Basic Differences Between Cocaine and Crack-Cocaine

Anybody who watches the news these days knows that cocaine and crack-cocaine are both street drugs that have created addictions in virtually every demographic. These drugs destroy lives and families, leaving many people wondering what these drugs are and the differences between them. Here is a brief explanation of each of these powerful drugs.

Each drug originates from the cocoa plant. Generally grown in South America, the raw forms of cocaine are then smuggled into the United States. Some dealers sell the cocaine in this form; others turn it into crack, increasing their profit margins.

Cocaine is often "snorted" by the addict where it is absorbed through the nasal passages. Other users will inject the drug using needles. Another method of consumption is to smoke the drug, either alone or by adding it to a "joint," or marijuana cigarette.

Crack, on the other hand has additional substances cut into the product. Instead of being a powder, like pure cocaine, crack is a solid that is generally off-white in color. It may have yellow or brown tints to it depending on what is used to "cut" the cocaine. Baking soda and baby laxatives are popular choices to use. Crack is then smoked, usually in a crack pipe. Like cocaine, it can also be added to a joint.

Both substances increase heart rates and cause a quick "high," followed by a crash. This crash is the reason that many people crave more of the product.

Neither drug is safe and both can cause permanent damage to the heart, central nervous system and the bodily systems it is ingested through. Once a person becomes addicted to cocaine in either form, quitting can be very difficult and even dangerous. If you or someone you know is dependent on cocaine or crack, it is best to seek help from a medical professional.

Watch Out For Drugs That Really Aren't What They Seem!

In this day and age, people have been trying to sell drugs to others that aren't what they seem to be. For instance, there has been an increase of people taking research chemicals that they think is LSD. This can be dangerous because it's easy to take too high of a dose. It's also dangerous because the drug could be a lot stronger and will have effects that a user wasn't expecting to have.

The main thing to keep in mind is that most drugs on the street aren't really what they seem to be. Powders are generally cut with various chemicals to make the doses go farther so the dealers can make extra money. Sometimes you'll get a completely different drug than what you're expecting and you'll never know the difference until you test the drug or take it which can be dangerous. There is no quality control on the street, so it's a dangerous idea to try any drugs that people try to give to you.

Don't think that just because you had a reaction to certain drugs that wasn't too bad that the next time you won't end up having a terrible reaction. There are research chemicals that people have been saying are replacements for LSD, and the doses may mimic the effects of that drug, but it's not a good idea to test this out. The reason being is that these drugs, while not scheduled, have not been studied at all. You could end up in a hospital having scary hallucinations, and you never know you could end up killing yourself if you're taking in drugs t hat you don't know too much about.

The main thing to remember is to stay safe and not to take just any drugs that you can get your hands on. In the long run you'll find that any drug use can really lead to problems in your life. Do lots of research and make sure you know what you're putting into your body.

My Former Sister

Drug abuse affects everyone in a family.  I should know because I was in a family where drug abuse was a problem.  My sister had always been somewhat of a wild child.  Her partying ways only got worse when she went off to college.  She had managed to get a full scholarship, even though she was a party girl.

That first semester that she was gone she did fine.  Then it came time to pledge a sorority.  She started going to all the pledge parties on campus and off campus.  I am not sure which drug she tried first, I am not even sure which kind of drugs she tried.  I just know that she came out of pledge week a different person.

Her grades dropped and she lost her scholarship.  With no scholarship, she was forced to move back home.  She had to leave all her new friends behind.  Unfortunately, she did not leave the drug problem behind.  She brought it home to us.

My sister used to be sweet and kind, now she was mean and would lie at the drop of a hat.  Not only that, she would steal from my parents to get the drugs she needed.  My parents eventually had to kick her out of the house before she destroyed us all.

Various Suitable Treatments For Cocaine Addicts

As the number of people seeking for cocaine addiction treatments increase, more research is being carried out to come up with better treatment approaches. However, to date there has not been any proven medication for treating cocaine addiction rather than the inpatient and outpatient counseling therapy. Numerous types of cocaine addiction therapies are designed to help treat the social, psycho-biological and the pharmacological effects of cocaine addiction.

Although no particular medication exist for treating cocaine addiction there are numerous types of drugs that can help reduce such conditions. Antidepressants for instance are essential to balance the mood changes for victims undergoing recovery from cocaine addiction. Most of the medications used for treating alcohol have been proved to be helpful. Not forgetting that numerous deaths occur yearly due to overdose of cocaine, various medications are also designed to treat issues of emergencies.

Cognitive-conduct coping skills are essential in assisting addicts to avoid, recognize and handle various issues and behaviors related with abuse of cocaine.   This is usually a form of short-term learning where the addicts are directed on the approaches to reduce cocaine abuse or abstain completely from such intake. Sometimes this blow treatment approach may involve other forms of therapy such as pharmacotherapy.

There are also other residential treatment programs that may be offered. These treatments are designed to take place for about six to twelve months where the victims are involved in various rehabilitation and socialization activities. This program is usually designed to assist people with mental health problems or criminal behaviors.

Cocaine being a very addictive drug, its intake may cause various health problems. It is therefore essential to act appropriately to ensure such drugs do not interfere with your daily life. In order to be able to recover from cocaine addiction, it is essential to make use of the various treatment programs that may be available.

Addiction Treatment in the High Desert of Arizona

 

Central Arizona has long been regarded as a place of healing. Native Americans of several Arizona tribes have made pilgrimages to the red rocks of Sedona and the rocky hills of Prescott for thousands of years, solely for the purpose of healing.

This practice still lives-on today, though with a modern twist. Arizona has become one of the leading regions in the world for medical care, and with good reason... Arizona is a place to heal the mind, body, and soul.

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