WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Cocaine is highly addictive. One weekend of heavy use
turns some people into cocaine addicts. Crack is even more
addictive because it provides a stronger and faster
""high.'' Once addicted, you will find yourself spending
more and more of your time and money assuring a supply. Heavy
use of cocaine can lead to death from overdose or heart attack,
so breaking the habit can truly be a matter of life and death.
Going ""cold turkey'' can make you sick; but medical help is
available, and you
can quit successfully.
Causes
Snorting, smoking, or shooting cocaine or crack all can
quickly lead to addiction. Pregnant women who use crack or
cocaine pass the addiction to their babies. These children
often have trouble thinking and learning later in
life.
Signs/Symptoms
At first, a cocaine ""high,''
will make you excited and full of energy. Continued use of the
drug, however, will lead to unpleasant symptoms such as rapid
heartbeat, chest pain, nose bleeds, insomnia, and trouble
thinking or paying attention. You're likely to become very
nervous or begin believing that everyone is out to get you.
Ultimately, you may suffer hallucinations, seizures, and heart
attack. Withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, lack of
energy, sore muscles, sweating, and shaking, are likely to
occur if you suddenly stop using the drug without medical
help.
Care
You may need a hospital stay during the withdrawal period
so that your doctors can watch you more closely and deal with
any possible problems. You may also be given medicines to help
reduce withdrawal symptoms. Counseling and support groups are
an important part of therapy.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
The first step to quitting is to admit you have a
problem. Be honest and open with family and close friends.
Ask for their help.
-
Tell your doctor exactly how much of the drug you
have been taking. Also tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medications. Don't hesitate to be honest. Doctors
are familiar with the problem.
-
Stay away from people who use drugs and who encourage
others to use them.
-
Support-group meetings and counseling can help you
quit. Take advantage of both.
-
Eat a healthy diet, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a
day, and get plenty of rest.
-
Don't smoke or drink coffee or alcohol. They can make
you nervous and increase your withdrawal
symptoms.
-
Don't dwell on the problem. Find new things to do.
Get out of the house every day. Go for walks
outside.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You cannot fight the need to take more drugs. Call
your doctor, a counselor, friend, or family member you
trust RIGHT AWAY.
-
You feel as though your problems are getting the best
of you, and you can't deal with them on your
own.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have chest pain, sweating, or trouble
breathing.
-
You get a severe headache, pass out, and lose control
of your bladder.
-
You feel confused, very nervous, or
suicidal.
-
You have pain, a numb or prickly feeling, or burning
in your arms or legs.
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