Many people turn to drugs or alcohol in a bid to cope with the pressures they are facing in everyday life. This often leads to devastating addictions that can threaten to destroy their lives. Illnesses such as cocaine addiction can quickly spiral out of control if they are not dealt with as soon as possible.
There are many reasons someone would choose to self-medicate with mood-altering substances, but doing so will only provide temporary relief. The reasons for using these substances will not go away, and it is likely that the person will end up making their situation worse. This is because they will not only have the emotional issues to deal with but also a crippling addiction.
Depression
Depression is a common cause of substance abuse, with those affected believing that mood-altering substances such as alcohol and drugs will help them to forget about their problems and make them feel better. In recent days, news that heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has been abusing cocaine to help him cope with depression has been widely reported.
The British boxer has now relinquished his WBA and WBO heavyweight titles, and his licence has been suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control as they investigate whether he has breached anti-doping rules. Fury admitted that he has been struggling with depression and that this led to him pulling out of a scheduled rematch with Wladimir Klitschko. He also admitted that he has been taking cocaine to deal with his mental health condition. There have been reports that the boxer tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Nandrolone, but he has denied this.
Overcoming Problems
Fellow boxer and former heavyweight champion David Haye believes that Tyson fury can overcome his problems and return to the ring as an improved fighter. Haye has just returned to boxing himself after retiring three-and-a-half years ago due to injury. He is hoping to challenge for one of the boxing titles relinquished by Fury. Haye believes that Fury can get himself back on track, adding, “I’d say to (Fury) ‘Get away with your family, a change of scenery. Somewhere nice and beautiful, where nobody knows you, and switch off. ‘Don’t take your phone, check Twitter: switch off and enjoy the moment, re-connect with why you’ve been putting your body through years of hardship’.”
He said that even if Fury gets banned, it is not the end of the world as he could re-invent himself and turn his career around. He said, “His belts are gone now, (so) he needs to get away from any negativity, hang around with positive people, get his body in good shape – he looked really overweight – start watching his diet, eating healthy food, (and) stay away from alcohol: that’s the worst one.”
Dangers of Abusing Cocaine
Although Fury’s uncle and trainer Peter said that the boxer is absolutely not addicted to drugs, there are many dangers associated with abusing cocaine. Those who do use it can quickly develop an addiction to it because the effects do not last for very long and are usually followed by crashing comedowns. The temptation to then take more the drug always exists and those who do are at risk of building up a tolerance to its effects.
The immediate effects of cocaine are increased energy and confidence. However, it often results in users feeling overconfident, and they can quickly become aggressive and paranoid. In the long-term, the effects can be damaging. Cocaine users tend to eat and sleep very little, and once an addiction has developed and an individual is using the drug regularly, it can lead to malnutrition and exhaustion. Lack of sleep often leads to hallucinations, and many abusers of the drug will eventually struggle with severe depression. So in the case of Tyson Fury, if he was taking cocaine to help with depression, it could have made the illness even worse.
Overcoming a Cocaine Addiction
Those who do develop a cocaine addiction may find it difficult to beat because users tend to experience intense cravings for the drug when they are not taking it. Even after a programme of detoxification and rehabilitation, many former cocaine addicts will experience cravings, meaning that the relapse rate for addiction to this drug can be quite high.
Nevertheless, with good support and care, even the most severe cocaine addiction can be overcome. It is important for those in recovery from addiction to this substance to be constantly alert to the triggers that could signal a return to addictive behaviour.
Those who succeed in beating a cocaine addiction will work hard to maintain their sobriety and will regularly attend fellowship meetings where they are reminded of their recovery journey and what they went through to get where they are now.
If you are struggling with a cocaine addiction and need help, do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at Liberty House Clinic. We can provide you with the information you need in terms of rehab and how to get started on your journey to sobriety.
Source: David Haye backs Tyson Fury to return better than before (Daily Mail)