Cocaine is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs that is still being used today. It has been linked to countless health problems and can even lead to death. If you or someone you know is suffering from cocaine addiction, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with this drug.
According to the United Nations’ 2022 World Drug Report, the United States is ranked as the country with the highest number of cocaine users. In 2020 alone the prevalence of cocaine use was estimated at two percent of the entire population aged 15-64 which translates to 6.4 million users. With cocaine use only expected to rise in the coming years, it’s more critical than ever for individuals to be aware of the resources that are available to them, specifically the benefits of receiving cocaine addiction treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the dangers that cocaine dependence can pose, so that you can make an informed decision about when to seek treatment for a cocaine addiction.
Physical Effects
One of the most concerning effects that an individual who is dependent on cocaine will face is the physical toll that it takes on your body. Cocaine use is associated with a number of both short term and long term physical side effects. When an individual first uses cocaine some of the physical side effects may include nausea, vomiting, tremors, headaches, chest pain, elevated blood pressure, and irregular or rapid heart rate.
After an individual has used cocaine for an extended period of time and has become dependent on it, they will face a number of harmful physical symptoms, which may ultimately become irreversible. Long term cocaine use has the potential to deteriorate the sinuses, as well as the soft tissue that is found inside of the nasal cavity. Depending on the method of cocaine use, the drug can also have harmful effects on the respiratory system, by over time, restricting the amount of oxygen that is being received by the lungs, as well as the bloodstream. Long-term cocaine use can cause severe damage to almost every organ in your body, including the brain which can cause a litany of mental health issues such as memory loss and cognitive impairment.
Mental Health Issues
Cocaine use also poses huge risks to our mental wellbeing. Addiction is a mental illness that requires treatment in order to be managed effectively. When individuals are ready to seek support for their addiction, they can greatly benefit from the services provided by a facility that offers cocaine addiction treatment, like Encore Outpatient Services.
People who are dependent on cocaine may experience paranoia, anxiety and depression, which can lead to problems down the road when it comes to finding positive sources of motivation, productivity and relationships. These individuals may also struggle with the feelings of guilt and shame, which can lead them to engage in risky behaviors such as self-harm or suicide attempts. The effect that cocaine use has on an individual’s mental health and well-being will be significantly determined by their level of usage, dosage and toxicity. Long-term addiction can make it harder for someone to see the reality of their situation clearly, while also impairing their ability to develop long-term goals or plans.
It is important to talk openly about the psychological impacts that come with addiction and cocaine use in order to help individuals seek support while they are still in the early stages of substance abuse. Treatment programs that recognize this aspect of addiction have a much better chance at helping people start afresh in their lives without being dragged down by problematic behavior patterns that are developed through cocaine use.
Social Impact
Cocaine addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s social life due to its tendency to isolate users from friends and family members who don’t understand what they are going through. This isolation can further fuel feelings of loneliness and depression which may lead individuals down a dark path if professional help is not sought soon enough.
Furthermore, people with a cocaine addiction often find themselves engaging in dangerous behaviors in order to obtain more drugs or money, or to hide their addiction from others. This could potentially put them in harmful situations where they are vulnerable to assault or other forms of violence.
Free Yourself From The Constraints of Cocaine Addiction with Encore Outpatient Services
The dangers associated with cocaine addiction cannot be underestimated. It poses serious risks both physically and mentally that require immediate attention so that individuals can receive proper treatment for their addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine dependence – do not hesitate to reach out for help from the professionals at Encore Outpatient Services who specialize in treating this type of substance abuse disorder. Our programs for cocaine addiction treatment provide individuals with the necessary tools they need to start a successful recovery program.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and let us know how we can help.
Call now (703) 436-8158