Statistics show that almost 2 million people in the United States are current cocaine users.
But, how dangerous is cocaine? And just how easy is it to get addicted to cocaine?
Read on to answer the question, “how addictive is cocaine?”
What Are the Effects of Cocaine?
When used, cocaine sends large amounts of dopamine to the pleasure centers of your brain. People use cocaine by snorting it, rubbing it into their gums, smoking it, or injecting it.
Side effects of cocaine can include happiness, alertness, irritability, appetite changes, sensitivity to sound, light, and other sensations, and other problems.
Cocaine can also cause long and short-term health problems. Shorter-term health problems caused by cocaine can include seizures, headaches, nausea, restlessness, and mood changes. Long-term problems caused by cocaine can include heart attack, stroke, lung problems, asthma, bowel decay, and more.
Because cocaine reduces the flow of oxygen to your heart, it can lead to long-term heart problems or to sudden death pretty easily.
Understanding the Addictiveness of Cocaine
Cocaine is classified as a schedule 2 drug in the United States, which means it has a high risk of being abused or becoming addictive, with little to no use for medical purposes. Cocaine is a drug that can become physically addictive very quickly.
And, it’s pretty easy to overdose on cocaine, since the high from it is relatively short, and it needs to be consumed again in short order. When consumed by snorting, for example, cocaine needs to be used every fifteen to thirty minutes.
You can also become tolerant to cocaine easily as well, which will increase the amount of cocaine you need to consume in order to feel the desired effects.
It can be particularly dangerous if cocaine is consumed with other drugs. These can include things that seem innocuous, like drinking alcohol while you use cocaine. It can also include more extensive uses of cocaine, such as combining heroin and cocaine to create a “speedball,” one of the most dangerous drug combinations out there.
Cocaine bought on the street can be combined with other substances, too. It could be cut with less dangerous substances, like cornstarch and flour. Or, it can be laced with drugs that could be even more dangerous and addictive, such as fentanyl or different types of amphetamines.
Recovering From Cocaine Addiction
Once someone gets addicted to cocaine, their risk of long-term health problems is increased. And, recovering from cocaine addiction can be a long road. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can include insomnia, fatigue, depression, and other mental health issues.
If someone in your life has been abusing cocaine, or if you have been abusing it yourself, read this article to learn about your recovery options for overcoming cocaine addiction.
How Addictive Is Cocaine? Very
How addictive is cocaine? It’s a very addictive substance. So, if you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine use, it’s important to get help right away.
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