Side Effects of Cocaine

In terms of party drugs, few are more popular than cocaine. This drug has been around for a long time but is extremely addictive and dangerous. Below is more information about the short- and long-term side effects of cocaine.

What Is Cocaine?

While many people know of cocaine, they don’t really know much about it. In general, this stimulant comes from the coca plant that grows naturally in South America. When people use it, their energy levels, alertness, and attention improve. It’s also important to note that cocaine has many names including:

• Coke
• Snow
• Blow
• Rock
• Crack

Some people use drugs with these alternative names but don’t know that they’re cocaine. Likewise, they may take drugs at parties without knowing what they are. This behavior puts them in dangerous situations.

Short- and Long-Term Side Effects of Cocaine

The effects of using cocaine differ slightly for everyone. No two people react the exact same way to the drug. In the short term, however, they enjoy a short-lived high. During this high, they have increased levels of energy and happiness.

The high that cocaine produces doesn’t last long, usually just a few minutes. Cravings for more cocaine and intense depression follow after it wears off. Because of that, it’s common for people to use the drug multiple times on the same occasion.

The long-term side effects of cocaine are extremely dangerous. The body quickly builds up a resistance to the substance. With a higher tolerance, people have to use it more frequently or in larger doses to get the same high. This continued increase in drug use is not only expensive but also edges them closer to overdose.

The more that people take this drug, the greater their chance of experiencing extreme side effects. Examples include heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. Changes in blood flow from cocaine abuse can also cause sexual problems, liver damage, and kidney damage.

How people take the drug also causes physical harm to the body. For example, snorting cocaine eventually erodes nasal tissue. Rubbing it on the gums can lead to tooth decay and erosion.

Using too much cocaine can also result in permanent brain damage. It usually happens because of damaged blood vessels from injecting the drug. This damage isn’t limited to the brain and also affects the heart.

Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse

When people abuse cocaine, the best course of action is to get them drug rehab as quickly as possible. However, others have to know how to spot cocaine abuse symptoms first. They can’t get help for loved ones unless they know that there’s a problem.

Some common signs include a runny nose, dilated pupils, and frequent nosebleeds. If loved ones inject cocaine, they might have track marks on their arms from using needles. If they smoke cocaine or crack, they could have burnt lips or fingers.

The Hills Treatment Center Can Help You Overcome Cocaine Abuse

The side effects of cocaine can cause numerous problems. The best course of action is for people to get help from a rehab center that they can trust. At the Hills Treatment Center, we aim to help you overcome addictive drugs such as cocaine. Some of our programs include:

• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Inpatient rehab
• Outpatient recovery
• Aftercare program
• Family therapy
• Sober living programs

Our knowledgeable staff members are here to teach you about the side effects of cocaine abuse. We provide education for your family as well. Family therapy acts as a great way for them to learn more about addiction itself. The more that they know, the easier that it is for them to understand your daily hardships.

Don’t let cocaine ruin your life or the lives of those around you. Learn more about the side effects of cocaine at The Hills Treatment Center. Call us at 844-915-0287 for more information about our facility.