Cocaine

Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It is both a stimulant of the CNS (central nervous system) and an appetite suppressant, giving rise to what has been reported as a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy. It is used recreationally for these effects. Crack cocaine, often nicknamed crack, was created and popularized circa the early 1980s. Because of the dangers of using ether to produce pure freebase cocaine, illegal manufacturers began omitting the removal of the freebase precipitate from the ammonia mixture.

Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. Its effects can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending upon the dosage, purity, and method of administration. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The euphoria can escalate to discomfort, depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Sexual interest and pleasure can be amplified. Side effects can include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which increases with usage.

Chronic cocaine use can lead to increased blood pressure, breathing and heart rates, nausea and vomiting, anxiety and paranoia, insomnia and irritability, convulsions or seizures, loss of appetite and dangerous weight loss, cold sweats, nose bleeds and nasal passage damage, lung damage, chest pain, sore throat, asthma, hoarse voice, shortness of breath, and an aching, flu-like syndrome. Cocaine causes involuntary tooth grinding which can deteriorate tooth enamel and lead to gingivitis. Chronic intranasal usage can degrade the cartilage separating the nostrils, leading to its complete disappearance. Due to the absorption of the cocaine from cocaine hydrochloride, the remaining hydrochloride forms a dilute hydrochloric acid. Cocaine may greatly increase this risk of developing rare autoimmune or connective tissue and other diseases. It can cause a wide array of kidney diseases and renal failure. Cocaine abuse doubles the risks of strokes, as well as increases the risk of other infarctions, such as myocardial infarction.

Q: If I try cocaine, how likely am I to become addicted to it?

A: Under the U.S. Controlled Substance Act of 1970, cocaine is a Schedule II drug. This means that cocaine has a high potential for abuse and that abuse may quickly lead to severe physical and psychological dependence. It is highly addictive.

Q: What are the signs of cocaine addiction?

A: A person suffering from cocaine addiction may exhibit bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, nose bleeds, rapid heartbeats, anxiety attacks, have emotional issues with family and friends, suffer insomnia, irritability, frequent unexplained mood swings, have problems with work performance, tardiness or even job loss, begin to have money problems caused by job loss and feeding the cocaine habit, lie, cheat and steal to support the need to get high on cocaine.

Caron's residential treatment programs have a higher rate of success than outpatient treatment programs because the addict is away from the environment that created the problem and the "friends" who may have assisted with the problem. Caron offers a comprehensive range of treatment services that focus on the medical, psychological/psychiatric, clinical, physical and spiritual aspects of one's recovery. Our treatment program is based on the 12-Step philosophy.