Posts Tagged cocaine addiction

Study Shows Possible Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Posted by DrugFreeHomes 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.

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Cocaine: Addiction, Detection and Treatment

Posted by DrugFreeHomes 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.

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Common Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Posted by DrugFreeHomes 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.

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