The problem with most addicts is that they don’t completely understand the differences between abuse and dependency. They also don’t understand that it doesn’t take long for abuse to become dependency. Jose’s real problem started when he began to abuse cocaine on the weekend, which led to significant trouble in his social life.
As the substance abuse began to grow more prominent, he depended on it more and more and that led to physical and emotional symptoms that included: craving more of the drug just to maintain his desired high, going through withdrawal when he didn’t have his drug of choice, and spending large amounts of time in drug related activities. Cocaine is considered a central nervous system stimulant and with frequent use can cause serious health problems including impotence and infertility.
The withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and include: irritability, anxiety, confusion, depression, insomnia, fatigue, panic attacks, bizarre behavior, and aggressiveness. Cocaine can also cause extreme weight loss because of the user’s inability to eat or sleep healthily. Central nervous system stimulants such as cocaine can also be found in the urine for 1 to 12 days. Jose should first realize that his addiction can and will destroy his life. By admitting that he has a problem and that his life is manageable, he will be taking the first step toward a positive recovery.
Recovery is very possible as long as he joins rehabs or Narcotics Anonymous meetings on a regular basis. He also has to change the people that he hangs out with and his normal hang-outs. Addiction is a disease with no known cure, but it is very treatable and manageable with the proper help and support. It would probably benefit Jose’s wife to attend the Narcotics Anonymous meetings with him, since the meetings are designed to help the families of the addict understand the addiction and show them how to offer support to their loved ones during their difficult recovery.
