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Is Cocaine Use Controlling Your Life? There is Help!

Is Cocaine Use Controlling Your Life? There is Help!

Though the effects of cocaine can be short-lived, they are very powerful, and that’s what makes it so easy to get addicted to cocaine. One hit of cocaine and you feel on top of the world; over time, however, your brain will adapt to the drug and you’ll need to keep taking more and more to achieve that same feeling.

 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows primarily in South America, particularly in Colombia. It’s considered an illegal narcotic and is highly addictive, meaning that using it regularly can quickly lead to psychological as well as physical dependence on it. Its main effect on users—including those who are addicted—is to provide intense feelings of euphoria and excitement and heightened energy levels for a limited time (30-60 minutes). 

The Risks of Using Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects nearly every organ in your body. It stimulates nerve cells and causes them to release dopamine, a chemical that produces feelings of pleasure and excitement—the same reaction that occurs when you’re in love or just won big money at gambling. While you might feel on top of the world for a few minutes after snorting cocaine, these effects are short-lived; an hour later, you could be crying because of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, agitation and paranoia.

The physical effects of using cocaine include nosebleeds, heart disease, stroke and respiratory failure. Long-term users can also develop psychosis or experience tremors, convulsions and seizures that resemble epilepsy or a stroke.

Although not everyone who uses cocaine becomes addicted, between 23% and 38% of people who try it become dependent, according to estimates by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Withdrawal symptoms—which can start as early as a few hours after you stop using—can include anxiety, depression, fatigue and irritability.

Many cocaine users also drink alcohol, which increases their risk of developing heart disease and liver damage as well as a host of other health problems. Since cocaine suppresses appetite, it can contribute to malnutrition among chronic users, too. It’s not uncommon for them to develop complications from hepatitis or HIV/AIDS by sharing needles or having unprotected sex with multiple partners when they’re high.

Finally, heavy cocaine users often experience severe paranoia and hallucinations that can lead to violent behaviour. They may also become suicidal and engage in self-destructive behaviours such as cutting themselves or attempting suicide by overdosing on other drugs.

Now that you know how dangerous cocaine can be, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to stop using it without going through withdrawal symptoms or experiencing any of these other problems.

Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction

If you have a problem with cocaine, you’re not alone—and there are ways to get help for it. So if you’re ready to make a change, call +27 63 359 9555 now to speak to one of our consultants who can walk you through treatment options that could be perfect for you. A drug rehab admissions specialist will work closely with you to create a custom recovery plan that works best for your specific needs and goals in long-term recovery from drug addiction. It only takes one phone call. Don’t wait another day. Call today!

Consider Treatment Options

If you’re struggling with drug addiction, or know someone who is, knowing where to go for treatment can be a challenge in itself. A good place to start is with the Freeman House Recovery hotline (+27 12 1111 739). We are a high-end rehab centre located in South Africa. Our inpatient treatment programmes in Johannesburg South Africa require that you live at our facility for anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on what level of care you need. If you suspect someone you love has a drug problem, it’s time to reach out for support and answers on how to move forward with their care.

Recovering from drug addiction doesn’t have to be an isolating process, especially with these resources and support systems at your disposal. Contact Freeman House Recovery for more information about how you or a loved one can put addiction behind you once and for all.

Managing Symptoms During Recovery

Certain symptoms are to be expected when you’re trying to recover from addiction, and these may continue for a few weeks after you start treatment. The most common physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia or drowsiness and fatigue. While uncomfortable, these symptoms will subside over time as your body adjusts to being drug-free. Be sure to keep taking any prescribed medications until you speak with your doctor about how long it will take for them to go away on their own.

It’s important to keep in mind that symptoms may be influenced by many factors, including how much and for how long you used, as well as individual biology and gender. Stressful situations can also trigger reactions from withdrawal, so it’s best to prepare yourself for possible setbacks before starting treatment. If you believe that you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms but have been clean for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if they become severe enough.

Staying Involved in Recovery

When you’re first starting, staying involved in recovery can be hard. You might try to do too much at once, and then feel as though you haven’t done enough. Remember, it’s okay to let yourself take it slow and take things one day at a time that’s what recovery is all about! To stay involved in recovery, try these steps.  There are many ways to get involved in addiction recovery. The most important thing is not doing too much, but rather doing something each day toward living a sober lifestyle. Remember: Recovery takes work, but there are so many resources available to help you along your journey. Staying actively involved will ensure that you have support and guidance along the way.

There is Help at Freeman House Recovery

If you are struggling with any type of addiction, including cocaine use, it’s important to understand that there are treatment options available. The biggest step towards recovery is speaking with a professional—someone who can offer personalised care and guidance for overcoming substance abuse and its lasting effects on your life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and find out how we can help you break free from addiction once and for all! We are here, ready to answer any questions you may have. Don’t let another day go by without reaching out!

About Freeman House Recovery

Freeman House Recovery offers a rehab programme that helps those who are struggling with drugs, alcohol and other addictions to overcome their addictions and make lifestyle changes to regain control of their lives. Contact us to get rid of your cocaine addiction for good.

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