Cocaine is an extremely powerful stimulant that directly affects the brain. Despite it’s popularity and it’s portrayal in movies and shows as the party drug of the rich and famous, it’s not new; cocaine is actually one of the oldest drugs known to man, and coca leaves, which are the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years. Today, it’s illegal and is considered a schedule II drug. This means it has an extreme potential for abuse, but surprisingly, doctors can use it for legitimate uses, most commonly as an anesthetic for some throat surgeries. While it may have a legitimate use, it’s still most commonly sold on the street as a fine, white powder. It generally makes you feel a rush of euphoria, though there are negative effects to go along with it, like nausea, headache, and a spike in your blood pressure or heart rate.
It’s often seen in movies and television as the way rich people party, or stressed out college students try to stay awake and study, but it’s actually on for the biggest drug problems in the country. It’s from cocaine that crack, a crystallized form of cocaine that is smoked and extremely addictive in addition to being extremely cheap compared to other drugs, is made. The way we see cocaine may be gilded by what we’re exposed to, but the hard truth is that it is highly addictive, and it’s not something that should just be casually enjoyed, because casual use almost always spirals down into full blown addiction.
Cocaine is often compared to marijuana as being a casual drug that people can use to just ‘take the edge off.’ While everyone is different, and now two people will react to drugs exactly the same way, is it worth risking your life over? Cocaine addiction with chronic use can lead to a severe drop in appetite, leading to malnutrition and other health issues, such as stroke or heart failure. Beyond your health, cocaine can be devastating on your life, including your family, finances, and your security in life
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have a cocaine addiction, the time to get help is now. Cocaine addiction can seem like a never ending tunnel, but there IS hope for you to have a better future, because recovery is possible. The Springboard Center’s residential and outpatient programs are well equipped to help you find what works for you and your life to ensure your recovery lasts. If you or a loved one is battling cocaine addiction, don’t delay getting help any longer. Call today: 432-620-0255.
