Cocaine Drug Addiction
After marijuana, cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. It was used in the U.S. in the 1880s, where it was applied as an anesthetic in eye, nose, and throat operations (Dryden-Edwards). But because of its profound ability to stop blood vessels, it can lead to scarring and delayed healing of the cornea. However, prescription drug abuse has recently passed cocaine abuse as the leading cause of all drug-related deaths. It is confirmed that cocaine is the most frequently reported illicit substance associated with drug abuse fatalities and causes three times more deaths than any other illegal drug (Gelb 125). Yet, despite all of the evidence that cocaine is a bad drug, why are teenagers so addicted to it? Like other drugs, cocaine has its warning signs, outcomes, and call for help when needed.
When teenagers become addicted to cocaine, can one spot it soon enough before it's too late and can cause heavy damage? One easy way to spot a teenager who is a cocaine addict is when their behavior or personality changes.
English: A woman smoking crack from a glass pipe.
A pile of crack cocaine ‘rocks’
English: Main physiological effects of Crack cocai...They may not notice it themselves, but others close to them can. Teenagers may also slowly withdraw away from distant family members and peers. Once a teenager becomes more addicted to cocaine, their conditions get worse and they can soon lie about their activities or whereabouts to hide up what they really do. They may also borrow or even steal money to buy cocaine and always be preoccupied with it. They also get mood swings and often become nervous around things, ergo, having poor judgment (Dryden-Edwards). Some other symptoms of cocaine use are: weight loss, mental illnesses, frequent urination, change of performance in school, at work, or in other activities, or difficulty concentrating (Gelb 85). All of...