Cocaine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that most often appears as a fine white powder that is snorted through the nose. Crack cocaine is another form that is usually smoked. Because cocaine sold on the streets is often mixed with other harmful drugs, it can be extremely dangerous and cause serious side effects, including addiction. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, cocaine abuse accounts for 40.3% of emergency department visits, more than any other illicit drug abuse or misuse.1 Without proper cocaine addiction treatment, this drug can wreak havoc on the lives of the individual and their loved ones. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine use, you are not alone. Our Banyan Illinois rehab offers a Chicago cocaine addiction treatment program that provides the care needed for recovery.

Symptoms and Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine is addictive because it increases dopamine in the brain and causes the user to feel a temporary euphoric rush. This increase in dopamine produces a feeling of reward, which reinforces drug-taking behavior.

Like most drugs, cocaine’s effects can vary from person to person, with the intensity and longevity of symptoms dependent on the dose taken. However, some of the most common signs of cocaine addiction include:

  • Excitability and increased energy levels
  • Weight loss
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness
  • Increased talkativeness
  • Risky behaviors
  • A feeling of superiority or inflated confidence levels
  • Frequent nose bleeds
  • Erratic behavior

If you notice a loved one exhibiting these symptoms above, they need a cocaine addiction treatment program to get themselves back on track.

Can Cocaine Be Fatal?

Yes, cocaine can cause death, and its potential for fatal consequences is a serious concern. Its stimulant effects can cause several dangerous physical reactions. Cardiovascular problems are among the most urgent and potentially fatal hazards linked to cocaine usage. The risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events can be increased by cocaine by raising blood pressure and heart rate to dangerously high levels. Furthermore, using cocaine increases the risk of developing arrhythmias, which are dangerously irregular heartbeats. For those who already have cardiac problems, the combination of these cardiovascular effects makes cocaine usage very dangerous.

Cocaine usage has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system in addition to other hazards that can result in death. The medication has the potential to cause hyperthermia, which is a hazardous rise in body temperature. In extreme circumstances, this hyperthermic condition can be lethal and result in organ failure. Cocaine's psychological side effects, which include agitation, paranoia, and poor judgment, can also encourage people to take risks that could result in violence or accidents, which raises the possibility of catastrophic consequences. Because of the inconsistent quality of street value cocaine, there is also a major risk of overdosing, when people may unintentionally consume a fatal quantity. In conclusion, the likelihood of cocaine deaths emphasizes the significance of addressing its risks through prevention and education.

Our Cocaine Addiction Treatment Methods

The first step to addiction recovery is recognizing that you or a loved one has a problem and needs treatment. From there, choosing one out of numerous cocaine rehab centers can seem less intimidating. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we offer a variety of different cocaine treatment programs at every level.

Depending on your situation, you may require PHP treatment or a less intensive level of care. At another point in your recovery, you may require an outpatient program. Our Banyan rehab in Naperville, IL, also offers dual diagnosis treatment for the many people who suffer from mental health disorders along with drug addiction. We work with you to find solutions to treat your addiction from all different angles.

Cocaine rehab programs should be tailored to the individual to ensure that their needs are met. During your time at our Chicago drug rehab, as your needs change, the cocaine rehab process will be adjusted to work best for you. It is our goal to help you overcome this disease so you can begin living the life you were always meant to have.

Furthermore, to ensure that our clients continue to succeed after their cocaine addiction treatment programs, we offer an alumni program that provides them with ongoing peer support and accountability. Our Chicago Addiction Treatment Center is here to help you take the first step toward recovery and overcoming your cocaine addiction.

Whether you’re addicted to cocaine, alcohol, or another type of drug, contact Banyan Chicago today to learn how our drug and alcohol treatment programs can help you or a loved one get sober.

Source:

  1. Drug Abuse Warning Network – Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2011: National Estimates of Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits