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Cocaine Addiction
Everyone knows cocaine is bad
for you, so why is cocaine addiction so pervasive?
Cocaine produces an intense, short-lived euphoria
that can make users feel more energetic. The
effects of cocaine are immediate, extremely
pleasurable and brief, making cocaine addiction
seem a manageable prospect for some. However,
cocaine addiction is serious and can be deadly.
In addition to other gratifying
effects, such as wakefulness, reduced hunger
and feelings of well-being and power, cocaine
addiction can also cause negative effects, such
as anxiety and restlessness. As the cocaine
wears off, these temporary sensations are replaced
with intense depression, causing the drug abuser
to "crash" and become lethargic, often
sleeping for several days. This behavior can,
in turn, do irreparable damage to the user's
social, work and family life.
Cocaine addiction can occur very
quickly and be very difficult to break. According
to studies performed on laboratory animals addicted
to cocaine, animals will press a bar over 10,000
times for a single injection of cocaine. Test
animals also choose cocaine over food and water,
taking cocaine even when scientists punished
the behavior. To prevent them from taking toxic
or even lethal doses, scientists had to limit
their test subjects' access to cocaine.
People with cocaine addiction
tend to behave similarly, going to great lengths
to get cocaine and continue to take it even
when damaging their bodies, destroys their friendships
and family relationships and hurts their school
or job performance. Those with cocaine addiction
will do anything to get the drug, even lying,
stealing and committing crimes so they can "score."
Cocaine addiction can be difficult
to overcome. Attempts to stop using cocaine
often fail simply because the resulting depression
can be overwhelming, causing the addict to use
more cocaine in an attempt to overcome his depression.
If cocaine addiction might be
a problem for you or someone you love, we encourage
you to give NIR a call today to learn more about
our intervention referral options.
Please contact us with
questions or concerns at
1-800-399-3612.
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