Definition: Cocaine is a powerful drug that originates from the coca plants grown in Latin America, specifically in the areas of Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia.

Cocaine is considered to be very addictive, contrary to popular belief. Cocaine is also known as “snow,” “coke,” “C,” “candy,” “flake,” “snort,” “girl,” among other street names.

Although, classified as a narcotic under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), it also falls under the stimulant category.

Why people use cocaine: Individuals who use cocaine may do so as a way to experiment and feel its effects. Others use it to escape their personal problems and avoid dealing with reality. Some use cocaine to increase their sense of well being and enter a temporary euphoric state. For example, if a person feels depressed, they may use it to reduce their depression although many times, their depressive symptoms can worsen; this does not take into account the additional social problems trigged by cocaine addiction.

Other individuals may use it to satisfy their physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Once a person uses it in this fashion, using cocaine takes precedence over anything else in the addict’s life.

Physical Effects: Increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite; high doses may cause rapid or irregular hear beat, loss of coordination, collapse; may cause perspiration, blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, delusions, tremors, and convulsions.

Snorting of cocaine can have damaging effects to the nasal tissue and it surroundings.

Symptoms of overdose: Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucination, convulsions, and possible death.

Withdrawal symptoms: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, and disorientation.

Treatment: Cocaine users can resolve their addiction and stay sober. Family and friends should encourage them to get help by supporting their entrance into a drug treatment center, attendance to a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous, or receiving outpatient treatment from mental health providers that treat individuals with substance abuse issues.