Struggling with cocaine addiction can have several harmful effects on your body. The physical effects of cocaine abuse can last for months or years, but most people will recover from the side effects of cocaine addiction if they can achieve sobriety. Contact BlueCrest Recovery online or call 888.292.9652 to enroll in our cocaine rehab center in New Jersey today.
Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that can have several different effects when used or misused.
Why Do People Use Cocaine?
Typically, people use cocaine to create its perceived positive effects, including:
- Euphoria
- Increased sociability
- A boost of energy
- A feeling of confidence
These effects are short and typically come with several side effects.
What Are the Dangers of Cocaine Addiction?
The side effects of cocaine use often last for much longer than the recreational effects and can include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- A feeling of anxiety
- Physical tension
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Increased body temperature
If people use too much cocaine, these side effects can quickly build to an overdose. Overdosing on cocaine can lead to serious physiological damage, including stroke or heart attack, and it can be fatal if medical professionals aren’t able to arrive in time to help.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse
When people use cocaine for extended periods, they put their bodies under immense stress. This often leads to the development of lasting physical health symptoms that can cause severe disruption in your daily life and may put you at higher risk of medical emergencies in the future.
Some of the common, long-term physical effects of cocaine use include the following.
Cardiovascular Problems
Cocaine elevates your blood pressure, causes spikes in your heart rate, and releases a wave of adrenaline. This increased pressure on the cardiovascular system can lead to an increase in stroke and heart attack risk and may also contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
Nasal Damage
Since the most common way of using cocaine is by snorting it, many people who have lived with a cocaine addiction can show signs of damage to the nasal tract. This may result in a deviated septum, frequent nosebleeds, and a loss of smell.
Weight Loss
Cocaine both suppresses your appetite and increases your body’s metabolic rate. This can lead to rapid and unexpected weight loss, increasing your risk of experiencing health-related consequences.
Dental Problems
People who misuse cocaine experience significantly more dental problems for several reasons. Cocaine both dries the mouth and can cause people to grind their teeth, which may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Psychological Effects of Cocaine Addiction
The effects of cocaine addiction aren’t just exclusive to your physical health. Addiction can lead to serious mental health challenges, social difficulties, job loss, invasive cocaine cravings, and some other challenges.
People who become addicted to cocaine may not be able to stop on their own. Cocaine addiction changes structures in the brain related to reward, leading to people using cocaine over and over again and not being able to see a way out. This can leave people feeling hopeless and trapped, negatively impacting their well-being.
Thankfully, there are evidence-based methods to help people break free from cocaine addiction. Talk therapies, medications, and behavioral interventions can be valuable tools in helping people break free from addiction and achieve a lasting recovery.
At BlueCrest Recovery, we have a team of trained professionals who understand cocaine addiction expressly. Our rehabilitation center has helped many individuals like you regain control over their lives. We take pride in our holistic recovery processes that work to reconnect your body, mind, and soul through a personalized treatment plan.
Enroll in Cocaine Addiction Treatment at BlueCrest Recovery
Breaking free from cocaine addiction can seem impossible, but there is a path to sobriety, and the team at BlueCrest Recovery can help. Contact our team online or call 888.292.9652 to learn about our extensive cocaine treatment options and take the first steps to overcoming cocaine addiction once and for all.
