Although many people think that cocaine addiction is a thing of the 80s and early 90s, it is still prevalent in the United States. Many people fall into the trap of cocaine addiction because they do not have the knowledge that they need in order to defend against it. The more you know about it, the less likely you are to find yourself addicted to it.
Where Does Cocaine Come From?
Cocaine comes mainly from South America but it can also be found in other locations. Most of the cocaine traffic comes either up through Mexico by land or into the coastal states by sea. Very rarely does it come into the United States by air, but it is possible.
Why do People Use Cocaine?
Although there are many reasons people use cocaine, there are some reasons that many people have in common. These reasons are:
- Alertness
- Euphoria
- Extreme energy
- Extremely elevated mood
- Feelings of invulnerability
- Increased confidence
Each of these things is only temporary. This requires repeated use and eventual addiction to cocaine. When you use cocaine, you will find yourself using more and more to achieve the same results.
Without realizing how addictive it is, some people begin using cocaine to:
- Treat an underlying condition
- End their curiosity about the drug
- Alleviate boredom
- Escape stress
- Escape their life problems
- To self medicate
Each of these is a very dangerous way to start using because it works at first. Unfortunately, this is very short lived.
Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal
Once you are addicted to cocaine, whenever you stop using, you may experience the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. These symptoms are:
- Strong cravings for cocaine
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Lack of the ability to feel pleasure
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Extreme exhaustion
- Agitation
- Extreme suspicion
- Paranoia
Each of these symptoms can appear immediately after you stop using cocaine. This is why cocaine addiction treatment is necessary to end your addiction.
How is Cocaine Addiction Treated?
Cocaine addiction treatment can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. The setting depends on the severity of your addiction and your individual circumstances. Some people need inpatient treatment while others need to work, go to school or care for family while they are in treatment and outpatient treatment is necessary in these cases.
During addiction treatment, therapists and psychologists can use a variety of methods to help you treat you end your addiction. Some of these methods are:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication therapy
- Alternative treatments such as mindfulness, meditation, and hypnotherapy
- Chinese medicine
- Exercise therapy such as yoga and Qigong
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- 12 step therapies
Every rehab facility is bit different but they agree on one thing. Cocaine addiction is a hard habit to break and most times treatment is necessary to do so.