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What is Fish Scale?

Cocaine is a dangerous stimulant, but fish scale cocaine is an even more lethal drug. If you have an addiction to fish scale cocaine, getting help is essential. But what is fish scale cocaine? At Promises, we offer addiction treatment programs for those facing substance use disorders. Call us at 844.875.5609 to learn more. 

What Is Fish Scale Cocaine?

Fish scale cocaine is the purest form of cocaine. It was very popular in the 1980s and while it’s not as prevalent today, it’s still available. Most cocaine has a purity of about 60%, but fish scale has a purity of up to 90%. It’s called fish scale cocaine because of its shiny and iridescent appearance. 

Like other kinds of cocaine, fish scale cocaine is a stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. It can cause symptoms like:

  • Euphoria
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased breathing
  • Nausea 
  • Increased blood pressure

Fish scale cocaine causes these symptoms more powerfully and quickly than other types of cocaine. Because of its potency, fish scale cocaine can lead to fast dependence and then addiction. 

Cocaine impacts the reward centers in the brain, flooding them with dopamine, which leads the brain to associate cocaine with a pleasurable experience. This, then, leads to cravings because the brain demands that you repeat using the drug.

Fish scale cocaine causes powerful effects, but because they don’t last a long time, you quickly end up wanting to use more of the drug. This puts you at risk of overdosing, which can be fatal. 

Treating Fish Scale Use Disorder

For those struggling with fish scale addiction, getting help should begin with a medical detox program. The more you use the drug, the more your body depends on it to function. Cocaine makes changes to your brain structures, which means that if you stop using the drug, your body can’t adjust, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. 

To avoid going through these powerful symptoms, the best thing you can do is to turn to medical detox programs. These programs use medications to stabilize you so that you can begin your treatment correctly.

Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment 

Once you complete the detox program, you have the choice of inpatient or outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab allows you to stay at a facility where you have 24/7 monitoring. If you live in an environment that offers easy access to drugs or if you feel that you need a more intensive level of care, this can be a good choice. 

If you can’t take time away from family or work responsibilities but still want a high level of care, you can turn to a partial hospitalization program. A PHP provides hours of treatment each day but lets you return home each night. 

The care level below a PHP is an intensive outpatient program. An IOP is an option that offers many hours of care a week but also gives you the chance to start gaining a bit more independence. It’s an option best suited for people who have a strong support network at home and who have a safe home environment.

Standard outpatient services can be a good option for people who have completed inpatient or more intensive outpatient options and want to continue their treatment. 

Turn to Promises Today for Help With a Fish Scale Addiction

If you are struggling with an addiction to fish scale cocaine, it’s essential that you reach out for help. Because this drug is so powerful, it can quickly put your life at risk. Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Contact Promises today to find the treatment program that fits your needs. Call us at 844.875.5609.

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