawal symptoms seen in alcohol or heroin addiction, addicts like to believe that cocaine is not addictive. Cocaine has powerful psychological addictive properties. Cocaine is addictive, no matter which ever way you put it, “If it is not addictive, then why can’t the user stop using?”

Methods of Cocaine Abuse People should be aware that Cocaine is presently the most abused major stimulant in the world and has become the drug most frequently involved in emergency department visits. It is not a new drug of abuse but has come to be termed the caviar of recreational drugs.

Addiction, severe health problems and death are lead to cocaine abuse. In failed attempts to recreate the pleasurable sensations of their first exposure to cocaine, abusers are trapped in a vicious cycle of increased cocaine abuse. The intensity and duration of cocaine’s effects, which include increased energy, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness, depend on the route of drug administration commonly used for cocaine: snorting, injecting, and smoking. Snorting is the process of inhaling cocaine powder through the nose, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Injecting is the use of a needle to release the drug directly into the bloodstream. Smoking involves inhaling cocaine vapor or smoke into the lungs, where absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection. Other severe problems and addiction are lead by using these methods.

Health Risks from Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

Different adverse effects are produced by different methods of cocaine abuse -make no mistake – they are severe and life-threatening. ” Snorters loose their sense of smell, suffer nosebleeds, have problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and a chronically runny nose. ” Ingesters suffer severe bowel gangrene as a result of reduced blood flow. Injecters bring about severe allergic reactions and run increased risk for contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases. ” Bingers lay themselves open to irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and paranoia.

What we should realize is that prolonged Cocaine abuse may lead to a temporary state of full-blown paranoid psychosis, wherein the abuser loses touch with reality.

Regardless of the method or frequency of cocaine abuse, you should know that you are only hastening your own end. Each one of us should have a sense of purpose in our lives to enable us to avoid the lure of Cocaine.