Cocaine is an alkaloid that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a Central Nervous System stimulant and appetite suppressant, it is highly addictive and has the most reinforcing effect known! The stimulating ‘euphoria’ experienced through cocaine use can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the purity, dosage and method of administration of the drug. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and general euphoria. Sexual interest may also be amplified.
Cocaine is most often used as a recreational drug, however it is also a topical anesthetic used in eye, nose and throat surgery. Cocaine is illegal in most every country of the world when used for non-medical, non-government sanctioned purposes, and is the second most popular recreational drug, behind only cannabis (Marijuana). Cocaine is administer orally (chewed/eaten), nasally, intravenously (injected), by smoking, and through other less common modes.
Cocaine in its purest form is a white, pearly product. However, its texture can range from crumbly to extremely oily, to hard, to crystalline. The color of adulterated cocaine ranges from white, to off-white, to pinkish, to yellowish cream, to light brown in its powder form. The color and texture differences are a function of the adulterants, origin and processing of the powdered cocaine.
Side Effects and Health Issues of Cocaine Abuse
Side effects may include twitching, paranoia and impotence. Excessive dosage side effects may include hallucinations, paranoid delusions, tachycardia, itching and formication (sensation/perception that ants and/or insects are crawling all over the skin).
Chronic Abuse Side Effects
Chronic cocaine intake may result in the following conditions: a life time risk of heart attack – cocaine abusers are 7 times more likely to suffer from heart attack than non-users!; chest pain, lung trauma, shortness of breath, sore throat, flu-like syndrome, degradation of the nasal septum cartilage, autoimmune and/or connective tissue diseases, kidney diseases and renal failure. Although these latter conditions are commonly diagnosed in chronic users, they may be caused by short term exposure in susceptible individuals.
Overdose Symptoms
Cocaine overdose causes tachyarrhythmias and excessive elevation of blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. Indeed, risk of heart attack in the hour after cocaine intake increases 24-fold in the user.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal is characterized by a dysphoric mood, fatigue, unpleasant dreams, insomnia or hypersomnia, increased appetite, psychomotor retardation, agitation and anxiety. See below for reducing withdrawal symptoms and discomfort.
Cocaine Detox and Cocaine Rehabilitation
Cocaine detox is critical, prior to commencing cocaine rehab. Although cocaine detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being cocaine free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for cocaine rehab. Long-term cocaine use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.
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