Expert: Peter L. - 12/16/2010

Question
Hi I have a few questions. I've been drinking for about a year now and about every other day. Since the summer, I've been getting tightening in my chest but only on the left side near the heart. The doctor told me it was probably a muscle pulled or strained. They've also said that my heart beat is a little fast due to cigarettes. I smoke roughly a pack a day.

About three months ago, I stopped taking my anti-depressants because I got hooked on Cocaine. I don't feel depressed anymore. I do probably like six lines a day. About two weeks ago, I tried Blue Coke and also Pink Coke. Since then a couple hours after I do Coke, the sides of my back(in the middle) starts hurting, my heart skips beats, it feels like cramping around my heart area.

I want to know if those chemicals in the blue and pink coke could have seriously damaged something in my body? Or since I've had pain in the heart area before the coke, that I've had a problem but it's just now getting worse?  I also know I have a problem, but is there any other way I could get clean without rehab? I'm in college and there's no way I can take off time for rehab.

I'd appreciate any feedback,

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Nicole,

I'll bet you know how someone in my line of work would answer your questions...  You're putting yourself in extreme jeopardy doing what you're doing!!

You seem to say you found a better anti-depressant than the pharmaceutical one you had been taking: Cocaine.  Cocaine is not an anti-depressant; it is a very dangerous stimulant, very addicting, and one that will destroy your life sooner than you'd ever realize.  

I would say to you don't spend too much time wondering if these chemicals have damaged your body.  They are damaging every time you do them, and one day you might not be around to tell anyone about it.

Can you get clean without rehab?  Probably not, but I encourage you to try to get off these substances any way you can.  Nicole, you're going to be very unhappy about where your use of these drugs is going to lead you.  

You might be able to see a counselor in your community and not have to take time off for rehab.  Many programs, like the one I work in, have daytime and evening services.  Many people I work with are students.  They fit treatment around their schedule.  

Lastly, I want to say:  DON'T MESS AROUND WITH THIS ANY LONGER.  IF YOU CAN'T STOP ON YOUR OWN, FIND A COUNSELOR OR PROGRAM IN YOUR AREA.

If you want me to give you some resources, tell me what city you live in and I'll check my treatment directory and give you a few leads.

Thanks for your question,
Peter