You feel the downward spiral taking over your life. At your desk, you look around and see the business you put together. Grueling nights, runs to suppliers miles away, and lost family time were always heavy on your mind. But you did it: You created a successful company that’s now doing well. You now have time to relax a little and spend time with your family. But something else has taken hold of you – something you would never suspect.
You feel nauseous and anxious as you reach for the little bag in your drawer. Locking your office door, you spread the white powder into thin lines. Immediately, you feel relief, wired and ready for anything. As you stand up, your nose bleeds on your pressed, white shirt. Luckily, this is not the first time, and you keep spare shirts in your cabinet. These side effects of cocaine are really beginning to take their toll on you. But how can you stop? Or maybe a better question – how long can you carry on like this?
On October 3rd, 2023, 97 people in Florida were Google searching the term cocaine. This was just in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, and just in one day. At Tranquil Shores, we see more and more people searching for answers about substance use disorder and the different effects of substances. Our blog is here to provide answers for families and friends, while our program offers many different therapies for those living with addiction. Together, we create a plan tailored to the individual, and even allow electronics for those who cannot miss work. Today’s blog discusses the side effects of cocaine, and what you need to know if someone you love is using it.
Cocaine Side Effects: Are They Dangerous?
Cocaine is a stimulant made from the coca plant, found in South America. While it was used medicinally in the 1800s, there is no medical relevance for its use today. Coming in the form of a white powder or a crystal-like ball known as crack, cocaine use can cause side effects as soon as the first use. Prolonged cocaine use can lead to permanent damage to the body and even be life-threatening.
Does the Method of Ingestion Increase Cocaine’s Side Effects?
Cocaine can be snorted, smoked, injected, swallowed, or rubbed on the gums. The method of ingestion does affect how soon the cocaine can be “felt” in the body. Snorting cocaine is one of the most common ways of ingestion. This is because the onset of the “high” is slower compared to other methods, and the feeling can last between 15 and 30 minutes. The cocaine is absorbed through the lining of the nasal passageways, and due to the mucus membranes, it takes a few minutes to get to the bloodstream. Rubbing cocaine on the gums produces similar effects and follows the same timeline.
Injecting cocaine puts it directly into the bloodstream, meaning the effects can be felt almost immediately. This method does not make the feelings last longer, and will require using more to keep the feeling going. Injecting substances such as cocaine poses more health risks, such as contracting hepatitis or HIV from sharing needles.
Swallowing cocaine delays the onset of effects by around 20 minutes. It is dangerous to swallow cocaine as the person may take more than intended trying to increase the onset of the effects. This can lead to a potential overdose.
Crack is most often smoked, and the effects only last around 5-10 minutes. This encourages binge sessions to continue feeling the effects, which can also lead to a potential overdose.
Timeline of Cocaine Side Effects
The effects of cocaine can be felt almost immediately, and are very short-lived. Some common initial effects of cocaine include:
- Extreme bouts of energy
- Increased focus or productivity
- Hypersensitivity to sight and touch
- Paranoia
- Distrust of others
- Mood swings such as happiness or irritability
- Decreased appetite
These effects can last a few hours and are the most heightened in the first 30 minutes after use. As cocaine use becomes regular, it will take more in order to feel the same effects.
Short-Term Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Short-term effects of cocaine addiction are not always life-threatening. Headaches, increased anxiety, irritability, and weight loss can be seen as cocaine use becomes regular. There is always the risk of heart attacks or strokes when using cocaine, whether for the first time or the 100th time. The kidneys and bowels can also be affected by cocaine as it increases blood flow but restricts the blood vessels. This makes it difficult to get blood to the vital organs, which can cause damage.
Long-Term Health Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
In the long-term, cocaine can take a toll on the body. Some effects include:
- Malnourishment
- Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s
- Seizures
- Loss of sense of smell
- Chronic sinus infections
- Bowel damage
Cocaine’s Effects on the Body and Mind
Cocaine works in the brain by activating dopamine receptors, which control the pleasure centers of the brain. Over time, as cocaine is used more, the brain adjusts the chemicals to account for its presence. The dopamine receptors become desensitized, and more cocaine will be required to activate them. When cocaine is not in the body, withdrawal symptoms will begin. The brain is attempting to restore balance without cocaine, causing mental and physical side effects. Cocaine withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, but the mental effects can cause thoughts of self-harm or harming others. Always seek medical attention if these thoughts occur.
Physiological Side Effects of Cocaine Misuse
Cocaine can cause increases in anxiety and depression from prolonged use. Mood swings can become severe, and paranoia can make it difficult to recognize when friends and family are trying to help. Cocaine can cause hallucinations and delusions, increasing mental distress. Even with these negative feelings, cravings to keep using cocaine make it difficult to stop. Having a strong support system is crucial for anyone who wants to stop their cocaine use.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Addiction
The main organs affected by cocaine are the brain and heart. While damage can occur in other organs, the brain and heart are the most crucial. There is no way to replace the brain, and once an area becomes permanently damaged, there is no way to fix it. While the heart may be able to recover from a cocaine-induced heart attack, there is no way to replace damaged muscle. Heart transplants do exist if there is too much damage, but there is no way to guarantee it will be possible.
Malnourishment is another negative physical effect of cocaine addiction. Paired with snorting cocaine or rubbing it on the gums, the nasal system can collapse. Breathing can become difficult or even impossible through the nose. Teeth and gums will begin to decay. Chronic sinus infections can lead to lung problems such as pneumonia. Without a proper diet, these infections can be difficult to heal and may become life-threatening.
Get Help with Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Living through the side effects of cocaine addiction does not have to last forever. While it may feel good now, the lasting damage that cocaine causes will wreak havoc on all aspects of life – physical, mental, financial, and emotional. It may feel impossible to stop, but finding the right cocaine addiction treatment can be the change you need to begin recovery. With therapy and support, you can leave cocaine where it belongs, in the dust.
If you or someone you love is experiencing some of cocaine’s negative side effects, it’s not too late to get help. Tranquil Shores provides a secluded, beachfront, resort-style atmosphere with a holistic approach and various therapies. Our dedicated staff works with all types of professionals, from executives to medical personnel, athletes, and musicians. We understand not every person experiences addiction the same, and we take pride in customizing our program to fit individual needs. Call us today at 727-391-7001 to learn more about our treatment options.
