Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction is one of society’s greatest problems today. Individuals addicted to cocaine will do almost anything to get the drug. It has penetrated all levels of our society infecting the rich, poor, and everyone in between. Family members connected to individuals with a cocaine addiction live in chaos and confusion because they do not understand the underlying mechanics of cocaine addiction.
As the habit of using cocaine becomes increasingly important, behaviour such as lying, heating, stealing, absenteeism at work and denying the use of cocaine, is an evident side effect. While these behaviours are not directly related to the use of cocaine, these cocaine effects are often present due to the lifestyle of the addict.
Short-term cocaine effects are noticeable immediately and although they are not always damaging, in some cases they have caused serious bodily damage and death. Deaths related to cocaine effects are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures and respiratory failure. * Some of the short-term cocaine effects first time users experience includes increased energy, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Short-term cocaine effects include:
Increased blood pressure
Constricted blood vessels
Dilated pupils
Mental alertness
Increased heart rate
Decreased appetite
Increased temperature
Long-term cocaine effects are noticeable as cocaine abuse continues and tolerance builds. Since cocaine is a highly addictive drug, it can lead to major medical complications and health problems. Some of the these complications include heart disease, heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, and gastrointestinal problems. Other physical symptoms include convulsions, nausea, blurred vision, chest pain, fever, muscle spasms, and coma. Other long-term cocaine effects include:
Addiction
Paranoia
Irritability
Restlessness
Auditory hallucinations
Mood disturbances
