Sudden withdrawal of alcohol from persons dependent on it will cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms. The use of illicit drugs usually causes the same general types of physiological and mental changes as alcohol, though frequently those changes are more severe and more sudden. Death or coma resulting from overdose of drugs is more frequent than from alcohol, but unlike alcohol, physical problems associated with drug use usually can be reversed once the person stops using drugs. Cocaine This is a stimulant that is most commonly inhaled as a powder. It also can be dissolved in water and injected into a vein.
Users progress from infrequent use to dependence within a few weeks or months.
Cocaine users may suffer psychological and behavioral changes including over-stimulation, hallucinations, irritability, sexual dysfunction, psychotic behavior, social isolation, and memory problems. An overdose produces convulsions and delirium and may result in death from cardiac arrest. Quitting cocaine is difficult and may require considerable assistance, close supervision and treatment. Severe intoxication may produce confusion, rambling or incoherent speech, anxiety, psychotic behavior, ringing in the ears, hallucinations and irreversible brain damage. Intense fatigue and depression resulting from use can lead to suicide.