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In 1997, there
were approximately 1.5 million regular users of crack cocaine
or powdered cocaine
Why would anyone become addicted to
cocaine?
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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.
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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?
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Crack and other forms of cocaine
can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, which may
last for weeks.
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| 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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reserved. NARCONON and the Narconon logo are trademarks and
service marks owned by the Association for Better Living and Education
International and are used with its
permission. |
