Cocaine is an extremely addictive, dangerous and often fatal drug. It is made synthetically. People often use it intranasally, intravenously, orally or by inhaling it. No matter which way it is used, the dangers are the same. Even though It is a Schedule II controlled substance and can be given by a doctor to stop nasal bleeding, that doesn’t make it safe to use.
Learning about the long term effects of using cocaine will, hopefully, help people to realize that treatment is the best way out of an addictive lifestyle. Not only could it save their life, but it could help to prevent further damage to their body.
Long Term Effects on the Body from Using Cocaine
If someone uses this drug long term, they are likely going to experience a range of effects including, but not limited to, the following:
- Heart damage
- Brain cell damage
- Issues breathing
- Sinus problems
- Kidney disease
- Stomach problems
- Skin sores
- Higher risk of infection
Have you or someone you know been using cocaine for any amount of time? If so, the sooner you can get into a treatment program to help you stop using cocaine, the less issues there will likely be on your body.
Long Term Effects on the Brain from Cocaine Use
In addition to the long term effects on the body from cocaine use, the drug is going to affect the user’s brain, as well. Learning how damaging this drug can be on the brain might encourage some people to get into a treatment program right away.
Some of the long term effects on the brain from cocaine use include:
- Memory loss
- Trouble focusing
- Difficulty forming thoughts
- Permanent paranoia
- Higher risk of dementia
- Psychosis
- Restlessness
- Brain damage
If you or someone you know is ready to overcome a cocaine addiction, doing it now can help to prevent more brain health issues.
Long Term Effects on the Heart from Cocaine Use
When someone uses cocaine for a long time, there is a higher risk of developing heart issues such as:
- Weakened heart muscles
- Slowed or irregular heart rate
- Spikes in heart rate
- Arrhythmias
- Increased blood pressure
- Constricted blood vessels
- Cardiomyopathy
To help prevent some or all of these issues, it is best to reach out for help in quitting cocaine use right away.
Long Term Effects on the Lungs and Sinuses from Cocaine Use
The lungs and sinuses are affected from long term cocaine use, as well. Some of the damage done to the lungs and sinuses might include:
- Lower respiratory functions
- Lung damage
- Pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Slowed or labored breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Higher risk of pulmonary infections
- Pulmonary barotrauma
- Pulmonary hemorrhages
- Severe asthma
- Irritated and inflamed mucous membrane
- Deviated nasal septum
These issues can become severe very quickly. If you are already experiencing some of these issues, getting treatment might be able to reverse some damage. At the very least, you can stop further damage by getting into a treatment program today.
Long Term Effects on the Kidneys and Gastrointestinal Tract from Cocaine Use
If you are using this drug for a long time, you will likely experience kidney and gastrointestinal issues, too. Some of these issues might include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of kidney muscle tissue)
- Less urine production
- Red-colored urine
- Muscle aches
- Feeling weak
- Kidney disease
- Renal failure
- Reduced blood flow in gastrointestinal tract
- Tears in GI tract
- Ulcers
- Malnourishment
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Bowel tissue decay
Unfortunately, many of these effects aren’t reversible. However, the sooner you can quit using cocaine, the less chance there will be of developing these issues.
Recognizing Cocaine Use
Maybe you’re not the one who is using cocaine. You might suspect that your friend or loved one is taking this drug. If that is the case, but you aren’t quite sure, there are some signs of cocaine use that you should look for including, but not limited to, the following:
- Pupil dilation
- Runny nose
- Touching their nose or face often
- Trouble swallowing
- Oral asphyxiation
- Mood swings
- Getting excited quickly and easily
- Talking a lot
- Isolating from loved ones and friends
- Regular nosebleeds
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Tooth and oral health issues
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Financial stress
There are many things that can cause these signs. However, if they are happening and you know your loved one or friend was taking drugs or they have the health problems mentioned above, they may have an addiction to cocaine. You and other people in their life may need to hold an intervention to try getting them help in overcoming that addiction.
Getting Into a Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program
Now that you know more about the long term effects of using cocaine, you can start getting the help you need to stop or slow down these problems. Remember, the sooner you admit you have an addiction and get help, the less of these health issues you are likely to have. Not only that, but any dose of cocaine can be fatal, especially when dealers are mixing it with unknown chemicals and additives.
Contact us today if you are ready to get into a cocaine addiction treatment program.