Cocaine

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant and is currently one of the most addictive and abused drugs in the world. The drug cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant often grown in places such as Peru and Columbia and imported into the United States. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Reports that in 2004, 34.2 million Americans aged 12 and over reported lifetime use of cocaine.

Currently cocaine is a Schedule I narcotic meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no medical use. Historically cocaine was used as a topical anesthetic in eye and nasal surgery.

The short term effects of cocaine can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, depending upon how much cocaine the individual uses, the method of administration and the purity of the drug. Some of the short term effects of cocaine are euphoria, increased heart rate and blood pressure, hyperactivity, restlessness and paranoia. Some users of cocaine report feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety.

Once the high from cocaine wears off users often experience withdrawal symptoms including feeling depressed and craving the drug. Some users will increase their doses to intensify and prolong the euphoric effects. While tolerance to the high can occur, users can also become more sensitive to cocaine's effects without increasing the dose taken. This increased sensitivity may explain some deaths occurring after apparently low doses of cocaine.

Regardless of how cocaine is used or how frequently, a user can experience major health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, which could result in sudden death. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizure followed by respiratory arrest.

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction call Narconon Arrowhead now at 800-468-6933.

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