Dealing With Cocaine or Crack Addiction
One of the leading health problems faced by not a few countries today is drug addiction. The problem has grown to such an alarming proportion primarily because of the easy availability of drugs - nonprescription, prescription, and illicit, all of which may be subject to drug abuse.
Often we hear cases of drug addiction as being classified or associated with the type of drugs involved, so that we hear of cocaine or crack addiction. While there is a fine line separating these two substances, both are considered stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS).
Addiction to cocaine or crack may cause these symptoms: restlessness, faster pulse, anxiety, loss of appetite, euphoria, and depression. Long-term use of either substance may lead to psychological dependence, risk of heart failure, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Cocaine has become notoriously popular among drug abusers because of its stimulating effect. The coca plant that grows in many countries in South America is the source of this substance. Drug abusers use cocaine (powdered form) by inhaling it through the nose; passing through the thin nasal mucous membranes, the inhaled powdered substance is then absorbed into the blood. Note that nasal ulcers are also possible symptoms in this case.
Crack is a chemically-altered form of cocaine. Specifically, it is an impure form of the solid base form of cocaine (freebase). Drug abusers use this substance by inhaling the vapors produced from heating it; or the substance is dried and broken into tiny pellets, which are then smoked.
Users of crack experience a stronger "high" than those who use powdered cocaine. Also, crack produces a much faster effect than cocaine does. While both substances are definitely addictive, addiction to crack poses more serious risks because of the rapid and more intense euphoric effect it causes.
One of the most serious effects that cocaine or crack addiction can cause is the rapid constriction of blood vessels. Apart from the risk of heart failure therefore, the drug abuser also faces the danger of failure of the respiratory functions.
Treatment for cocaine or crack addiction is the same as that used for chronic alcoholism. It involves several forms of counseling and group therapy. The abuser may be completely "cleansed" of the substances and their effects only after several months o