The Cocaine Explosion

By Bronwyn Schlesinger
Addiction Counselor
admin@goldcoastdetoxandrehab.com

High-Flying

Cocaine is now the drug of choice for the high flyer. The rich and famous of Hollywood have always fallen under its spell. Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey Jr. and Nigella Lawson have all had their fall from grace using ‘Stardust’.

The dazzling power of cocaine draws in Australian corporates. Increased business success can swiftly lead to ravaging addiction, with executives partying as hard as they work. But this seductive euphoria has a high price tag to match.

Cocaine makes you feel confident, focused and energetic. It gives people the high-octane output for a performance-driven arena. Business people looking for the competitive edge in their marketplace are especially vulnerable to its magic.

Users might credit cocaine for their success instead of their own confidence, causing poor judgment and risky business decisions. Cocaine addiction has destroyed great careers, sent successful stars to prison, caused bankruptcies, and led to harsh media coverage.

Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed Jordan Belfort in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” a true story about a stockbroker who turned from a humble family man to a cocaine addict in a wild office environment. His addiction led to the loss of his money, career, and family, eventually landing him in prison.

What are the effects of Cocaine?

The effect of cocaine only last 15-30 minutes, prompting users to take multiple doses for a continuous high. This makes cocaine a binge drug, causing users to take more to achieve the same effect. The first dose is always the best, and users constantly try to recreate that initial high.

When cocaine and alcohol are used together, they produce cocaethylene, a toxic substance that can increase the risk of heart attacks and liver damage. This dangerous combination is particularly common among young people, who may not be aware of the serious consequences.

Cocaine also offers more fun, joy, confidence and increased libido. Long term effects of cocaine can make the user feel angry, anxious, depressed, shaky, moody and an increased risk of high blood pressure. Prolonged cocaine use can lead to substance use disorders, where individuals become dependent on the drug. This can have devastating effects on their health and personal lives.

Signs someone may have a cocaine addiction include:

• Erratic behaviour
• Insomnia
• Nose bleeds
• Reduced smell
• Difficult swallowing
• Runny nose
• Sweats
• Palpitations
• Psychosis
• Malnutrition
• Exhaustion
• Financial problems

Thankfully, there are treatment programs available for those struggling with cocaine abuse. There are Detox and Rehab centres that offer specialised services to help individuals overcome their dependence on the drug and regain control of their lives.

Price of cocaine in Australia:

Cocaine offers a fleeting but expensive high. Australians pay the highest price for cocaine, with an estimated cost of $300 – $350 per gram compared with $8 – $145 per gram overseas. Some people can use up to 10 grams a day, which is a $3000 a day habit. That’s a million-dollar-a-year dependency for the average executive.

What is Cocaine debt?

Cocaine debt can be tens of thousands and dealers are happy to have a credit arrangement. Scary debt collection tactics might not stop users. Drug advisors say users should make paying off the debt a top priority. Same day lenders may charge 50% interest, leading to high rates of drug-related suicide.

Cocaine Usage Australia?

Cocaine’s popularity in Australia has risen in the past five years because of a doubling in global production. However, the impact and price vary depending on its purity. Reports indicate that up to 80% of Australian cocaine is mixed with inert substances like bicarbonate soda, and sometimes dangerous additives like Fentanyl. Cocaine is known by several street names including C, Coke, Nose Candy, Blow and White Lady.

Dopamine reward

While cocaine may initially seem like a euphoric escape, its effects can be incredibly damaging, both physically and mentally. Cocaine increases our reward-creating brain chemical dopamine, making is feel satisfied. Without it, the user feels like they crave something more.

Cocaine effects your body’s dopamine, preventing its release for a short time. This creates an intense feeling of happiness. It shares it’s dopamine-gratifying effects with amphetamines and cannabis.

Cocaine usage, even in small amounts, can have profound effects, especially among young people. For those who find themselves depending on cocaine, seeking help from treatment services and rehabilitation centres is crucial. Understanding the risks associated with different amounts of cocaine and the potential consequences is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

*References on demand

At Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services, we offer confidential cocaine rehab programs with medical supervision. We understand our clients’ needs for privacy and the pressures professional life. We also accommodate your ongoing business and personal requirements throughout your stay. For more details, see goldcoastdetoxandrehab.com or phone 07 55595811.