The Dangers of Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

Cocaine abuse is one of the most widespread substance abuse issues faced by society today. Everywhere in the world, cocaine use is widespread, causing problems ranging from individual health issues to increase in crime and drug cartel activities.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a highly potent and highly addictive drug that causes a rapid-onset euphoric high. It also speeds up various processes in the central nervous system, causing users to be highly focused, over-confident, and even agitated.

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine can be smoked, snorted, and injected. Depending on how it is used, its effect can occur suddenly and rapidly. One of its main effects is the increase in dopamine release, flooding the brain with it, causing a “rewarding” high that makes cocaine attractive.

Its effects include:

• Euphoria
• Increased energy
• Grandiosity
• Inflated confidence or self-esteem
• Elevated mood
• Impulsivity or over-confidence

It may also cause unwanted effects such as:

• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Increased energy, hyperactivity
• Panic
• Paranoia

Snorting cocaine can delay cocaine’s effects on the body, resulting to a longer high. Meanwhile, injecting or smoking cocaine can have a rapid effect on the user, but the duration is just for only 5 to 10 minutes. This makes smoking crack cocaine more addictive and problematic.

Serious Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine abuse has a range of associated side effects:

• Tremors
• Muscle twitches
• Paranoia
• Vertigo
• Dilated pupils
• Constricted blood vessels
• Increased and/or irregular heart rate
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
• Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
• Decreased sexual function
• Overdose
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Stroke
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Sudden death

The risk of overdosing from cocaine use is increased when used with other substances such as alcohol and other drugs.

Long-term effects of Cocaine Abuse

Long-term cocaine abuse can cause the following:

• chronic and extreme fatigue
• chronic headaches
• abdominal pains
• nosebleeds
• weight loss
• hepatitis, HIV and other blood borne diseases due to injecting cocaine
• heart arrhythmia leading to heart attack
• cardiac arrest
• stroke
• seizures
• respiratory arrest
• death

Remember, cocaine has a high risk for tolerance, dependence and addiction. If you or someone you know is abusing cocaine, seek help. Call or text us at 09175098826.