Crossing The Line From Cocaine Use Into Cocaine Addiction

Published May 14, 2010

Is cocaine addiction a possibility in a loved one’s or your own life? Cocaine use can be an extremely difficult thing to handle and if you have become involved in its use, it can be a hard thing to know if the line between casual use and addiction to cocaine is being crossed. No matter what the reason, it is important for you to understands the risks and dangers of cocaine addiction.

Addiction is often defined as the need to frequently use increased doses of the drug, despite the physical and psychological harm that it does. The compulsion to use the drug is so strong that the addict will commonly give up their personal relationships and their value system in order to support it.

There are many factors which might influence a person to become addicted to cocaine. First, cocaine is a chemical that is easy to become addicted to; like any other stimulant, it affects the neurochemistry of the brain. Second, some people are more prone to become addicted than others. If one or both of your parents was particularly susceptible to cocaine, there is an increased likelihood that you are susceptible as well. Third, cocaine is a drug to which the human body can build up a tolerance. When this tolerance occurs, an increased amount of the drug is necessary to create a similar sort of high.

Cocaine is an extremely addictive drug. As a stimulant, it inhibits the absorption of dopamine into the body’s system, creating a powerful, prolonged high. Because many users develop a resistance to it fairly quickly, they never achieve the same that they got from it originally, resulting in them taking larger and larger dosages to try to achieve the same effect. One of the symptoms of cocaine addiction is a constant increase in the amount ingested.

Addiction is also likely when withdrawal symptoms are seen when the drug is taken away or reduced. Being physically sick or depressed are both signs that the person might have become addicted. In terms of physical effects, nausea, a runny nose and constant twitching are signs of withdrawal, and in terms of psychological effects, depression, anxiety and agitation can be indication of a withdrawal in full progress.

Cocaine can result in cardiovascular disruptions and respiratory issues. Neurological problems like strokes, seizures, and migraines can also result from cocaine use. The issues that result from cocaine use alone are severe, but with addiction, can become even worse. Even the method of taking can become dangerous. Ingesting it orally can result in bowel gangrene and injection can lead to a variety of blood-borne diseases and complications.

If you suspect that you or someone you love might be in danger of cocaine addiction, understand that you are not alone. Thousands of people come to this realization every year, and start the journey to recovery.

Pick up your Free Addiction Recovery Help Guide, Over 97 pages of self help and recovery tips, resources and links to enhance your life in addiction recovery.The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading drug addiction treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Tell your story! Visit: http://www.AddictionRecoveryBasics.com/

Crossing The Line From Cocaine Use Into Cocaine Addiction

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