More on Cocaine Addiction

Effects of Use
A person who is addicted to cocaine in Pennsylvania may experience the following symptoms and effects from coke:

Confusion
Dilated pupils
Excess energy
Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Paranoia
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid speech
Runny nose
Stuffy nose

Complications and Long Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse
If the cocaine use continues, the cocaine addict may experience some serious consequences in the form of long-term effects or serious health issues as a result, including:

Blurred vision
Chest pain
Hallucinations
Heart attack
Heart disease
Seizures
Stroke

Help and Treatment for Cocaine Addiction in Pennsylvania
Cocaine treatment has two components: detoxification and rehabilitation. The first step is to stop using the drug. For a person trying to quit cocaine, they may experience intense cravings, anxiety and depression when they seek help. A medically-supervised detox program may include medications given to reduce the severity of these symptoms.

A person who is ready to quit using cocaine can contact a treatment center for help. An online search can lead you to several places offering programs for people addicted to cocaine. Once the body is free of the drug, then the rehabilitation process can begin.

Beyond Quitting: Cocaine Recovery and Rehabilitation
Moving forward in the recovery process involves rehabilitation. A person who has been using cocaine associates certain people, places and feelings with drug use. They will need help to identify the kinds of things that act as "triggers" that make them feel like they want to use the drug again.

Over time, they can learn how to deal with their triggers and substitute other behaviors in the place of using cocaine. Both individual and group therapy may be used as treatments for this type of addiction. Another option that may be helpful is a 12-step program like Cocaine Anonymous, where cocaine addicts help other cocaine addicts. By sharing their experiences, they learn from and support one another as they strive to remain clean.