Why Cocaine Addiction Bites
The addiction to cocaine has never ended, despite an ongoing opioid crises. There is concern that cocaine use is on the rise and that a stimulant epidemic may be awaiting the end of the current opioid epidemic. Why is cocaine on the rise and what do people like about it?
Cocaine comes from the coca plant native to South America. It is considered a stimulant like coffee but much stronger. It has a strong psychological potential for addiction; no physical dependence is evident, meaning no physical withdrawal occurs when a user stops using the drug.
Why people like cocaine:
- It provides a feeling of intense pleasure
- You become more talkative and confident
- It provides a full-body stimulation
- It makes you feel more superior than others
- It increases your self-esteem
- You feel more energetic and sociable
Unfortunately, users experience many negative effects with cocaine:
- Memories of euphoria increase the risk for psychological addiction
- Anger, paranoia, anxiety
- Nausea, increased body temperature, increased heart rate
- Seizures, heart problems and death
- Psychosis and hallucinations
- Weight loss, high blood pressure, severe tooth decay
Cocaine has a very short-lived intense high. When users become hooked on the drug, the high is followed by depression and a strong craving for more. Tolerance then increases, resulting in higher doses of the drug needed to achieve a similar effect as before.
Overall, cocaine may see a resurgence in the near future. If you or anyone you know is suffering from cocaine addiction, seek help as soon as possible. With mental health and addiction support services, a place in your heart to stop and The DSM Ready Movement here to listen and provide a caring environment, you can defeat cocaine addiction today!
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DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully) 