Side Effects of Cocaine

Over six million people in the United States choose to purchase and
use the illegal drug cocaine. The drug can be sniffed, snorted,
injected or smoked, but no matter how it is taken, either in powder
form or crack cocaine in a pipe, cocaine is popular because it
produces an intense euphoric feeling. They feel energized, but little
do users know how powerfully addictive this drug is, nor do they
understand or even comprehend its negative side effects.

Side Effects of Cocaine -- You Always Want More!

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant, and while there is no clear
evidence to suggest that using small amounts is necessarily harmful to
health, understand that human nature will play a significant role in
just how dangerous this drug can be. Because its effects are
pleasurable for the user, they want more. As they use more they
increase the risk for toxicity and that is where the health problems
begin.

Side Effects of Cocaine -- Major Health Problems

Heavy cocaine use can lead to extreme central nervous system
stimulation. This can lead to convulsions, which leads to respiratory
or cardiac arrest. Amphetamine overdose is similar to this. However,
with cocaine, it is far more difficult to determine exactly what a
lethal dose of the drug is, as there have been reports of people dying
as a result of their first use. Normally people build up to greater
and greater amounts of the drug to achieve their desired effect.

Moreover, there are some uncommon toxic effects to consider, such as
sudden cardiac failure. The drug can trigger ventricular fibrillation,
a wild and erratic heartbeat, because the vargus nerve, which controls
heartbeat, can't function properly. If the user injects the drug, they
may experience an allergic reaction, either to the cocaine itself or
some additive that has been used to cut the drug.

Snorting cocaine can cause irritation and cause a chronic runny nose.
But this mild side effect pales in comparison to what else can happen
with increased use. People can become increasingly more irritable,
restless and paranoid with sustained use. In some cases, full
paranoid-psychosis occurs, as the patient completely loses contact
with reality.

They also have auditory hallucinations. However, as the drug leaves
the system, most people will recover their faculties. The drug can
also contribute to violent behavior, as the user loses touch and
cannot make sense of his/her experience.

Chronic cocaine use can also damage the heart. What is particularly
troubling is the fact that frequent, albeit brief, disruption of the
heart function, caused by the effect of the drug, is what causes the
damage.

Side Effects of Cocaine -- It's HIGHLY Addictive

Still another side effect of cocaine is its highly-addictive nature.
Most drug treatment in the United States is for cocaine addiction. In
laboratory animals, if given unlimited access to cocaine, the animal
will use until it kills itself. In humans, like laboratory animals,
the craving for cocaine will cause them to perform laborious tasks in
order to gain access to the drug. The powerful reinforcement of the
drug makes people want more. Once a person takes it, chances are good
they will want it again and again.

Cocaine is not believed to cause extreme withdrawal symptoms, and
because of that, in the past scientists had believed that it was not a
dependence-producing drug. But, after sustained cocaine use,
withdrawal is more psychological, as users experience cravings,
irritability, anxiety, mood swings, increased appetite and fatigue.
However, these withdrawal symptoms are not necessarily evident in all
people. Some people may have no symptoms at all.

Side Effects of Cocaine -- Harmful During Pregnancy

Finally, women who are carrying babies are discouraged from using
cocaine, because of the risk for spontaneous abortion and a torn
placenta. More obvious are the other risks of side effects described
above.

Ned Wicker is the Addictions Recovery Chaplain at Waukesha Memorial
Hospital Lawrence Center He author's a website for addiction support:

Drug-Addiction-Support.org or Cocaine Drug Addiction

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2021072

Treatments and Drugs For Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Treatment of DID is difficult for a variety of reasons. Some of the
reasons are secrecy on the client's part making him or her reluctant
to seek help, including the difficulty in diagnosing the disorder once
the client presents. Typically, an individual with DID will require
many years of treatment. Generally a DID patient will need to be given
several different treatments methods over a period of 5-7 years or may
be more allpsych.com/disorders/dissociative/did.html.

Some of the treatments offered to a DID patient may include:

- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for
dissociative disorders. This form of therapy, also known as talk
therapy, counseling or psychosocial therapy, involves talking about
the disorder with a mental health professional. The therapist will
help patient remember and work through the trauma that triggered the
Dissociative symptoms (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education &
Research, 2007). The course of psychotherapy may be long and painful,
but this treatment approach can be effective in the treatment of DID.

- Creative Art Therapy: This therapy uses the creative process to help
people who might have difficulty expressing their thoughts and
feelings. Creative art therapy includes art, dance and movement,
drama, music and poetry. Things such as keeping a journal or creating
art is also encouraged during treatment to help bring the past and
present together (Baxter, 2007)

- Medications: Although there are no medications that specifically
treat Dissociative disorders, Medications like anti-depressants or
tranquilizers are a very common treatment method because the
personalities may have anxiety or mood disorders and the medications
may help control the mental health symptoms associated with the
disorders. Generally medications are not recommended because
maintenance and effective use of prescriptions given to multiple
personality states is difficult to attain. If medication is
prescribed, it should be carefully monitored (Psych Central, 2006).

- Alternative Medicines: The therapist may recommend using hypnosis,
as part of the treatment for a Dissociative disorder. Hypnosis creates
a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. In hypnotized state,
the patient can concentrate on a specific thought, memory, feeling or
sensation while blocking out distractions (Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education & Research, 2007). Hypnosis is also perceived to be an
effective treatment to uncover painful repressed memories or even to
help stop behaviors carried out by alters such as self mutilation or
eating disorders. Hypnosis is also used in the "fusing" process.
Hypnosis is generally safe as a complementary treatment method. Some
doctors also believe in botanical medicine, message, and yoga as
effective treatment (Baxter, 2007).

- Self-Help: Online self-help groups are a growing trend, and
individuals with DID are beginning to form online self-help support
groups, in addition to the traditional (in person) self-help groups
(Psych Central, 2006).

I, along with my wife, founded Merit International in 1990 with a
vision to contribute to the development of Human Resource at various
levels. We have been deeply committed to making a difference in the
life of an Organisation and its human resource by offering unique and
meritorious services. We are also very active in rendering our
expertise on a voluntary basis to non profit organizations, children
and young adults. With the help of World Wide Web, we aim to reach
many more people across the globe. Please feel free to write to us
with your thoughts and questions. How to deal with adhd

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The 4 Stages of Addiction

According to the dictionary addiction means:-

1. Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is
psychologically or physically habit forming (especially alcohol and
narcotic drugs).

2. An abnormally strong craving.

3. (Roman Law) a formal award by a court sentence of a thing or person
to another (as of a debtor to his creditor), a surrender to a master;
"under Roman law, addiction was the justification for slavery".

The Chinese have a saying about heroin 'You begin chasing the dragon
but then it jumps on your back and begins chasing you'. Jackie
Pullinger, the British woman who set up a ministry in Hong Kong t,
wrote a book about her experiences there in 'Chasing the Dragon'.

This expression relates to smoking heroin, but it could be applied for
all mood altering drugs, alcohol, painkillers, tranquillisers, speed,
solvents, LSD, cocaine, heroin, crack, ecstasy, barbiturates, and
cannabis. It can apply to adrenalin based addictions like gambling,
sex, shopping, people (co-dependency) and eating disorders.

Addiction doesn't just happen. There is a progression towards chemical
dependency, or any other addiction. It passes through four main
stages.

1. Experimental Stage of Addiction

The Experimental Stage could happen out of curiosity or peer pressure.
The user may say "I'll just try it I don't have to use it again" The
user may experience pleasure or mood swings. The outcome may be
intoxication or being stoned, or a 'rush' of some sort. Many who
experiment with drugs do not progress to the next stage of addiction.

This may start in early teens (sometimes younger) with trying alcohol,
cigarettes or cannabis. It is easy to get high because of the body's
low tolerance. Often done with their peers away from a parent or
guardian. It may be seen as acting grown up, or a simple act of
rebellion.

2. The Recreational Stage of Addiction

During the recreational stage the user may use at the weekends with
friends, just to unwind from a stressful week. Looking for relief.
Tolerance increases and more substances may be used, amphetamines
(speed), larger quantities of alcohol. Symptoms may include stopping
out late, suffering hangovers.

The user is by now starting to plan for use. Waiting for the weekend
to be with friends, but also risk taking may increase by smoking on
the way to school. Starting to lie about how much, and what is being
used. Parents may react at this stage by grounding their child.

3. The Early Dependency Stage

During this stage, the regular user becomes an abuser. Now maintaining
an addictive lifestyle that starts to affect others. The young user
may be missing school and stealing money to feed the habit. Older
users may be struggling to keep their job and running up debts. There
is a daily preoccupation to source drugs and this often leads to
meeting dealers.

4. The Full Dependency Stage

During this stage of addiction, there is a self destructive and
compulsive desire to escape to oblivion, or escape from reality.
Sobriety is too difficult to face. If left untreated, the addict may
now face despair and risks premature death through overdose, suicide,
accidents or side effects. Many end up with legal problems,
imprisonment and family breakdown.

Addiction causes two main problems, a chemical (or an adrenalin)
dependency problem, and a lifestyle problem. These are explored within
the framework of other articles. Has addiction faced you or your
family?

Alan J Butler is a Recovery Coach and has worked with recovering
addicts and ex offenders for the last 10 years. He spent 3 years
living on site as a staff member of the Ovis Farm Project in Devon,
England. He is an Associate of Life for the World Trust, an
organisation whose aim is to equip the church to reach marginalised
people. He holds a Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring from the Institute
of Counselling, Glasgow. He welcomes comments at
http://www.therecoverycoach.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2173640

The Addictive Personality

Addictive Personality is a term used to define the personality of an
individual who may be prone to addiction. It can be an aspect of a
person's personality or character. No single addictive personality for
the addict or alcoholic exists. There is no cookie-cutter template to
find out if an individual is prone to addiction or not.

A person can become addicted because specific factors in their life
contribute to the addictive process. As with most emotional disorders
and diseases, personality has an influence on the development of an
addiction. Those who exhibit aggression, lack of self-control, and a
socially difficult outlook in childhood are at risk to develop
addictions later. It is possible for an individual to shift from one
addiction to another or sustain multiple addictions at different
times.

Individuals who experience anxiety and depression are likely to
develop addictions as a way of managing their emotions. Addicts tend
to be people who are very sensitive to stress, have difficulty
delaying gratification, and find it difficult to tolerate frustrating
events or situations for even short periods of time. Perfectionism,
low self-esteem, and anger management issues may also drive many
addictions.

Although there are many different factors that can contribute to drug
abuse, some researchers believe that certain people have an "addictive
personality" that makes them more vulnerable to addiction than other
people. Anyone can develop a problem with drugs or alcohol, but
someone who has an addictive personality is more than likely to be
described as:

o Aggressive

o Impulsive

o Sensitive

o Emotional

o Anxious

o Lonely

The addictive personality is sometimes described as an anti-social
personality but not always. A person with anti-social personality
traits may live life in search of continuous gratification. They may
engage in reckless behavior, neglect to consider the effects of their
actions on themselves or others, and are sometimes accused of being
unable to learn from past mistakes. Overeating, gambling, and risky
sexual behavior are also common problems among people with this type
of personality.

People who are receiving treatment for other mental health conditions,
such as depression, attention deficit disorder, and post-traumatic
stress disorder, may be at a greater risk for problems with drug or
alcohol addiction; though this may be due to underlying factors that
were already occurring alongside the influence of their addictive
personality. Since many different factors contribute to addiction,
it's not easy to isolate the direct effect of personality on drug
abuse.

While understanding the link between drug addiction and personality
can be useful, it is dangerous to assume that having an addictive
personality means that someone is destined to develop a problem with
drugs or alcohol. People with these personality traits still have the
ability to make positive life choices but they must become more aware
of the potential dangers of addiction.

For more information on alcohol and drug addiction, please visit:
Alcohol and Drug Rehab. For information on intervention, please visit:
Intervention. For testamonials on how rehab worked for them, please
visit: Testamonials.

Patrick McLemore has been a recovering alcoholic and drug addict since
June 6, 2005. Patrick widely known as an expert in the field of
addictions, he has not only studied the topic extensively, but has
lived it. Patrick has worked with the Manor House Recovery Center for
over two years. During that time he has been instrumental in the
recovery and continued sobriety of numerous recovering alcoholic and
drug addicts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/953307

Dealing With Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

Before we directly proceed on how to deal with crack cocaine
withdrawal, let us first get ourselves fully acquainted with what
crack cocaine is. If you are thinking that this drug is the ordinary
cocaine, you are wrong. Although very similar to cocaine, this drug is
processed as it is mixed with baking soda or ammonia and water which
then form into rocks. This substance is usually cheaper to buy. It is
often smoked in pipes by crack addicts.

But what makes this substance so addictive? A user feels a certain
type of high whenever this substance is smoked. This certain high is
like euphoria to the user. But because this high doesn't last long, it
makes the user crave for more to feel it again. This drives the users
to chase over this drug, wasting their money and their lives as well.
This also leads drug users to commit crimes such as robbery in pursuit
of this particular high.

If you are a crack cocaine addict yourself, then you must be feeling
its consequences right now. Like any other forbidden drugs, using this
drug has certain negative effects to its users' health. Abbusers of
this drug often experience paranoia, depression, anxiety, and mood
swings. Being a regular user of this drug makes you adaptive to a
paranoid way of life. In worst cases, users experience intense
cravings for the drug without being satisfied. Once a person used the
drug, he becomes drug dependent and is unable to function well without
it.

Aside from its initial negative side effects, crack cocaine addicts
are also vulnerable to its long term effects. Such effects include
having problems with bodily functions, hallucinations, depressions,
and delirium. The worst effects of being addicted to crack cocaine are
heart attacks and fatal respiratory problems that may eventually lead
to death.

Now that you know fully well the consequences in using crack cocaine,
maybe you are planning to get out of the addictive habit yourself. But
getting out of it is not that easy. Cocaine crack dependents often
find it very hard and agonizing to stop their addictive habits.
Studies reveal that those who tried to stop from crack cocaine
addiction experience withdrawals with painful symptoms such as intense
cravings, anxiety, hunger, irritability, and paranoia. These mentioned
symptoms are often too hard for the drug user to endure which only
makes him go back to his addictive cycle. Bottom line, crack addicts
are not capable of stopping their drug addiction all by themselves.

The most effective way to deal with crack cocaine withdrawal is
through the aid of addiction specialists. Crack addicts are subject to
undergo treatments for them to fully recover and start a drug free
life. Medical detox is used for crack addicts, helping them to stay
clean and recover for longer periods of time.

For those who would like to learn more about meth addiction: meth addiction

When you need more information on cocaine rehabilitation, try
searching for it here: cocaine addiction rehab

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2382121

Adolescent Peer Pressure - Wanting to Fit In

Peer pressure is not isolated to one age group, everyone needs to
belong or feel connected to his or her own age group. Kids and adults
are partnered to peer pressure. Teens like adults are influenced by
their peer group. This is normal behavior and is modeled for teenagers
by the adults around them. As adults, we are familiar with the
expression "keeping up with the Jones'," a sense of wanting to fit in.
Adults conform to the social standards set by their peers and
teenagers are very carefully watching the adults that influence his or
her life.

Teen peer pressure -is more than just a phase that young people go
through. Whether it leads to extreme hair and clothing, tattoos, or
body piercing, peer pressure is a powerful reality and many adults do
not realize its effects. It can be a negative force in the lives of
children and adolescents, often resulting in their experimenting with
tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.

Teenagers want to be with people their own age. Children, especially
during adolescence, begin to spend a lot more time with their friends,
and less time with their family. This makes them more susceptible to
the influences of their peers. It is important to remember that
teenage friends can have a positive influence on a youth. During
teenage years, young people are more accepting of their peers feelings
and thoughts. Peers can and do act as positive role models.

Parents, teachers, and other adults should encourage teenagers to find
friends that have similar interests and views as you a parent,
educator, religious and community leader are trying to develop in the
teen. The critical adult views including doing well in school, having
respect for others, avoiding drug use, smoking, drinking and other
risky behaviors.

During adolescence, young people put into practice risk-taking
behaviors as they are trying to find their own identity and become
more independent. This makes them very vulnerable to experimenting or
becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, and defiance
of authority, especially if there is peer pressure to do so.
Adolescents who use drugs are also more likely to become involved in
gang activity, have low self-esteem, behavior problems, school
performance problems, and depression.

Parents, teachers, religious and community leaders want to promote
positive peer pressure among teens. Parents and other adults often
believe that teenagers do not value their opinions. In reality,
studies suggest that parents have tremendous influence over their
children, especially teenagers. No matter the age of their children,
parents, caregivers and other adult role models should never feel
helpless about countering the negative effects of peer pressure.

Here are some suggestions what parents and other adults can do:

o Establish and maintain good communications
o Nurture strong self-esteem
o Avoid criticism that takes the form of ridicule or shame
o Monitor your teens activities
o Role-play peer pressure situations
o Talk openly and honestly about stealing, alcohol, illegal drugs, and sex
o Avoid attacking the teen's friends- criticizing a teenagers choice
of friend can be perceived by a teen as a personal attack.
o Be an involved parent
o Ask questions and enjoy listening to teenagers as he or she talks
o Get teenagers involved in youth groups, community activities and
peer monitoring programs
o Help the teen understand the difference between image (expressions
of youth culture) and identity (who he or she is)

Peer pressure during childhood and adolescence equips young people to
develop healthy friendships, self-identity, self-esteem, and
self-reliance. It is healthy for everyone to talk about how they feel
what they need, desire and want. Parents mistakenly assume that their
teen does not want to talk to them, but it may just be that the
teenager does not want to talk about his or her bad grades, their bad
behavior and how much trouble they are in. Usually teenagers are more
willing to talk about something they are interested in or something
positive that is about them.
Develop a habit of talking with your teen everyday. Building a strong
close open relationship with him or her while they are young will make
it easier for your teen to discuss problems, concerns and other
sensitive issues associated with school, relationships, and other life
stressors.

Yvonne Butler Clark
Founder/Director
It's Okay to Cry, Inc.
4706 Brownstone Lane
Houston, TX 77053
713 433-6059
info@itsokaytocry.org
Visit us at http://www.itsokaytocry.org for additional grief support
books and dvd

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1417788

Why Quit Marijuana? - The Effects of Marijuana on the Mind

Those who smoke marijuana are familiar with the "high" they feel when
they smoke. This article discusses the effects of THC on the brain, as
well as the negative effects of heavy marijuana use on the mind.

How does Marijuana Effect the Brain?

THC, the active ingredient in marijuana works on specific parts of the
brains hardware, called cannabinoid receptors. Activating a
cannabinoid receptor with THC creates a bunch of cellular reactions
that eventually create to the "high" that you feel when you smoke
weed. Cannabinoid receptors exist throughout the brain. They are most
common in parts The areas of the brain that influence pleasure, time,
memory, and concentration have the highest conentration of these
receptors. Smoking marijuana regularly can overwhelm these receptors
and cause some negative mental effects. Studies have shown that
frequent marijuana use can rewire the dopamine pleasure receptors in
the brain.

What are the Negative Effects of Marijuana on the Mind?

Research has shown that marijuana use lowers memory and other mental
functions for up to a couple of days after smoking. If you smoke
daily, or more, you may always be functioning at a below normal mental
level. Studies have also show a link between weed use and mental
problems like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. The jury is out
on whether marijuana causes, influences, even has any affect on these
illnesses. If you have ever had a psychotic reaction to marijuana, you
are more likely to have a psychotic break later in life than if you
smoked and did not have one. Clarity of mind is one of the greatest
benefits of quitting weed.

One of the biggest issues I had with my marijuana addiction was how
lazy and forgetful I was. The term for this is "amotivational
syndrome". People who smoke a lot of weed and are amotivational are
what we refer to as "burnouts". Some people can smoke frequently and
be functional, some can't. Personally, I believe that amotivational
syndrome is marijuana-induced depression.

Do you want to Quit Marijuana?

After smoking marijuana for close to 10 years, one of the main reasons
that I wanted to quit was to get my mind back. I feel like a
different, better person now that I am not stoned all of the time.
Most people can't quit weed because they don't know what to expect, or
don't have a plan.

You can escape the stoner lifestyle! If you want to be fully prepared
and successful when you quit marijuana, check out the Marijuana Addict
website at http://www.marijuana-addict.com/

This site will help you avoid many of the traps that lead back to a
weed smoking lifestyle and helped me restore my mind more quickly!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1770027