SHERRODSVILLE, Ohio — Vertava Health Ohio, a rehab center for those struggling with addiction, recently published a blog post detailing how to identify cocaine. The post says being able to identify certain drugs can be a powerful tool for those who may be offered an unfamiliar substance at a party or those who find a questionable residue in their home and wonder if a loved one may have a substance use disorder.
The post describes how cocaine affects a person, quoting the U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Cocaine speeds up your whole body. You may feel full of energy, happy, and excited. But then your mood can change. You can become angry, nervous, and afraid that someone’s out to get you. You might do things that make no sense. After the high of the cocaine wears off, you can crash and feel tired and sad for days. You also get a strong craving to take the drug again to try to feel better.” This excerpt highlights how easily a person may find themselves addicted to the drug as the cravings can become very strong. As a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, cocaine has been established as having a high potential for misuse that may lead to severe dependence.
Cocaine is typically identified as a white, crystalline powder that is often snorted through the nose or rubbed into the gums. Some may inject a solution of cocaine and water into their bloodstream as well. The National Institutes of Health is quoted as saying powdered cocaine is often mixed with cornstarch, talcum powder, flour, or even more dangerous substances to stretch the cocaine and increase dealer profits.
The drug is also found in the form of crack cocaine, which comes as small rocks in colors such as white, yellow, pink, and brown. It is usually smoked through a glass pipe with a small bulb at the end of it, and it often leaves a brown residue inside the pipe.
The blog post also provides information about how the drug can be disguised using street names. The Drug Enforcement Administration lists some of the more common street terms, including coca, crack, flake, rock, and snow. The post clarifies that these are just a few common names and that other names can be in usage.
A person struggling with cocaine addiction may need to consume more and more over time to achieve the desired high. Short-term effects of the drug may include extreme happiness, high levels of energy, and mental alertness. When snorted, cocaine's high can last from 15-30 minutes. When smoked, it can last 5-10 minutes.
Long-term effects of cocaine misuse can include nosebleeds, respiratory issues, coughing, loss of smell, a higher risk of infection, and in extreme cases, heart attacks or stroke. Signs of addiction can include changes in behavior, poor performance at work, an inability to stop using the drug, strained relationships, and financial issues. The blog post also provides information about signs of overdose and symptoms of cocaine withdrawal.
Vertava Health Ohio provides various levels of care for both men and women struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction. Their recovery programs also help people cope with the co-occurring mental health disorders that many in such situations are likely to face. They offer a range of therapies, from clinically proven and evidence-based methods to experiential and adventure-based therapy.
To learn more about Vertava Health Ohio, visit their website.
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For more information about Vertava Health of Ohio, contact the company here:
Vertava Health of Ohio
(740) 200-3800
2650 Lodge Rd SW
Sherrodsville, OH 44675
