Cocaine abuse – Cocaine dependence

Cocaine Use Disorder (Cocaine Abuse; Cocaine Dependence)

Description of cocaine abuse

Cocaine abuse appears, when the consumption of cocaine harms human health or social functioning, if a person becomes addicted to cocaine. Cocaine in powder form can be inhaled or dissolved in water and administered intravenously. Crack – form of cocaine in a rock crystal. It is heated and inhaled vapors.

Cocaine abuse is treatable. If you suspect, that you have or have another person there was cocaine dependence, consult a doctor.

Reasons for cocaine abuse

Cocaine stimulates the brain, and it produces large amounts of the hormone dopamine, which causes euphoria, as they say cocaine abusers. If a person continues to use cocaine, develops tolerance. It means, in order to maintain a sense of euphoria needed higher doses and more frequent use of cocaine.

In a dramatic cocaine abstinence arises, which leads to a very strong desire to take cocaine again. It may also cause tiredness, loss of enjoyment of life, depression, anxiety, irritability, and sometimes paranoia. These withdrawal symptoms are often forced to consume more cocaine.

Risk factors for cocaine abuse

Factors, that may increase the risk of cocaine addiction include:

• Age: 18-25;
• Paul: male.

Symptoms of cocaine abuse

Symptoms, associated with cocaine dependence include:

• Short-term effects of cocaine:
  • Euphoria;
  • Energy;
  • Excessive talkativeness;
  • Improving mental abilities;
  • Reducing the need for food and sleep;
  • Dilated pupils;
  • Elevated temperature;
  • Increased heart rate;
  • Increased blood pressure;
  • Bizarre, erratic or aggressive behavior;
  • Dizziness;
  • Clonus;
  • Paranoia;
  • Anxiety, irritability and anxiety;
  • Heart attack;
  • Convulsions;
  • Sudden death;
• Long-term effects include:
  • Traction, which is impossible to control or predict;
  • Increased tolerance;
  • The increase in dosage;
  • Excessive consumption of cocaine;
  • Increased irritability, anxiety, and paranoia;
  • Paranoid psychosis;
• Medical complications include:
  • Heart rhythm disturbances;
  • Heart attack;
  • Chest pain;
  • Respiratory failure;
  • Stroke;
  • Convulsions;
  • Headache;
  • Abdominal pain;
  • Nausea.

Diagnosis of cocaine abuse

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The doctor will ask specific questions about the use of cocaine, including, how long and how often you use drugs.

Treatment of cocaine dependence

Treatment programs may be inpatient or outpatient and may:

• Require, you to stop consuming cocaine;
• Require detoxify the body.

Medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence

There are currently no medications for the treatment of addiction to cocaine. Take the medicine designed to reduce the symptoms of euphoria and craving for further drug use. Medicines, which have shown some encouraging results:

• Modafinil;
• N-ацетилцистеин;
• Topiramate;
• Disulьfiram;
• Zamestitelynaya therapy «pharmacotherapy agonistami»;
• Baklofen;
• Antidepressants – may be useful in the early stages of the cessation of cocaine.

Behavioral therapy in the treatment of cocaine dependence

Behavioral therapy is designed to help people quit using cocaine, and often the only available effective treatment for cocaine dependence. Therapies include contingency management. With this program, people receive positive emotions and satisfaction with treatment and non-cocaine. Besides, Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to learn to refrain from the use of cocaine.

Rehabilitation programs

With the passage of rehabilitation programs, people with disorder of cocaine are in a controlled environment for 6-12 months. During this time they can receive vocational rehabilitation and other support, allows you to prepare them to return to society.

Prevention of cocaine dependence

The best way to prevent the disorder from cocaine – never use it. Cocaine is highly addictive.