Cocaine, also known as coke, is a highly addictive, fast-acting nervous system stimulant. Cocaine is made from the leaves of a plant that is native to South America, called the coca plant. Though cocaine was originally developed as a legal painkiller, it is now classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II Substance, which are “drugs, substances, or chemicals [that] are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” It is now recognized as an illegal drug that is used recreationally. There are several different ways to ingest cocaine: via the nasal cavity (sniffed), intravenously (injected), inhaled (as a smoke or vapor) and/ or rubbed into one’s gums. The way cocaine works is by sending increased levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter that carries signals between brain cells) to areas of the brain that reign pleasure, and the excess buildup of dopamine elicits feelings of energy, alertness, and euphoria.
Every young person is different, and each teen that struggles with cocaine abuse is likely to exhibit a unique set of signs and symptoms. Some of the common signs and symptoms that could present in a young person struggling with cocaine abuse could include any of the following examples, provided by the Mayo Clinic:
Factors such as the length of time the teen abused cocaine, the potency of the cocaine abused, the method of ingestion, the personal health history of the teen abusing cocaine, whether the teenager simultaneously abused additional substances, the presence of any comorbidities, and the frequency of use will all contribute to the type and severity of symptoms exhibited in a teenager struggling with cocaine abuse.
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769
We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
