Drug Facts

New research results strongly suggest that cocaine bites the hand that feeds it, in essence, by harming or even killing the very brain cells that trigger the "high" that cocaine users feel

Cocaine use in 1997 an estimated 1.5 million Americans, or 0.7 percent of the population age 12 and older, were current cocaine users, a significant decline from the 5.7 million cocaine users reported in 1985.

Men made up about 70 percent of individuals in treatment; and women 30 percent.

There are many addictive drugs, and treatments for specific drugs can differ. Treatment also varies depending on the characteristics of the patient.

Medications to treat cocaine addiction are not available, although researchers are working to identify and test new options.

Treatment for people who abuse drugs but are not yet addicted to them most often consists of behavioral therapies, such as psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, or family therapy.

Treatment typically involves steps to help you withdraw from using the drug, followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help you resist using the addictive drug again.

MDMA (ecstasy), Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine are among the drugs used by teens and young adults who are part of a nightclub, bar, rave, or trance scene.

Nearly all addicted individuals believe in the beginning that they can stop using drugs on their own, and most try to stop without treatment.

In terms of public health, adolescent substance use disorders have far-reaching social and economic ramifications.