What Is Cocaine Addiction?: Cocaine is a very popular recreational drug and central nervous system stimulant.  Individuals who take it report feelings of euphoria and increased energy. Many describe the feeling they experience as a rush. In the United States, cocaine is classified as a schedule 2 drug and is illegal to possess and distribute. Cocaine addiction in the U.S. is quite problematic and there has been long going efforts to decrease its abuse.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction: A person who has developed an addiction to cocaine will become preoccupied with how to score more of it. Such individuals may begin to experience financial trouble because a lot of their money will go toward supporting their cocaine habit.  Mood swings, anger, anxiousness and paranoia may all be signs that a person has developed a psychological addiction to cocaine.  

Because cocaine can suppress the appetite, individuals that use it a great deal may lose a lot of weight. They may also disappear for days at a time while on cocaine binges. When a person is no longer able to control their cocaine use, even in spite of all of the negative consequences, this may be proof that they have become an addict.

Causes of Cocaine Addiction: The reasons why an individual might become addicted to cocaine will differ from one person to the next.  Some individuals may begin taking it socially and others, while partying. There will be some people who feel pressure from their peers to use cocaine while there will also be individuals who may be attempting to mask emotional problems or painful events in their lives.  What often starts out as fun, recreational use can become an addiction, especially if a person begins to develop an emotional or psychological affinity for the drug. Because of the euphoric feelings that occur when a person uses cocaine, wanting these feelings to continue can lead to addiction.

Effects of Cocaine Addiction:  Long-term cocaine use and addiction can cause a myriad of physical problems. Individuals may develop heart problems or even experience a heart attack.  Overdose is also a possibility.  Addicts will likely lose weight because cocaine is an appetite suppressant.  They may also experience financial problems because a great deal of their money will be spent on supporting their addiction and not to pay for essentials. Individuals may also a stop caring about their personal appearance. As a result, it is quite possible that a person's physical appearance will begin to deteriorate.

Complications of Cocaine Addiction: A cocaine addiction puts individuals at a higher risk for heart attack, significant weight loss and even death.  

Treatment of cocaine addiction: An addiction to cocaine is best treated via drug rehabilitation.  The particular type of treatment that a rehab facility offers may differ. However, cognitive behavior therapy is a popular form of treatment for addicts of all types.