This article discusses the dangers of Cocaine abuse, including the potential for physical dependence and addiction. It also examines the costs of this drug. The dangers of cocaine abuse can be avoided by making informed choices. It is recommended to seek professional medical advice if you suspect that you or someone you love is abusing cocaine.
Side effects
The physical and emotional side effects of cocaine abuse can be difficult to cope with. This drug creates dramatic changes in the human body and often remains with the user for months or even years after stopping use. Cocaine abusers experience several different effects, ranging from intense cravings to trembling, sleep problems and muscle pain.
While cocaine is most commonly snorted, it can be consumed in a variety of ways. Over time, cocaine abuse can cause serious physical and emotional problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and a variety of neurological disorders. It can even cause seizures and gastrointestinal problems. Although the long-term effects of cocaine abuse are most devastating, short-term use can cause physical side-effects, such as increased risk of heart attacks and heightened levels of anxiety.
Addiction
If you're struggling with cocaine addiction, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. While many addicts change their minds about seeking treatment, you can find professional assistance that can help you overcome this disorder. The first step in overcoming cocaine addiction is to go through a medically supervised detoxification, and then complete a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Cocaine addiction is a chronic disease in which a person is driven to seek out the drug compulsively. It can lead to physical and psychological dependence. People who are dependent on the drug suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it or reduce their intake.
Physical dependence
Physical dependence is one of the hallmarks of addiction. Physical dependence develops when the brain and body become addicted to a drug. The drug causes changes in neurotransmitters and the brain's ability to maintain equilibrium. When the body is unable to produce enough of the drug to maintain equilibrium, it craves it, resulting in physical dependence.
People who are physically dependent on a substance will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms are the body's way of trying to get back on track. While they are uncomfortable, they usually subside quickly. Physical dependence also leads to a host of psychological symptoms.
Cost of drug abuse
The cost of cocaine abuse is a growing concern for public health systems. The cost of these drugs is not only a direct financial burden for the public but also a social burden. While the exact costs are unclear, researchers have found several ways to measure the costs of drug abuse. One method is to calculate how many days of hospitalization illicit drug users incur. This method does not account for the costs of household help and special rehabilitation equipment.
Another way to estimate the costs of drug abuse is to use a "cost of illness" model. In this model, the costs of drug abuse are compared to a hypothetical state where the costs of cocaine abuse are lower. This way, the society will save money through reduced healthcare costs and reduced loss of earnings.
Treatment
Cocaine abuse treatment programs usually include a mix of counseling and therapy to combat the addiction and develop coping skills. The rehabilitation process may take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting, depending on the individual's needs and the extent of the addiction. Therapy sessions often focus on developing a collaborative relationship between the addict and his or her treatment providers, motivating the individual, and improving the individual's life skills and self-esteem. In some cases, a cocaine abuse treatment program may include behavioral therapy to help the addict learn new ways to cope with his or her cravings.
When the use of cocaine is a serious health problem, it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Sometimes, the substance abuser may need to be hospitalized to undergo more tests. These tests are not usually performed in the emergency room, so a physician must perform the necessary tests. The doctor will perform a physical exam, medical history, blood and urine analysis, and possibly CT or MRI scans. In severe cases, cocaine use can cause severe problems with breathing and heart rate, including respiratory failure and death.