We often talk about addiction to drugs like opioids and meth. However, cocaine addiction is still a problem today. It might not get talked about as much – but it’s still a serious concern for many. This guide will go over the dangers of cocaine and the seven things it can do to your body.
While considered a stimulant, cocaine is more harmful than any other drug in the group. Just enough of it can be fatal. If you are dealing with cocaine addiction, it’s time to get the help you need.
Epiphany Wellness has information available on its website. Learn more about what they can do and the steps you need to take next. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the following list below.
It can lead to increased sensitivity
Specifically, you may experience increased sensitivity to sound, sight, and touch. This is a short-term effect due to the higher levels of dopamine flooding your brain. So you’ll experience a much greater amount of euphoria than normal.
This pleasure gets to a point where you might not get enough of it. That’s the high that will have you wanting more when you come down from it. It will get to a point where too much can lead to fatal consequences.
It can change your behavior very quickly
You can attain a cocaine high faster if you snort it, smoke it (crack cocaine), or even inject it. These are often the fastest way to get high. This can also lead to other effects that can occur quickly, such as intense levels of happiness, paranoia, and even irritability or anger.
You’d be surprised how much of a negative effect it can have on the brain. You may even feel false senses of confidence. You may feel like you’re more confident in yourself, and it may seem out of character.
Not only that, you’ll notice that you’ll be dealing with short bursts of energy. You may even notice that you are more alert and even more talkative than normal. People who know you may seem thrown off by the way you behave.
If you smoke cocaine, it can take about five to ten minutes. Compared to snorting it, which can take about 15 minutes at best. Regardless, the effects will kick in soon enough.
People who know you well may be caught off guard by how you’re acting. They may even suspect that you’re on something. This could mean that they will stage an intervention for you to get the help you need.
If you have been addicted to cocaine for quite some time, people close to you will notice the behaviors you’re exhibiting. They may even be concerned for your physical and even mental well-being.
It can affect your breathing
If you are smoking cocaine (or crack), this can lead to oxygen being cut off from your bloodstream. At the same time, it can also destroy any capillaries that are used for the transportation of oxygen throughout your body.
At that point, you may risk breathing problems that can lead to permanent lung damage. Constant occurrences of this can lead to various respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension, among others. It may get to the point where it can get fatal.
If you are lucky to survive these instances, you will be paying a long-term price for it. These respiratory diseases can be fatal on their own. If it doesn’t kill you quickly, it may kill you slowly.
This may be one more good reason why you need to quit your cocaine addiction. Getting the help, you need now will save your life. The sooner you get it, the better.
It can lead to cardiac issues
Whether it’s in the short term or over a long period of time, cocaine can damage your heart. It can lead to increases in your blood pressure and heart rate. Your blood vessels will also restrict, making it more challenging for the heart to do its job.
At that point, you’ll be at a greater risk of a heart attack or stroke. You may also be at risk for other circulatory issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or even pulmonary embolisms. The latter condition can be fatal if it’s not caught just in time.
Cocaine can lead to nasal issues
Cocaine has the ability to cause nasal issues. To take it a step further, it can even cause the cartilage in your nose to erode and lead to collapse. This can even destroy connective tissues within the nostrils.
As a result, it can lead to constricted blood flow to the septum. A hole will form and distort the overall shape of your nose. Meanwhile, it can also cause a runny nose, nosebleeds, irritated septum, and even a loss of your sense of smell.
You may also have issues with swallowing. Eating while dealing with issues can lead to choking hazards.
It can lead to stomach issues
Your stomach can react to cocaine in adverse ways. To be more specific, you may be dealing with nausea and stomach pain. This can lead to a loss of appetite.
Long-term cocaine use can lead to weight loss. At the same time, it can also cause damage to your stomach and leave ulcers. Finally, it may also increase your risk of contracting ischemic colitis, a serious inflammation of the large intestine.
It can lead to fatal consequences
Fatal consequences can occur if you overdose on cocaine. Specifically, this is known as cocaine toxicity. You may suffer from conditions such as a heart attack, stroke, seizure, or severe breathing issues due to a lack of oxygen.
Coma is also a possibility as well. Finally, death will also occur. If someone may have overdosed on cocaine, you’ll want to dial 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. It will be a race against the clock at this point.
Cocaine may be a drug that will get you high. But even one dose may just be your last.