Cocaine facts are often construed or misinterpreted, but most Americans are familiar with cocaine to some extent.  In fact, many movies and songs today portray the use of cocaine as an acceptible form of entertainment.  Although cocaine is well-known as a popular recreational drug, few people are aware that every day approximately 2,500 people will try cocaine for the first time.  Also, few people are aware that each year approximately 100,000 infants are born addicted to cocaine.  If you find these two facts shocking, there are several more little-known facts about cocaine you should know.

Cocaine Facts You Probably Don’t Know

Cocaine has been used for thousands of years.  In fact, many years back, the indigenous people of South American chewed the leaves of the coca plant as a stimulant and an anesthetic.  Likewise, cocaine is used today for its stimulant effects of increased energy and for its pain-relieving qualities.  However, those are just a few of the little-known facts about cocaine.  Below are a few more bits of information about cocaine that you probably don’t know.

• German chemists isolated cocaine from the coca leaf in the mid-1850s.  It was then marketed in children’s medicines.
• Cocaine was used in a Bordeaux wine known as Vin Mariani, which became very popular with Pope Leo XIII who commissioned a gold medal and posters that endorsed the wine.
• An extract of cocaine was used in anesthesia, women’s shampoo, and toothpaste.
• Cocaine extracts were also used to treat alcohol and morphine addictions and cigarette addiction.
• It is the most powerful central nervous system stimulant found in nature.
• In the mid-1980s, cocaine demand exceeded the supply.  In an attempt to cut corners, chemists produced what is now known as crack cocaine which is far more powerful and addictive than regular cocaine.
• The original recipe for Coca-Cola contained cocaine until 1903 when it was reduced to trace amounts.  It was removed altogether in 1929.

Regardless of its humble origins, cocaine has become one of the most abused drugs worldwide.  In fact, cocaine is now the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world.  In a study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is reported that more than 35 million Americans admitted having used cocaine.  The report also states that more than 8.6 million Americans have admitted to using crack.

Dangers of Cocaine Abuse

One of the most serious dangers of cocaine abuse occurs when people mix cocaine with other substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs such as methamphetamines.  Not only are these individuals in danger of developing two addictions, they are in danger of fatal consequences.

The side effects of cocaine abuse can range from mild to severe.  Some of the most common side effects are:

• depression
• lack of interest in daily life
• inability to sleep
• rapid heart rate
• muscle spasms
• sexual dysfunction
• convulsions
• paranoia
• agitation, aggressiveness
• hallucinations
• heart attack
• stroke
• seizures
• respiratory failure

Obviously, cocaine is a potentially deadly drug.  In fact, in one year alone in the US, more than 500,000 people were admitted to ERs suffering from cocaine-induced problems.

Finding Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a multi-billion dollar business for some people, but it is a life sentence for others.  Many people have lost everything because of their cocaine addictions.  Once a person becomes addicted to cocaine it is almost impossible to overcome the physical and mental hold this drug has on the mind and body.  For this reason, inpatient rehabilitation is strongly recommended.

Inpatient rehab is recommended because it offers patients a secure environment where they remain 24/7 while overcoming their addiction.  After completing detox, the patient attends daily classes and activities to regain self-confidence and relearn the skills needed to function in daily life.   A highly skilled staff of counselors are available day or night to offer support and advice as needed.  Patients in an inpatient rehab also benefit from nutritious meals, exercise programs, role-playing activities, and more.  The goal of this treatment approach is to heal the person mentally, physically, and spiritually for lasting results.

To learn more about cocaine facts or about treatment for cocaine addiction, call our toll-free number today.  One of our representatives is available to take your call anytime, day or night.

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