Cocaine is a intensely powerful addictive stimulant that acts directly on the brain. Cocaine was first extracted from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which is endemic in South America, West Indies and Indonesia. Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused drugs and the majority of the individuals who use cocaine are also users of other drugs. The drug can generate a feeling of euphoria, hyperactivity and mental alertness. Cocaine can be highly addictive leading to relentless mental and physical problems.
History of Cocaine
The plant was used for medicinal purposes as early as the 15th Century in Europe. In the 18th Century, concentrated forms of cocaine became available and it was soon discovered that the plant extract had some medical benefits. The drug was then widely used as a topical local anesthetic and because of its mental stimulating properties, was also used to treat depression. The use of cocaine in tonics and elixirs became widespread and it was also added to coca cola. However, soon it was soon observed that drug was addictive and had profound effect on the psyche of the individual. Because of cocaine’s potent side effects, in the early part of the 20th Century, the Pure Food and Drug Act were introduced, which required that all cocaine be labeled in all medical products.
Today, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug -- it has towering potential for abuse and can only be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses. Today, the medical use of cocaine is limited to topical anesthesia of the upper respiratory tract and eye because the vasoconstrictive properties of cocaine are desirable during these procedures. However, it is not available in majority of the hospitals in North America, because safer and better agents are available.
Cocaine Addiction Potential
Cocaine is an addictive psycho-stimulant with euphoric effects. The addictive properties of cocaine are thought to be due to brain dopamine D2-receptor stimulation. Dopamine is released as part of the brain's reward system and is implicated in the high that is typical of cocaine consumption. Patient dependence depends on a number of different factors, including genetics, social and environmental factors, preexisting medical and mental conditions.
There are two fundamental forms of cocaine: powdered and 'freebase.' The powdered form easily dissolves in water whereas freebase is a mixture that has not been neutralized by an acid. The freebase form is usually smoked or snorted.
Warning signs of cocaine use include a change in behavior, acting isolated, careless about personal appearance, loss of interest in school, family, friends and frequently needing money. Physical exam may reveal red eyes, runny nose, frequent sniffing, change in eating and sleeping patterns and a change in friends
Cocaine induces an artificial “high” that gives its user a feeling of limitless ability and energy. When users come down, they are usually depressed, nervous, and crave for more. To date, it has been impossible to predict who will become addicted and when the fatality will occur.
Addiction Treatment Approaches
Addiction treatment programs are available throughout North America for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Addiction treatment is complex and involves changing the mind as well as altering the psychological, social, familial and environmental factors. There are no approved medications currently available to specifically treat cocaine addiction. The most effective addiction treatment methodology for the treatment of cocaine addiction is found in an inpatient addiction treatment program.
A residential or inpatient addiction treatment program provides the person recovering from cocaine addiction with several levels of care. These levels of care would include an inpatient drug detox program, drug rehab, partial or day/night addiction treatment program and intensive outpatient addiction treatment program. By taking advantage of all these levels of care the individual will greatly enhance their chances of achieving a full recovery.
In choosing a drug rehab or drug treatment program for the treatment of cocaine addiction, a person needs to make sure the drug rehab provides the services the person entering addiction treatment requires. If you require assistance in making that determination, please go to
www.recoveryconnection.org or call the national addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-511-9225.
