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Cocaine
Why
would anyone become addicted to cocaine?
The
effects of cocaine are immediate, extremely pleasurable,
and brief. Cocaine and crack cocaine
both produce intense but short-lived euphoria and
can make users feel more energetic.Like caffeine, cocaine produces
wakefulness and reduces hunger. Psychological effects include feelings
of well-being
and a grandiose sense of power and ability mixed
with anxiety and restlessness. As the drug wears off, these temporary
sensations of mastery are replaced
by an intense depression, and the drug abuser will
then "crash", becoming lethargic and typically
sleeping for several days.
Is
cocaine addiction serious?
Cocaine
addiction can occur very quickly and be very difficult to break.
Animal studies have shown that animals will work very hard (press
a bar over 10,000 times) for a single injection of cocaine, choose
cocaine over food and water, and take cocaine even when this behavior
is punished. Animals must have their access to cocaine limited in
order not to take toxic or even lethal doses. People addicted to
cocaine behave similarly. They will go to great lengths to get cocaine
and continue to take it even when it hurts their school or job performance
and their relationships with loved ones.
Are
there any other problems that can occur from crack or cocaine addiction?
Crack
and other forms of cocaine can cause feelings of anxiety and depression,
which may last for weeks.Attempts to stop using the drugs can fail
simply because the resulting depression can be overwhelming, causing
the addict to use more cocaine in an attempt to overcome his depression.
This overpowering addiction can cause the addict to do anything
to get cocaine.
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