Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). People may abuse illicit, legal, or prescription drugs. For decades, cocaine has been among the most commonly abused substances in the US. In 2019, about 5.4 million people reported recent cocaine use.
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug. This dangerous, illicit drug can cause a range of short and long-term risks and health complications. People who abuse cocaine may quickly develop physical dependence on it.
People may use slang terms to talk about cocaine and cocaine abuse. An “8-ball” is a term people can use to describe an amount of cocaine.
This article will explore what an 8-ball of cocaine is. You will learn:
- The weight and cost of an 8-ball of cocaine
- The effects and risks of cocaine abuse
- How to recognize cocaine abuse and addiction
- What to expect in cocaine addiction treatment
- Where to find SUD treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find treatment, recovery support, and resources to address addiction at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn more about our comprehensive programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting us today.
What is an 8-Ball?
Cocaine is a potent, highly addictive stimulant drug originating in South America. This illicit drug is typically found as a white powder or a solid called crack cocaine. An “8-ball” of cocaine is one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine. This is equal to 3.5 grams of cocaine.
People most commonly use the term “8 ball” to talk about cocaine use. However, some people may use this unit of measurement when talking about methamphetamine and other substances.
An eight ball of coke is a large amount of cocaine. Using high doses of this dangerous stimulant can lead to severe side effects and risks. People who use cocaine may quickly develop a life-threatening addiction or life-altering financial, social, and legal problems.
If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about your treatment and recovery options.
How Much Does an 8-Ball Cost?
Cocaine is an illicit drug. Street prices for cocaine can vary depending on a range of factors, including location and drug purity. Cocaine prices may range from $25 to $200 per gram. Using this range, the price of an 8 ball of cocaine may cost between about $90 and $700.
Cocaine users typically binge on cocaine because its effects are short-lived. People may spend hundreds of dollars on cocaine in just a few days. This expensive, dangerous drug can harm a person’s physical, social, and financial health.
It can be challenging for someone who abuses cocaine to stop using it. Cocaine abuse can change the way a person’s brain and body work. Over time, people may develop a physical dependence on this dangerous drug.
People with physical dependence on cocaine may do dangerous, illegal, or dishonest things to get money or cocaine. People may require intensive treatment to stop using cocaine and maintain abstinence after rehab.
Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health team to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs.
The Effects and Risks of an 8-Ball of Cocaine
An 8-ball of cocaine is a significant amount of this dangerous stimulant. Using an 8-ball of cocaine on a single occasion may be life-threatening. However, people with cocaine addiction may ingest an 8-ball of cocaine over the course of a day.
Cocaine affects the central nervous system (CNS) and other systems. Some of the short-term effects of cocaine include:
- Increased heart rate
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Elevated blood pressure
- Impaired judgment
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Appetite loss
- Muscle twitches or tremors
Using large doses of cocaine puts people at risk of cocaine overdose. Some signs of an overdose include:
- Extreme confusion
- Aggression
- Panic
- Stomach pain
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Fast breathing
A cocaine overdose is a dangerous medical emergency. If you or someone near you exhibits symptoms of an overdose, call 911 right away. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
Using high doses of cocaine puts people at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. Seek treatment if you notice the signs of cocaine abuse in yourself or a loved one.
Treating Cocaine Addiction
It can be very challenging to overcome cocaine addiction. People who show signs of cocaine abuse and addiction require comprehensive treatment to address the roots of substance use.
Cocaine addiction treatment programs may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical detox programs
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Psychoeducation
- Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition support, and more
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
People may attend cocaine addiction treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on their unique needs. Many treatment centers offer multiple levels of care. This can accommodate a wide range of changing needs throughout the recovery process.
Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Trends of Cocaine Use and Manifestations in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
- NIH: Cocaine Toxicity
