Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that many people can easily get addicted to. The drug has lasting consequences on both physical and mental health. The long-term effects of cocaine are extensive and potentially life-threatening.
As such, it’s important to learn about these effects so that people are aware of the consequences of cocaine use. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with cocaine or other drugs, seek help right away.
Why Do People Use Cocaine?
Many people use cocaine to feel its “positive” effects. When people take cocaine, they get feelings of euphoria and a sense of invincibility. Most users will have a rush of heightened energy that makes them feel more sociable and friendly.
Cocaine is widely used in parties and other social settings because of its feel-good effects. People who frequent these events may constantly feel the need to be in a positive mood, and they may rely on cocaine use to help them get through the said event.
In addition to cocaine being a party drug, it allows the user to escape their everyday life. Some users use cocaine to get away from feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety. The temporary high from the drug can give them a false sense of confidence and well-being.
How Fast Does Cocaine Addiction Happen?
Cocaine addiction can happen quickly. The drug has intense yet short-lived effects, so people who chase this high are likely to repeatedly use the drug. Even a single use of cocaine can develop into a substance use disorder.
The reason behind this quick addiction is how cocaine impacts dopamine levels in the brain. Cocaine prevents the reabsorption of dopamine, leading to an accumulation of the chemical that produces intense feelings of pleasure.
Over time, the brain of a person who frequently takes cocaine will be rewired to be reliant on the drug for dopamine. This results in cocaine dependence, and it will be difficult to experience pleasure naturally.
As the body and brain continue to look for the drug, a cocaine addiction will likely develop. This dangerous cycle reinforces itself, making quitting increasingly difficult without professional help.
The Effects Of Cocaine Use
The drug immediately impacts a person’s central nervous system, resulting in different short and long-term effects. Being aware of these effects can help many avoid the risks associated with cocaine use.
Short-Term Effects Of Cocaine Use
Short-term effects of cocaine use will vary, depending on the method of ingestion and dosage. However, most people will experience one or more of the following effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Heightened sense of alertness
- Dilated pupils
- Increased energy
- Feelings of intense euphoria
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Irritability
- Increased body temperature
Long-Term Effects Of Cocaine Use
Chronic cocaine use will eventually have long-term effects, and they can be extremely dangerous. The long-term side effects of cocaine can significantly impact almost every organ in the body.
Cardiovascular
When a person takes cocaine, their blood vessels constrict. This increases vascular resistance and forces the heart to work harder.
As a result, people who engage in cocaine abuse are at a higher risk of cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Over time, long-term cocaine use can result in irreversible heart damage.
Respiratory
A person who snorts cocaine or smokes crack cocaine long-term may experience different respiratory problems. Snorting cocaine can erode nasal passages and lead to chronic nosebleeds or nasal septum perforation.
On the other hand, smoking cocaine affects the lungs and results in different respiratory conditions. The repeated inhalation of toxic chemicals and irritants can also lead to lung inflammation, especially when smoked with other substances.
Neurological
The brain is one of the most affected organs in long-term cocaine use. Substance abuse alters the brain’s structure and function, resulting in various neurological issues.
Abusing cocaine will negatively affect the brain’s dopamine receptors, which means it will be more difficult to achieve positive feelings in the long run. Those with cocaine use disorder may feel more irritable since they have trouble regulating their emotions.
Psychiatric
People who use cocaine for long periods will also feel the drug’s negative psychiatric effects. As the drug continues to alter brain chemistry, it will result in effects like severe anxiety, depression, paranoia, and even psychosis. Cocaine can even induce visual and auditory hallucinations, especially when people take larger doses.
And when a person comes down from the cocaine high, the crash is intense. This makes the person continuously look for the drug despite its negative effects. People addicted to cocaine don’t want to stop using the drug due to the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Immune System
Repeatedly using cocaine can impact the immune system. People addicted to the drug find that their bodies have a weakened ability to fight off diseases. They may get sick more often and have longer recovery times for certain illnesses. For people already battling other health conditions, cocaine may exacerbate their harmful effects.
Cognitive Functions
Chronic use of cocaine can lead to cerebral atrophy. This is a condition where you have shrinkage or wasting away of brain tissue. Cerebral atrophy impacts cognitive abilities and mental health, making it more difficult for cocaine users to function well. It can affect their ability to focus on tasks, process information, and retain new memories.
Social
People involved in drug use, such as cocaine, may isolate themselves from their loved ones. In some cases, this is because they are hiding the fact that they are using the drug. In other cases, they may distance themselves from friends and family because they’re ashamed to admit their addiction.
Economical
Cocaine is an expensive drug, and it can drastically affect a person’s finances. Since people addicted to the drug will do anything to get their hands on it, they may find themselves spending more than what they have. This can lead to the user going into debt and other financial issues because of their drug problem.
Prolonged Cocaine Use And Effects On The Brain
As mentioned in earlier sections, prolonged use of cocaine has various effects on the brain. Since the drug messes with dopamine levels, cocaine will likely have detrimental effects on the brain.
When a person continuously abuses cocaine, it can eventually cause a state of anhedonia. This is the state where nothing feels pleasurable, and it contributes to the overall compulsive nature of addiction.
A person who doesn’t feel pleasure in normal day-to-day activities will try to find it in dangerous ways – drugs being one of them. As the brain prioritizes cocaine use to achieve pleasure, it will become so disrupted and cause severe structural changes.
Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose happens when a person takes too much of a drug that the body is unable to cope with the excessive stimulation. Many factors increase the risk of a cocaine overdose, such as taking high doses and mixing cocaine with other harmful substances.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Seizures
- Extreme confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Elevated body pressure
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
It’s critical to call for medical intervention right away when you suspect an overdose since it can quickly become fatal without prompt treatment.
Synthetic Cocaine
Synthetic cocaine is a chemically altered version of natural cocaine. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of cocaine while avoiding legal restrictions.
Although you may think that synthetic cocaine is safer, this is far from the truth. Many synthetic drugs are made with unknown ingredients, and these can result in unknown side effects. People who are not used to the side effects of synthetic drugs may experience lethal consequences.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Treatment for cocaine addiction is a combination of different approaches. In general, you’ll expect the following:
- Drug Detox: Detox is when you will eliminate cocaine from your system. This process is usually medically supervised to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral Therapy: Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) enable clients to identify and change destructive thought patterns surrounding cocaine addiction.
- Support Groups: Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a popular example of a support group where other members provide peer support and accountability to aid long-term sobriety.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs offer clients a structured environment they need for recovery.
- Holistic Therapies: Meditation, journaling, or acupuncture allows clients to explore alternative activities that promote relaxation and emotional healing.
Outlook For Recovery From Cocaine
With the right support and treatment, it’s possible to fully recover from cocaine addiction. The road to full sobriety can be challenging, but there are different ways to get there.
While relapse may happen, you must remember that it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Many people who move on from substance abuse experience relapse, and it’s not the end of the road.
Through constant support and treatment, it’s possible to successfully overcome cocaine addiction and lead a fulfilling life.
Help Is Available For Substance Use Disorder
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can cause toxic effects on the body. Fortunately, different kinds of help are available for substance use disorder.
At Luxe Recovery, we help you achieve your goal of full recovery from addiction. Our personalized treatment plans and top-notch facilities create a comfortable environment where you can focus on recovery.
We’re more than happy to help you take this first step. Contact us today to know more.
