Cocaine Abuse and Addiction, A Blot on Mankind

Cocaine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, which is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine readily passes into the brain when ingested into the body. A high level of dopamine is built-up in the brain which stimulates nerve cells causing euphoria. Read more at Cocaine Abuse.

Even though it is considered illegal by possession, cultivation, and distribution of cocaine for non-medicinal and non-government sanctioned purposes in virtually all parts of the world, it is one of the most freely commercialized products in the world. The addictive properties of cocaine have destroyed many lives all through history, ever since its discovery.

The use of Cocaine is a cancer that is prevalent across all socioeconomic strata and is no respecter of age, demographics, economic, social, political, religious, and livelihood.

Cocaine Addiction

The world's most powerful stimulant of natural origin known to man is cocaine. In the form of fine white powder, it sold on the streets. It can either be absorbed, inhaled, injected, sniffed or taken orally.

There are two primary forms of cocaine: one, the powdery type used for snorting up the nose. The second is freebase, better known as crack cocaine, used for smoking.

No matter the form or type of cocaine you take, addiction is swift to follow and dependency evolves in less than 2 weeks. Did you ever imagine that a habit you started casually, maybe to fit in with your peers or maybe due to stress would make end by you being so totally addicted and in danger of losing your life? No mercy is shown by this addiction and is swift to act.

As it lacks the physical withdrawal symptoms seen in alcohol or heroin addiction, addicts like to believe that cocaine is not addictive. Powerful psychological addictive properties are present in cocaine. Cocaine is addictive, no matter which ever way you put it, "If it is not addictive, then why can't the user stop using?"

Methods of Cocaine Abuse
People should be aware that Cocaine is presently the most abused major stimulant in the world and has become the drug most frequently involved in emergency department visits. It is not a new drug of abuse but has come to be termed the caviar of recreational drugs.

Cocaine abuse can lead to addiction, severe health problems and death. In failed attempts to recreate the pleasurable sensations of their first exposure to cocaine, abusers are trapped in a vicious cycle of increased cocaine abuse. The route of drug administration commonly used for cocaine: snorting, injecting, and smoking causes the intensity and duration of cocaine's effects, which include increased energy, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness. Cocaine powder is inhaled through the nose in the snorting process, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Needle is used to release the drug directly into the bloodstream in the Injecting process. Cocaine vapor or smoke is inhaled into the lungs in smoking process, where absorption into the bloodstream is as rapid as by injection. All three methods of cocaine abuse can lead to addiction and other severe health problems.

Health Risks from Cocaine Abuse and Addiction
Different methods of cocaine abuse produce different adverse effects - make no mistake - they are severe and life-threatening.
" Losing Sense of smell , suffering nosebleeds, having problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and a chronically running nose are caused due to snorting.
" Severe bowel gangrene are suffered by ingesters as a result of reduced blood flow. Injecters bring about severe allergic reactions and run increased risk for contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases.
" Bingers lay themselves open to irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and paranoia.

Remember, prolonged cocaine abuse may lead to a temporary state of full-blown paranoid psychosis, causing the abuser to loose touch with reality.

Regardless of the method or frequency of cocaine abuse, you should know that you are only hastening your own end. Each one of us should have a sense of purpose in our lives to enable us to avoid the lure of Cocaine.