Cocaine may be an expensive way to get high, but that does not mean that it is not popular. According to the latest nationwide survey from SAMHSA, approximately 1.9 million Americans ages 12 and older are current users of the drug, and roughly 867,000 people have a cocaine use disorder. If you are worried about cocaine addiction in Florida, here is what you need to know about the dangers of this disorder as well as the signs, symptoms, and hope for treatment.

The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance. The drug makes you feel good by flooding the brain with dopamine, providing messages that tell the brain you are happy and fulfilled. Even if you decided to just try the drug one time as an experiment, it is possible for that single use to turn into a possibly life-threatening addiction that has devastating personal, emotional, and financial consequences.

One of the biggest dangers associated with cocaine is the adverse impact that it can have on your health. There are both short and long-term health risks involved with cocaine use that range from overdose to organ failure.

Some of the most serious health issues related to cocaine use include kidney failure, collapsed veins, heart trouble, respiratory arrest, nasal perforation, strokes, seizures, and death. If the drug does not kill you or send you to the hospital, it could give you a fast trip to a jail cell, divorce court, or the unemployment line.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse?

The signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse will vary depending on the amount used and the length of the addiction. The most common signs of cocaine abuse include:

• Dilated pupils
• Runny nose
• Excitability
• Nosebleeds
• Risky behavior
• Boost in confidence
• Weight loss
• Social isolation
• Mood swings
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Deteriorating hygiene habits
• Presence of drug paraphernalia (razor blades, spoons, baggies)
• Financial difficulties
• Loss of interest in old activities or hobbies
• While powder residue around the mouth and nose

There are two main types of cocaine: a powdered form that is snorted, smoked, or injected, and a rock form called crack cocaine that is usually smoked. Cocaine addiction is serious, but there is hope for recovery if you are unable to stop using this powerful drug.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment at a Florida Drug Rehab

Cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug in the U.S., partially due to its high potential for addiction. When cocaine abuse turns to addiction, it can be nearly impossible to stop using without help. Because the drug changes the way that the brain feels pleasure, this makes it more difficult for the body to achieve these feelings without use.

If you are unable to control your use of cocaine or stop using the drug, you should consider getting help at a Florida drug rehab. Cocaine abuse treatment often consists of either inpatient or outpatient care that might include holistic and behavioral therapies.

Contact The Orlando Recovery Center to learn more about how our cocaine treatment programs can help you break free from this powerful and dangerous drug.