Cocaine Addiction Research Paper

One is often baffled when trying to understand why or how somebody becomes addicted to a drug. It is difficult to comprehend how something can completely overtake a person’s life and destroy it. Addiction, however, is not simply a voluntary behavior. Cocaine addiction is a very serious mental disease that can be detrimental to a person and the people around them. While some are more susceptible than others, anyone can become a victim of cocaine addiction. All it takes is one single use and a lifelong battle can ensue.

Cocaine addiction starts after the initial use of the drug. Cocaine was originally used as an anesthetic, but is no longer used clinically due to the addictive nature. Nowadays, cocaine is normally used as a recreational drug

The intense high delivered from cocaine is short-lived. Cocaine is known for delivering intense euphoria and self-confidence. Cocaine can have many negative symptoms including agitation, paranoia, confusion, nervousness, restlessness, delirium, hallucinations, delusions, violence, suicidal or homicidal thoughts, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, heart attack, stroke, seizure, respiratory failure, or death. Cocaine also causes an increased risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and stillbirth in pregnant women. The drug works by rapidly increasing the level of dopamine in the brain. The increase in dopamine stimulates the limbic system, which gives the user a “feeling of enhanced well-being, euphoria, alertness, motor activity and energy,” and some users describe “increased sensations of sexuality and competence” (Nordqvist). The increase in pleasurable sensations is what in turn increases the likelihood of reuse in the future. With increased usage, the brain starts to get used to the high levels of dopamine and may begin to treat it as the normal level. After the brain begins recognizing the high levels of dopamine as normal, when the person is not using, they can set into withdrawal due to an

Some users become so addicted that they are willing to give up anything and everything in order to achieve a high. People will often sell away their life to support their habit and eventually may even steal or panhandle to get money. “A distinguishing mark of cocaine addiction is its expense. Since cocaine costs a lot of money, stealing is frequently a sign of cocaine addiction” (Carruth 19). The side effects of cocaine such as depression and paranoia often lead to problems at home. The addiction can cause sudden anger outbursts, estrangement from spouse or family, and work or financial issues. With the onset of addiction, cocaine begins control the addict’s “thoughts and priorities, occupies their time, takes their money, demands their attention, and threatens their values. The effects of cocaine on the family are different for each family member, often causing the non-using family members to develop their own physical, psychological, and emotional problems as they struggle to adapt” (Effects). Many relationships are destroyed and families torn apart due to cocaine addiction. The addiction takes over their life and becomes their only priority. Luckily, there are ways to reclaim control of their life and get rid of the addiction once and for