Problems with Cocaine

by | Nov 15, 2016 | Blog

There are numerous problems that arise from cocaine abuse. Cocaine addiction comes in various degrees of severity, and is often influenced by the method of consumption of the drug. In certain situations, cocaine abuse slowly deteriorates aspects of the users life, and results in long-term physical and neurological problems. In other cases, the effects of cocaine use impact all areas of life in the extremely short-term and more rapidly comparatively to other types of illicit drugs.

Los Angeles Cocaine Rehab | 1 Method Center

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the problems with cocaine outlined below then call us at 1 (800) 270-1389 today. Our Los Angeles cocaine rehab can help restore a sense of balance and assist you or your loved one in gaining a foothold in recovery from cocaine abuse or cocaine addiction.

Effects of Cocaine

What are the short-term effects of cocaine?

Cocaine creates a short-lived, albeit intense high, that is almost always followed immediately by opposite feelings, such as; severe depression, agitation, edginess and an intense craving for more of the drug. People who abuse cocaine or that use it usually don’t eat, sleep, or socialize properly. They often will experience a greatly increased heart rate, muscle spasms and certain types of convulsions. The drug (cocaine) can make people feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious—even when they aren’t getting high. In addition to this, other drugs (often alcohol or prescription medications) that are used to counterbalance the short-term effects of the highs and lows of cocaine can create additional symptoms and problems. Regardless of how much of the drug is used or how frequently it is used, cocaine increases the risk that the user will experience a heart attack, stroke, seizure or respiratory (breathing) failure, all of which can result in sudden death or severe medical complications.

What are the long-term effects of cocaine?

The phrase “dope fiend” was originally coined many years ago to describe the side effects (negative side effects) of consistent and constant cocaine use. This came about to describe the scenario where as tolerance to the cocaine increases, the user finds that it becomes necessary to take greater quantities to achieve the same high. Prolonged daily use causes sleep deprivation and loss of appetite, among other problems. A person can become psychotic and begin to experience hallucinations.

As cocaine interferes with the way the brain processes chemicals, one needs more and more of the drug just to feel “normal.” People who become addicted to cocaine (as with most other drugs) lose interest in other areas of life.

Coming down from the drug causes depression so severe that a person will do almost anything to get the drug—even commit acts of violence. For this reason, it’s very important during the detox process that a program be highly proficient or even specialize in cocaine detoxification.

And if he or she can’t get cocaine, the depression can get so intense it can drive the addict to suicide.

Short-term effects

  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Dilated pupils
  • Loss of appetite
  • Intense euphoria
  • Intense drug craving
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Panic and psychosis
  • Hyperstimulation
  • Disturbed sleep patterns
  • Contracted blood vessels
  • Increased rate of breathing
  • Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
  • Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability
  • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
  • Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin
  • Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even at one time dose)
  • Cocaine causes heart, kidney, brain and lung damage.

Long-term effects

  • Severe depression
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Delirium or psychosis
  • Malnutrition, weight loss
  • Respiratory failure if smoked
  • Liver, kidney and lung damage
  • Increased frequency of risky behavior
  • Irritability and mood disturbances
  • Auditory and tactile hallucinations
  • Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
  • Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
  • Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
  • Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)
  • Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain 
  • High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death
  • Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)

Help with Cocaine Abuse, Addiction, Detoxification

If you think that you would like to learn more about 1 Method Center call us today. We will help you by running your insurance benefits and helping you to make the decision about whether our program is the right fit for your situation. Otherwise, we’ll help you find the program in Los Angeles (or elsewhere) that can help you overcome cocaine abuse and begin the process of recovery.

Cassidy Cousens

Cassidy Cousens

Cassidy Cousens is the founder of 1 Method Center. He’s worked in behavioral health treatment for over 20 years. Cassidy specializes in the Integrated Model of Care and is widely viewed as an expert in behavioral health. To talk with Cassidy call 1-310-254-9479.