The 9 Most Dangerous Side Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine Addiction: What Does It Look Like?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug with one of the most incredible relapse rates among substance abuse disorders. The white powder is typically ingested by inhaling through the nostril, but heavy users may attempt to increase their high by injecting cocaine into a blood vessel or smoking a form called crack cocaine.
The short-term effects are felt almost immediately, with a peak occurring around the 30-minute mark. Results of the drug are reported to the last one to two hours, but long-term cocaine users describe a “come down” feeling soon after the peak is reached. A major reason the risk of abusing cocaine is so high is that the comedown users experience is so unpleasant that it urges them to take frequent doses to prolong the effects.
When a period of cocaine use has ended, habitual users often turn to depressant drugs or alcohol to carry them through the initial withdrawal stage until they can use again. This cycle strongly indicates that someone is deeply struggling with cocaine addiction.
Other signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse include financial problems to cover the expensive cost of this habit and drastic mood swings between being under the influence of cocaine and when they are no longer actively on it.
9 Most Dangerous Side Effects of Cocaine
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that long-term cocaine use comes with several dangerous side effects, especially with long-term use. When the white powder enters the body, the physical effects are almost immediately felt by cocaine users. The drug alters how messages are sent in the brain, causing increased sensitivity to touch, sight, sound, and intense emotions. This hyperactivity in the brain has caused users to develop seizure disorders, which can be life-threatening.
The substance also affects the cardiovascular system, meaning the user’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature will rise drastically even after they stop taking cocaine. This process leads to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
If a user has snorted cocaine or is smoking crack, this causes severe lung damage. Still, most commonly, users will experience the long-term effects of cocaine from frequent runny nose and nose bleeds, difficulty swallowing and tasting, as well as a complete loss of smell over time. In these nasal and throat areas, cancer has a risk of developing from long-term cocaine use.
Help for Cocaine Addiction at Novo Detox
Novo Detox is a luxury drug and alcohol abuse rehab center specializing in short and long-term residential treatment and personalized medical detox services. Our addiction treatments focus on starting your recovery by treating the symptoms associated with withdrawal from cocaine quickly and keeping you comfortable through pain management as you go through the stages of treatment.
Our private six-bed facility has a high staff-to-patient ratio to ensure you access the services you need and experience 24/7 safety and comfort while you undergo detox. Medical detox from cocaine generally takes around seven to 10 days, and from there, we will work with you to plan your next steps.
Some patients benefit from additional inpatient treatment to access a continued support system. Inpatient programs have a heavy focus on mental health and the treatment of possible co-occurring disorders associated with substance abuse, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and trauma from domestic violence or other forms of assault.
Our treatment plans include drug education, behavioral health counseling, and introducing coping skills to avoid drug abuse in your everyday life. Other patients need to return to work or school obligations, so we offer intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization treatment plans to meet those needs while promoting long-term recovery in a drug-free world for you. Call Novo Detox at (844) 834-1777 to learn more today.
