Cocaine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that’s abused for the increased confidence, enhanced alertness, and sense of well-being that it produces.
Also referred to as crack or crack cocaine, coke is one of the most dangerous substances in the world. Its high potential for addiction and effects on the heart, brain, and body as a whole are detrimental. Most people who develop a cocaine addiction need the help of cocaine rehab to get sober and recover physically. Because there’s much misunderstanding about this drug, our Texas treatment center shares what you should know about an 8-ball of cocaine.
What Is an 8-Ball Drug?
How much cocaine is in an 8-ball? An 8-ball of cocaine is 3.5 grams of cocaine, which is one-eighth of an ounce of 3,500 milligrams (mg). Drug dealers and people who buy drugs also use the term “8-ball” to refer to 3.5 grams of meth. The term “8-ball” can refer to an eighth of an ounce of cocaine or any other drug. The term has been around since the mid-1980s when cocaine became an especially popular street drug.
Although many people wonder where the term came from, drug dealers and drug users often refer to substances by nicknames to avoid legal detection and hide their habits from others. With that being said, it’s safe to say that people call 3.5 grams of drugs “8-ball,” so other people don’t know what they’re talking about.
How Much Does an 8-Ball of Cocaine Cost?
It can be difficult to determine the price of an 8-ball of coke. Factors like location and current supply and demand can determine how much an 8-ball of cocaine costs. Even DEA agents sometimes struggle to figure it out. From many studies and surveys, it's believed the cost of an 8-ball of cocaine typically ranges from $60 to $120. The purity of cocaine is also a significant determining factor in an 8-ball of cocaine's price. Most drug dealers use cutting agents like fentanyl, laundry detergent, and boric acid to make the product weigh more to sell at a higher price.
People with cocaine addictions may find themselves in a deep financial hole. Not only does drug abuse cause your health and relationships to suffer, but sustaining a drug habit can also become expensive. If you struggle with this form of drug abuse, the cocaine withdrawal treatment program at our Banyan Texas rehab can help you transition to a sober lifestyle.
How Is Cocaine Used?
Cocaine can be smoked or injected, but the powdered form is most frequently snorted. The drug is immediately absorbed by the mucous membranes of the nose and into the bloodstream after being snorted. This causes a quick and powerful high that normally lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Even quicker effects are felt when cocaine is smoked or injected, but there is also a higher chance of overdose and other adverse health effects.
Although cocaine is occasionally used medically as a local anesthetic, it is illegal to use it recreationally in the majority of nations due to the serious negative effects it can have on both individuals and communities.
Additionally, some people may combine cocaine with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, which raises the possibility of adverse interactions and overdose. This is referred to as polysubstance abuse. Cocaine usage can cause long-term health issues like addiction, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems in addition to its short-term impacts. Sadly, the substance is nevertheless common among some people and communities despite the dangers and legal restrictions.
Effects of Cocaine 8-Ball
Coke, crack, and crack cocaine are all common terms for cocaine, which is an alkaloid derivative from coca leaves that grow on a South American plant called Erythroxylum Coca. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has an accepted medical use but also a high potential for abuse and addiction. Medically, cocaine is used as a topical anesthetic and vasoconstricting agent. However, it wouldn’t be prescribed to patients like Percocet would be, nor would it be available over the counter.
As a central nervous system stimulant, cocaine affects the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine to produce a euphoric and energetic high. Common 8-ball cocaine effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sense of confidence
- High energy and alertness
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability or aggression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Poor decision-making
- Impaired judgment
- Muscle twitches or tremors
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Can You Overdose on Cocaine?
Yes, overdose is also another danger of cocaine abuse. Oftentimes, a cocaine overdose occurs in first-time users who don’t know how much to take or chronic users who have a high tolerance to the drug. Tolerance refers to how accustomed the body is to a certain drug. The higher the tolerance, the higher the dose a person would have to take to experience the same side effects.
Moreover, cocaine’s cutting agents often include anything from household chemicals to paint thinner. These cutting agents can increase the risk of experiencing health complications and overdose.
The Importance of Cocaine Addiction Treatment
A significant and multifaceted issue, cocaine addiction has catastrophic effects on users, families, and communities. For a variety of reasons, getting help for cocaine addiction is crucial. First and foremost, it can have serious negative effects on the body and mind, as well as social consequences.
In addition to cardiovascular illness, pulmonary problems, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, long-term cocaine usage can cause a number of other health complications. Cocaine addiction can also make it difficult for a person to carry on with regular activities like working, maintaining relationships, and taking care of their general well-being.
People who are addicted to cocaine can overcome their dependency, lower their risk of relapsing, and generally improve their quality of life with effective treatment. The standard course of treatment for cocaine addiction at our rehab in Texas combines behavioral therapy, medication, and encouragement from peers and medical staff.
In treatment, individuals can learn new skills to enhance their general well-being, create coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and triggers, and identify and address the underlying causes of their addiction with the aid of behavioral therapy.
Additionally, medications can be used to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and assistance from peers and medical professionals can offer crucial emotional support and motivation during the recovery process.
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, don’t wait to get help. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Texas today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our addiction treatment options.
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