Cocaine is more than just an addictive substance; prolonged abuse without seeking treatment can escalate its dangers, potentially turning it into a lethal threat. Over time, the risk of overdose grows, and as a stimulant, long-term use can lead to severe health complications like heart attacks and strokes. Mauoi Recovery offers comprehensive treatment programs that treat symptoms and get to the root of cocaine addiction.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the coca plant leaves native to South America. As a street drug, cocaine looks like a fine, white crystal powder. Street dealers often mix it with things like cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. They may also combine it with other stimulant amphetamine or synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Adding synthetic opioids to cocaine is especially risky when people using cocaine do not realize it contains this dangerous additive. Increasing numbers of overdose deaths among cocaine users might be related to this tampered cocaine.
What are the effects of cocaine?
Regular cocaine use can quickly lead to significant physical and psychological harm. Cocaine releases dopamine which causes a sense of pleasure and euphoria in the brain. This constant cycle of “feel good” emotions promotes the individual to use the drug repeatedly and as they develop a tolerance for the drug.
Short-Term Effects
Long-Term Effects
Other Health Effects
Statistics on Cocaine Addiction
In the United States, the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 35.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported having used cocaine.
According to the 2006 Monitoring the Future Study by the National Institute for Drug Abuse, among high-school students, 8.5% of twelfth graders had used cocaine at some point in their young lives.
In the United States, Cocaine continues to be the most frequently mentioned illegal drug reported to the Drug Abuse Warning Network by hospital emergency departments. At Maui Recovery, we’re acutely aware of this alarming trend and offer specialized programs designed to address the complexities of cocaine addiction.
