Cocaine was initially a legal drug used in a number of medications. It is still used today as an anesthetic. Cocaine abuse has become a serious issue over the last century and shows little sign of abating. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It can be snorted up the nose, injected, smoked, or absorbed through the gums. Cocaine addiction leads to a number of health and social problems that may require treatment in a drug rehab center to correct.

Cocaine addiction is very much a worldwide phenomenon. Cocaine is primarily produced in South America and smuggled throughout the world. Despite many attempts to curb this drug trade it manages to thrive.

Here are some quick facts about cocaine:

* Cocaine is highly addictive. Because of the way it works it has been known to create strong cravings in people even after they have only used it once.

* Cocaine was initially thought to be a safe drug and was even included in Coca-Cola. However when the dangers became known cocaine became a restricted substance reserved for medical use.

* The pleasant feelings that cocaine produces will usually wear off in half an hour. They are replaced by anxiety and cravings.

* "Crack" cocaine is a form of cocaine that became popular in the 1980's and 1990's. It acts much quicker than powdered cocaine and is a lot cheaper to obtain.

* Cocaine increases the heart rate and blood pressure. People who already suffer from these conditions place themselves at a high risk for heart attack and stroke. Anybody who uses cocaine is at a higher risk for developing heart disease.

* Long term cocaine use has been clinically shown to permanently affect the decision-making ability of the individual. Such people struggle to remember existing memories or form new memories.

* Cocaine has withdrawal symptoms which develop if the drug use is stopped suddenly. These include paranoia, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety, convulstions, and depression.

* Pregnant women who use cocaine are likely to damage their fetus. Babies are typically born with low birth weight, small heads, and shorter body sizes.

A cocaine rehabilitation program will help somebody who has a substance abuse problem to restore dignity to his/her life and end the cycle of destruction. It is important to choose from the options available so that you find a clinic with a good reputation and sound experience in cocaine addiction treatment.

Cocaine can be treated in an outpatient treatment program but a residential clinic is a preferred option in most cases. Attendance at an outpatient program after completing inpatient treatment is a good way to get a constant reminder of your recovery.

Cocaine addicts should seek out and join a mutual support group. Groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and SMART Recovery all offer support groups focused on helping their members gain lasting recovery from addiction.