Cocaine is a highly additive stimulant drug that directly affects the brain. Despite the title “Drug of the ‘80s and ‘90s,” cocaine addiction has been a problem for many, many years. Cocaine is one of the oldest known drugs and as the pure chemical cocaine hydrochloride, it has been an abused substance for more than 100 years. Likewise, coca leaves have been a source of cocaine addiction for thousands of years, originating from Peru and Bolivia.
Cocaine was first used as an extract used in tonics and elixirs developed to treat various illnesses. Still today, despite the high potential of cocaine addiction, the substance is a Schedule II drug and can be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses such as anesthetic for certain ear, eye, and nose surgeries.
Cocaine sold on the streets usually appears in powder form with slang titles such as “C,” “coke,” “snow,” “flake,” or “blow.” Street sellers generally thin down the substance with corn starch, talcum powder, and/or sugar, or they mix it with other active drugs like procaine and amphetamines. This diluting process hinders the strength of cocaine addiction at first, but there is still enough to get people hooked and coming back for more.
Fighting Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction can be a difficult struggle for both the user and those around him or her. The first and hardest step is admitting you have a problem and wanting to seek help. Cocaine addiction has a powerful grip on its users but you cannot let it get the best of you. You must gain back the control from your cocaine addiction, but it is a battle.
There are several programs and organizations that offer help for those who wish to free themselves of the shackles of cocaine addiction. Here is a list of a few options:
- Cocaine Anonymous This program is based on Alcoholics Anonymous and uses a similar 12-step program that involves service to others to help recover from cocaine addiction. C.A. is only concerned with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of cocaine and other drug abusers. The organization is not affiliated with any medical means of treatment or research of cocaine addiction, though individuals may do so on their own. There are no dues or fees for membership and you are able to attend as many or as few meetings as you desire.
- Drug Rehab Facilities Hospitals and clinics also have various programs for those suffering from cocaine addiction. The types of programs vary from residential (staying overnight at the facility) to outpatient arrangements and are suited for all different levels of addiction. Drug rehab facilities range in price and requirements, but it is up to you to decide the right place for your recovery from cocaine addiction.
- Acupuncture Acupuncture therapy is a relatively new approach of dealing with cocaine addiction. Combined with individual and group counseling, studies have shown that more than half of the participants were said to be free of cocaine by the final week of an 8-week acupuncture cocaine addiction treatment with no additional medication.
By Monica Drusch