Cocaine Side Effects: The Dangers of Taking Cocaine

Cocaine is a very addictive drug, a stimulant, which increases one's alertness, attention, and energy while having a myriad of  side effects. It comes from the coca plant, native to South America, having other names such as coke, crack, rock, snow, among others, coming in different forms, including a fine, white powder or solid rock crystal.  It is illegal in the United States
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Cocaine Side Effects

There are different ways to take cocaine. One can snort the fine, white powder into their nose, rubbing it into the gums, or dissolving it in water to inject the liquid using a needle.  Other times, the rock crystal is heated to breathe the smoke.

After inhaling or consuming cocaine, the drug will then send very high levels of dopamine, which is a natural chemical messenger in the body, into the parts of your brain controlling your pleasure. This is what would cause intense feelings of alertness and energy, also known as feeling high. 

Cocaine effects people differently. Some report feeling a high, such as feelings of intense euphoria. Others report feeling anxiety or pain, even experiencing hallucinations. 

Either way, the buildup of dopamine is the reason why people misuse cocaine to the point of abuse and/or dependence. The body is wired to fulfill the craving for that dopamine. Cocaine changes the neurochemistry, which leads to a substance use disorder. Satisfying this craving only increases the risk of the long term effects of cocaine abuse. That is why cocaine is very addictive and illegal.

So while you might think the higher levels of dopamine is a great feeling, this is only a short-term effect. The "high" feeling is intense yet short-lived, and once you are "back to normal", you may end up feeling the exact opposite. One may experience intense depression, lack of sleep and appetite, increased heart rate, convulsions, and muscle spasms. 

Cocaine users might also feel angry, anxious, hostile, and/or paranoid, even when they aren't using the drug at that time. It leaves them wanting more of the drug as an attempt to evade such negative feelings and emotions
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​Short-term Cocaine Side Effects

• Loss of appetite and sleep
• Increased body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
• Contracted blood vessels
• Increased breathing rate
• Hyperstimulation
• Erratic or violent behavior
• Hallucinations or hyperexcitability
• Nausea
• Anxiety, depression, panic, paranoia, or psychosis
• Convulsions, seizures, or even sudden death after an overdose

​Long-term Cocaine Side Effects

• Permanent damage to heart and brain blood vessels
• Organ damage, including the kidney, liver, and lungs
• High blood pressure, increasing the chances of heart problems
• Respiratory failure if cocaine was smoked
• Destruction of nose tissue if cocaine was sniffed
• Infectious diseases and/or abscesses if cocaine was injected
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Tooth decay
• Sexual problems and infertility
• Experiencing hallucination, delirium, depression, or psychosis
• Cocaine dependence and addiction even after taking it once

This is just the start to list all of the side effects. Continual usage and increasing to higher doses of cocaine can lead to a cocaine overdose, heart attack or other life-threatening medical emergencies. If you or someone know you exhibits these side effects and are high dose cocaine users, they should seek treatment immediately.

Wrapping It Up
Cocaine has very serious side effects, especially when taking it in large amounts and for a long time. It may even cause death from overdosing on the drug.

If you or someone you know struggles with a cocaine addiction, then do reach out to a medical professional for help and intervention immediately.