Those who are addicted to cocaine might be attracted to the use of the drug, not only because of the intense high it brings, but also because the cost of the drug has decreased.
According to a recent article in Slate magazine, the price for a gram of cocaine went down to $140 in 2007, which is an 80% decrease from its cost in 1982.
Among other factors, the drug’s increased production combined with a lower demand has caused its price to drop significantly.
However, despite the cheaper high, it has significant effects on the brain and it is particularly addictive, more so than any other amphetamine. According a recent study, the time it takes to go from experimentation to weekly use of the drug is less than 3 months.
The significant changes that occur in the brain are likely responsible for the rapid path towards addiction. At high doses, cocaine can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Studies at Yale University indicate that neurons in the brain and their synaptic connections change shape when first exposed to cocaine.
The structural changes point out that that the neurons are attempting to protect themselves when the presence of cocaine enters the body.
Continued Cocaine Use
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the cocoa plant and can be taken into the body in a variety of ways, including snorting, injecting, and smoking. It’s a controlled substance, and although it’s illegal, it continues to be used recreationally.
Extended use of cocaine can lead to thickening of tissues in the heart, heart attacks, and heart failure. If snorted over a length of time, cocaine can kill off tissues in the nose and an inability to use the sense of smell. It can also lead to sores in the lungs, throat, and mouth, among other significant physical impairments.
Of course, other dangers of cocaine use are criminal activity, such as stealing money to maintain an addiction. Over time, a cocaine addiction could even lead to long-term life of crime.
The risks of continued use of cocaine are far too great. Considering the dangers of cocaine might facilitate a decision to go through cocaine detox and participate in substance abuse treatment. Part of making this decision is knowing what to expect from cocaine detox.
For instance, you are likely going to experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit. The initial crash of cocaine withdrawal treatment can vary in time and intensity. For some it can last for a few hours, while for others cocaine detox can last for days. However, in research studies, cocaine withdrawal resolves its intensity within 24 hours.
Additional experiences to drug withdrawal treatment can include cravings for cocaine, mood changes, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and an increased appetite. One’s mood might move through feeling depressed, anxious, and irritable.
Cocaine Treatment
In a way, the challenging moods experienced during cocaine treatment is a compensation for the euphoria experienced while addicted to the drug. However, the body is attempting to find homeostasis. Along these lines, the body is trying to recover its sources of energy.
As a result, it might feel very tired during drug withdrawal treatment. Furthermore, the drug treatment process might interrupt a regular sleep schedule.
While getting treatment for cocaine you can often get sleep problems, such as vivid and unpleasant dreams, insomnia, or hypersomnia, the experience of sleeping too much. Lastly, those going through cocaine withdrawal often experience a kind of physical slowing down, little energy, or they might experience feeling physically agitated.
Although cocaine treatment sounds like it might be a challenging experience, the costs greatly outweigh the benefits. The few days of discomfort are nothing compared to the years of struggle, potential criminal activity, loss of employment and friends, and other debilitating experiences that come with drug use.
Although it’s difficult, drug treatment from cocaine can eventually lead to living a healthy life.
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