Are you worried about a loved one who struggles with a cocaine addiction? Would you like to speak with someone confidentially so that you can gain more understanding about this disease? Here you will find valuable information providing cocaine abuse facts, and a number to call a cocaine abuse hotline where you can speak with someone confidentially for even more information.

If you have compiled a list of questions to ask a drug addict, but have not had the opportunity to speak with one openly and honestly, wait no longer. Below are some cocaine abuse facts and answers to some frequently asked questions:

* How does cocaine affect the brain? Cocaine causes a buildup of dopamine, which is a brain chemical messenger that stimulates the brain reward pathway, making a person feel pleasure. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, the brain normally releases dopamine in response to potential rewards, such as the smell of good food. It then gets recycled back into the nerve cell that released it, ending the signal between cells. Cocaine prevents dopamine from recycling, causing excessive amounts to build up between cells. This disruption in normal brain function is what produces cocaine's high. This buildup of dopamine is bad because as someone abuses cocaine over an extended period, the brain will lose its ability to experience pleasure without cocaine, and the user will need greater amounts of the drug to keep from feeling sick or depressed.

* What are the risks associated with cocaine use? Cocaine is an addictive stimulant that speeds up the heart and causes blood vessels to narrow. It can cause heart attacks, stroke, seizures, dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia) and respiratory problems - any of which can be fatal. These risks are even greater when cocaine is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

* How addictive is cocaine? Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that puts the user at risk even the first time it is used. It is one of the most difficult addictions to treat.

* What are the long-term effects of cocaine abuse? According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, in addition to addiction, long-term effects include respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, strokes, and seizures. Cocaine can cause psychosis, permanent paranoia, permanent damage to the sinus cavity, and premature death. It increases the risk for Hepatitis C, speeds up the rate of HIV infection and impairs immune cell function.

* How are people treated for cocaine addiction? Behavioral therapy is the most effective rehabilitation method for cocaine addiction. Inpatient rehab treatment programs provide treatment as well as therapeutic communities, which are drug free residences in which people in recovery live and help each other maintain sobriety. There are no approved medications to treat cocaine addiction, but there are certain medications available used to treat anxiety and manage the cravings addicts feel to use. Treatment can begin by calling a cocaine abuse hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist those in need.

* What are the signs of cocaine use? Signs of use include dilated pupils, excessive talking, nosebleeds, anxiety, and paranoia.

If you still have questions to ask a drug addict that are not answered here, or would prefer to learn more cocaine abuse facts by speaking to a drug addiction specialist, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national cocaine abuse hotline at: 1-800-662-HELP today. Help is available 24/7, 365 days a year and it is free of charge. You will be provided with valuable information and cocaine abuse facts, resources, and referrals for help to fight drug addiction.