Posts Tagged cocaine abuse

Amphetamines versus Cocaine: Symptoms of Abuse

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts on November 16th, 2010

In several of our previous posts, there are two substances that have been deemed as the most commonly abused: amphetamines and cocaine. These two substances have several things in common; they both lead to tolerance and psychological dependence, and are classified as stimulants of the central nervous system. An article on Tescountry.com shares a comparison between the two drugs, and for this post we will only dwell on the symptoms of their abuse.

drug abuseAmphetamines arrived in the market in the 1930s, mainly as a medicine for the treatment of nasal congestion. During the Second World War, amphetamines were used by soldiers to keep themselves alert; the drug was also prescribed for weight loss. Nowadays, though, amphetamines have limited use, mainly for the treatment of ADHD, narcolepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

Those who abuse amphetamines exhibit various symptoms, which have been classified into four: behavioral symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, physical symptoms, and life-threatening symptoms. Amphetamine users tend to be irritable and confused, and exercise poor judgment. They alternately exhibit euphoria and anger.

Amphetamine users tend to suffer from depression and other such mood disorders, including paranoia. Physically, one can notice weight loss and dilated pupils in someone who is suffering from amphetamine abuse. Amphetamine abuse can sometimes lead to seizures and cardiac arrhythmias, among other life-threatening conditions.

Cocaine users essentially exhibit similar symptoms as those who abuse amphetamines. They also suffer from various mood and anxiety disorders, and have episodes of delirium, hallucination and delusion. They too tend to have dilated pupils, and have increased heart rate and blood pressure. Those who abuse cocaine may suffer from insomnia and compulsive behavior.

No Comments

Study Ranks Alcohol As More Dangerous Than Heroin or Crack

Posted by Drug Free in Alcohol Abuse on November 2nd, 2010

Most people are all too familiar with the dangers posed by such illegal drugs as heroin or crack – but it is the legal substance, alcohol, which is deemed as most dangerous. A feature on the New York Daily News shared the results of a study published in the British medical journal The Lancet, which arrived at that conclusion.

alcohol abuseA panel of experts studied different social, physical and psychological problems associated with various drugs. The experts arrived at the conclusion that alcohol, heroin, and crack, in that order, were most harmful for others. On the other hand, heroin, crack, and methamphetamine were deemed as most harmful to the individual user.

Dr. Petros Livados, director of the Addiction Institute of New York at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital, shared the following insight regarding the results of the study with the Daily News: “Both in terms of the medical consequences as well as societal consequences, I agree that alcohol ranks very high in overall harmfulness. Alcohol has tremendous repercussions in our society in terms of drunk driving and societal consequences.”

The study was funded by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies in London, and the report on The Lancet was co-authored by the former chief drug policy advisor of Britain, Professor David Nutt.

Dr. Jeffrey Parsons, addiction expert and chair of the psychology department at Hunter College, shared that since alcohol is legal and sanctioned socially, “it does not carry the same stigma and issues that illegal drugs do… But the negative health consequences of alcohol are even greater than with many illegal drugs.”

1 Comment

Study Shows Possible Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Abuse Treatment on August 6th, 2010

A study led by Chiang-shan Ray Li, MD, PhD, and published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, showed that methylphenidate, normally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can also be used on patients being treated for cocaine dependency.

cocaine addictionA feature on Medscape.com shares the results of the small functional magnetic resonance imaging (f-MRI) study. The results indicated that methylphenidate can improve the self-control of cocaine-dependent patents. Dr. Li, who is an associate professor of psychiatry and neurobiology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, shared the following statement with Medscape Medical News: “Currently, there are no [US Food and Drug Administration] approved medications for cocaine dependence… This study may help establish the neurobiological basis of catecholaminergic agents in the treatment of some patients with [cocaine dependence].”

The study consisted of data provided by ten volunteers who are cocaine-dependent. The volunteers were enrolled in an in-patient treatment unit, and some were randomly selected to receive either methylphenidate or saline placebo intravenously on the first session. The next treatment is received in another session conducted after 48 hours. After an estimated 45 minutes following each treatment, the feature shared, “participants performed a computerized stop signal test while undergoing an f-MRI.”

The following were measured at particular points in time (30 minutes before injections for the baseline, 30 minutes after the injections, and during each f-MRI): craving, anxiety, euphoria, heart rate, and blood pressure. Monitoring was continued up to six hours after sessions.

No Comments

Cocaine: Addiction, Detection and Treatment

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Rehabilitation on March 13th, 2010

Cocaine is one of the most potent drugs today. It is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that obstructs brain functions. As an effect, cocaine temporarily heightens euphoria that includes hyper-stimulation, lessens fatigue and affects the rational precision. Cocaine is taken in different ways including sniffing or snorting, inhalation, injection or smoking.

cocaine abuserDangers of Cocaine Use

Cocaine addicts undergo several side effects like agitation, nervousness and irritability. High doses or long standing use of cocaine often triggers paranoia among other psychological effects. Continued use of the drug produces a hostile paranoid behavior, which is a common factor leading to criminal tendencies. The external effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils, an increase in temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, and bloodshot eyes.

Detection of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is known to alter one’s personality and may drive a person to his extremes. It is important to watch out for the physical signs of cocaine abuse, such as an irritated nose, wounds in the arms, and sudden changes in personality among others since it may be difficult to spot drug paraphernalia or other evidences. A hair drug test can more accurately determine cocaine abuse. The user may not need to be in the laboratory. You may collect the samples and send them to a qualified laboratory.

Rehabilitation and Treatment of Cocaine Use

Treatment for cocaine use would vary on the extent of the addiction. A “crash” happens when an addict suddenly stops taking the drugs. A crash would cause extreme exhaustion, severe craving, irritability, agitation and dysphoria. Depression in a recovering patient usually worsens as the withdrawal reaches its peak. The person has a desire for sleep, and sleeps for an extended period of time. The person then undergoes a state called anhedonia, which may cause him to feel detached and find no pleasure from life. After about two weeks of stopping, the person usually returns to his usual self but will feel slight cravings for cocaine. This is why it is important to have a continued treatment even after withdrawal or rehabilitation.

1 Comment

Common Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts on February 15th, 2010

Cocaine is a powerful and addictive central nervous system stimulant. With its intense and potent euphoric effects, the drug user can easily become addicted to cocaine after a short period of time. Upon taking it, it intensifies alertness, restrains appetite and sleep while giving off pleasurable sensations. Users often take it for performing physical and intellectual tasks more efficiently.

Here are some slang terms or names for cocaine: big C, blanco, blow, blast, Bolivian, Charlie, coke, Columbian, girl, heaven, happy powder, Mama Coca, mojo, nose candy, Peruvian, pimp, she, sniff, snort, snow, toot, trails, white lady and stardust.

However put, cocaine is very dangerous and can be lethal to its users. It is known to cause heart complications including irregular heartbeats, strokes, heart attacks and respiratory failure. Other effects include depression, violent tendencies and a loss of sexual function.

Here is a list of known signs that someone may be abusing cocaine:

cocaine• Sudden weight loss
• Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
• Periods of depression
• Runny nose
• Decline in personal appearance or hygiene
• Respiratory infections
• Distorted sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in social engagements and relationships with friends and family
• Loss of interest in food, sex and other productive and pleasurable activities
• Paranoia, hallucinations and delusions
• Impatience and irritability
• Relentless or sometimes destructive need for money
• Euphoria
• Hyper-alertness
• Panic
• Use of small spoons, mirrors, razor blades, rolled paper money
• Use of small bottles with screw-top lids, plastic packets for storing

You may also use home drug tests to be certain about cocaine abuse. They can be very convenient to use, highly effective and totally confidential.

1 Comment

Cocaine Addiction Escalates in London

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 10th, 2009

new-cocaine-vaccine_1

Britain has the highest number of cocaine abusers than any other country in the European Union – a report furnished by the Home Office (interior ministry) declared this.

The official figures showed that 12,354 adults were now receiving treatment for dependency on cocaine. The figures also indicate that 3 percent of all 15-69 years olds used cocaine in the previous year meaning that almost a million people had taken the drug – the highest number since data was first collected in 1996.

The workers of the finance sector have been worst affected and the major responsibility for this critical situation has been attributed to the constant stress and depression that has resulted from recession. Don Serratt, the Chief Executive of Life Works, said he has noticed a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking treatment for alcohol or cocaine abuse in the past few months. American born Mr. Serratt was addicted to drug and alcohol but has maintained sobriety for the past 27 years.

“It has a lot to do with the current economic environment,” voiced Serratt. “Either they have been made redundant or (they have) fears around being made redundant or fears around lowered income because many of these people have high personal overheads,” he said. “Even if you keep your job but you are looking at making a fraction of what you made, it adds quite a bit of stress.”

The users generally did not admit that they were having a problem until their performance was affected. Thus it took nearly nine months for the problem to surface. He accused the firms for not being able to handle the problem and for not treating it seriously. “Most of them do not even have a drug or alcohol policy,” he said. A lot of firms even have no training to identify and to deal with addiction.

Britain’s economic crisis might be easing now but the situation regarding drug use might not improve with that ease.

1 Comment