Cocaine is an incredibly addictive stimulant drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine specifically refers to the drug in a powder form or crystal corm. The powder is frequently mixed with other substances such as sugar, cornstarch, and talcum powder and/ or laced with other drugs (i.e. amphetamines). It can be ingested via the nasal cavity (sniffed), intravenously (injected), inhaled (as a smoke or vapor) and/ or rubbed into one’s gums. Though cocaine was originally developed as a painkiller, it is now classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II Substance, which are “drugs, substances, or chemicals [that] are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” Due to the fact that cocaine is an illicit substance, the exact ingredients included in each batch are left solely to the discretion of the manufacturer. The means that the consumers have no way of truly knowing the precise potency of the substance they are ingesting, which can be incredibly dangerous. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) asserts that women are generally more sensitive to cocaine than her male counterpart.
Signs and Symptoms
Every person is different, and each woman that struggles with cocaine addiction is likely to exhibit a unique set of signs and symptoms. Some of the common signs and symptoms that could present in a woman struggling with cocaine addiction can include any of the following examples, as provided by the Mayo Clinic:
- Panic
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritation
- Fearlessness
- Extremely talkative
- Heightened energy levels
- Violence
- Erratic behaviors
- Headaches
- Muscle twitches
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal perforation
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased appetite
- Sexual dysfunction
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Intense mood swings
It is important to note that any combination of the above examples can manifest and will have varying severities. Factors such as the length of time she abused cocaine, the potency of the cocaine abused, the method of ingestion, the personal health history of the female abusing cocaine, whether or not she simultaneously abused additional substances, the presence of any comorbidities, and her frequency of use will all contribute to the type and severity of symptoms exhibited in a woman addicted to cocaine.
Effects Of Cocaine
There are a variety of short and long-term consequences that can manifest as a result of cocaine abuse. If left untreated, addiction to cocaine can lead to severe short and long-term consequences, and in the worst case, death. Habitual abuse of cocaine can affect the way one’s brain functions. With the consistent presence of cocaine in one’s system it is obligated to get used to functioning in its presence, and will eventually become unable to properly function in its absence. This is primarily due to the fact that one’s synaptic connections under the influence of cocaine will lead to the development of new neural pathways. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine abuse, do not delay in obtaining treatment.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous, and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
