Being an active member of the military for the last 6 years, you have seen your fair share of tragedy. You have lost friends and brothers, and the toll weighs heavy on you as you return to “normal life.” Not to mention the difficulties of relearning to use your hand now that you are missing three of your fingers. The VA tries to help, but you find yourself spiraling into depression and you stop going to your appointments.
One of your buddies reaches out to you and says he has found something to help you feel better, to actually feel good for the first time in years. At this point you are willing to try anything – what do you have to lose? He brings over a bag of white powder and arranges it into lines. You’re skeptical, clearly this is cocaine as you saw other men using it to stay awake on tour. You try it anyway and immediately are filled with energy and warmth. Is this happiness? Your worries seem to melt away, that is, until the next morning when you wake up more nauseous than you have ever been. Did cocaine cause this?
In 2020, 2,400 deaths were caused by cocaine throughout Florida. Tranquil Shores provides resources about substance use and how to help family members or loved ones. We offer a program specific to military members and are a proud partner with the VA in our communities. Our blog shares topics to educate and bring awareness. Today, let’s talk about the correlation between cocaine and nausea.
Why Does Cocaine Cause Nausea?
Cocaine is a stimulant, derived from the coca plant in South America. The coca plant itself is used by many South Americans to actually treat indigestion and altitude sickness. There is a crucial difference between how the coca plant can treat nausea and why cocaine causes it: cocaine is processed with a vast amount of chemicals. In order for the coca plant to become cocaine, a process using kerosene is used to extract the cocaine alkaloid from the plant. This byproduct is then added to hydrochloric acid and different bases. These are combined in laboratories, creating the crystallized substance we know as illicit cocaine. The healing properties of the plant are removed through this process.
Because of these chemicals, cocaine can irritate the stomach lining, especially when ingested by mouth. Typically when inhaled through the nose or injected into a vein, cocaine does not cause noticeable abdominal discomfort. However, the study of cocaine on the gastrointestinal system is still widely being conducted as there is not much research about the subject at this time.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Digestive System?
Cocaine causes blood vessels to narrow, making it difficult for the body to pump blood to vital organs. This is what causes blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to rise. The narrowing also affects the digestive tract, which survives on adequate blood flow. Without it, the bowels cannot function properly, causing nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. If the person does not address their cocaine use, the pain can become dull but will not go away, even after eating or having a bowel movement. Improper blood flow can lead to tissue death, which in turn leads to gangrene within the small and large intestines. Perforation – a tear or rip – of the intestines occurs next, and is a life-threatening medical emergency. The contents of the bowel are toxic to the body and cause infection and damage to other vital organs.
The narrowing of the blood vessels is known as vasospasm, and cocaine causes the condition in short-term increments. This is mainly associated with chest pain and breathing difficulties. However, long-term cocaine use has been linked to various gastrointestinal scenarios. In one case, a man who had lost 20kg in two months was found to have cocaine-induced enteritis – swelling of the small intestine. Another case presented a healthy, 19-year-old female with abdominal discomfort that worsened over 6 hours. It was determined she had a perforated ulcer in the upper part of the abdomen, around the curve of the stomach. She disclosed she regularly inhaled cocaine the week prior to her hospital stay.
Effects of Cocaine on Other Parts of the Body
Because of its vasospasm effects, cocaine causes harm to other parts of the body. When the heart tries to pump the same volume of blood through narrower passageways, it becomes overworked. Heart rate and blood pressure skyrocket trying to balance and keep blood flow going. This can lead to chronic problems such as irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy (stretching of the heart muscle), and risks of developing other cardiovascular conditions.
The brain is also affected by chronic cocaine use. Cocaine essentially changes the reward system in the brain by releasing higher amounts of chemicals. The changes to this system take a long period to re-wire, and cravings for cocaine can continue for months or even years after the last use. With blood flow restriction, it is more likely to experience blood clots that can cause strokes. If not caught in time, strokes can cause permanent brain damage, and even be fatal.
Those who inhale cocaine through the nose are likely to have breathing problems. The lining of the nasal cavity becomes irritated, leading to inflammation that makes it difficult to breathe. Eventually, nasal passageways can become necrotic and require surgery to repair. Chronic lung infections, COPD, and bronchitis can also develop. Combined with a weakened immune system from poor nutrition, cocaine can cause breathing difficulties that last long after use has stopped.
How to Stop Cocaine Nausea
Nausea and abdominal troubles are best treated by stopping cocaine use altogether. If you find you cannot stop using cocaine, eat a balanced meal beforehand. Drink hydrating fluids like water or electrolyte drinks. Do not mix cocaine with other substances, as this can increase nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal pains. If abdominal pain ever becomes severe, vomiting does not cease, or blood appears in vomit or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately. Conditions such as ulcers and perforations in the intestines can become serious and life-threatening if not addressed as soon as possible.
Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction in Pinellas County, FL
Trying to manage a cocaine use disorder can wreak havoc on your life physically and mentally, especially if you are experiencing nausea during your cocaine use. When depression and anxiety begin driving use, it can seem like a never-ending cycle that is impossible to break. The good news is there is hope through a trusted cocaine rehab program. It is never too late to take the first step into the recovery journey. Through guided therapy, skill-building, and wellness classes, you will be able to end the cycle of cocaine use and replace it with renewed passion and purpose.
If you or someone you love is living with a cocaine use disorder, help is available, and has a scenic beach view. Tranquil Shores is located in a secluded and peaceful area of the Gulf Coast, in the beautiful community of Madeira Beach. Our dedicated team is ready to help you find what works for you in recovery and address the root cause of your addiction. The client-to-therapist ratio is kept low at Tranquil Shores, at 3:1. This ensures you receive the individual attention you deserve from our compassionate staff. Call us today at 727-391-7001 to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment.
