What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine?

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Medically Verified: March 26, 2024

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What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine?

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. People may become physically dependent on cocaine after only a short period of regular use. 

Cocaine addiction can have long-term effects on your physical and mental health. It’s crucial to recognize cocaine abuse or addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible. 

Cocaine addiction treatment can help you recover from cocaine addiction and embrace a healthier, sober future. Participating in comprehensive cocaine abuse treatment allows you to identify and understand the complex foundation of your substance abuse. Then, you can learn the skills you need to avoid relapse. 

This article will detail the long-term effects of cocaine. You will also learn how to identify cocaine abuse and where to find holistic treatment. 

Contact The Living Room New Jersey specialists now to learn about our treatment programs. Our admissions team will verify your insurance, answer questions, and schedule an intake appointment. 

Cocaine Abuse and Addiction: An Overview

Cocaine is an illicit stimulant drug. People make cocaine using the extract of the South American coca plant. Cocaine users typically snort cocaine. Some may smoke, inject, or take it orally.

Some of the short-term side effects of cocaine include:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased energy
  • Heightened senses
  • Increased alertness

People may become highly talkative and energetic while using cocaine. Cocaine increases activity in the central nervous system. It also affects the brain’s reward system, making people want to take more. Many users take it to sustain energy during nights out. For this reason, people refer to cocaine as a “party drug.”

Cocaine’s effects do not last very long. Users may take it several times over a short period. After using cocaine regularly for a while, people may develop a tolerance to it. 

Tolerance means that your body has become accustomed to an amount of a substance. If you develop cocaine tolerance, you may need to take higher doses to get the effects you want. 

Over time, heavy or frequent cocaine abuse may lead to physical dependence. Once you have developed physical dependence and addiction, it can be incredibly challenging to stop using cocaine.

Most people who develop cocaine addiction require professional treatment and ongoing support to stop using it and avoid relapse. 

What are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine?

Cocaine abuse harms your mental and physical well-being. It affects every part of the body and can cause life-threatening harm. 

Here is an overview of how cocaine abuse damages different bodily systems

Sinus and facial harm

Snorting cocaine can damage your nasal structure and sinuses. Cocaine is corrosive, meaning that it can wear away soft tissue and bone. 

Chronic cocaine use may lead to collapsed sinuses or damage to the facial structure. This can lead to breathing trouble, significant changes in appearance, and chronic runny nose or nosebleeds.

Some of this damage may be permanent. In other cases, doctors may be able to restore functioning through extensive surgeries. 

Breathing issues

Snorting cocaine or smoking crack cocaine can significantly damage the respiratory system. In addition to facial and sinus damage, cocaine use can harm the lungs. Repeated exposure to cocaine can destroy blood vessels in the lungs. 

When the lungs’ blood vessels sustain damage, they cannot function properly. As a result, less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. 

Other long-term respiratory effects include:

  • Increased white blood cell count
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Chronic cough
  • Tuberculosis
  • Pain
  • Asthma

The respiratory effects of cocaine abuse may last for years–or even a lifetime. These effects can significantly impact a person’s functioning and quality of life. 

Cardiovascular risks

When you use cocaine, it enters the bloodstream quickly. One of the immediate side effects of cocaine use is elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. 

Repeated cocaine use may increase the risk for long-term cardiovascular issues, as well. These risks include:

  • Blood clots that may lead to pulmonary embolism, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and heart attack
  • Heart muscle death
  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Irregular heart rhythm

According to research, about 25% of cocaine users aged 18-45 experience a heart attack. 

The cardiovascular risks associated with cocaine use may be life-threatening. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize cocaine abuse.

Effects on the brain

Brain damage may occur when lung and respiratory damage causes a lack of oxygen to the brain. People with cocaine addiction may have a higher risk for several conditions, including:

  • Seizures
  • Mini-strokes
  • Aneurysm
  • Cognitive challenges that affect memory, vocabulary, the ability to learn, and more
  • Life-threatening fever
  • Shrinking of the brain

Brain damage is permanent. People who sustain brain damage from cocaine abuse will live with the long-term side effects of their addiction for the rest of their lives. 

Find Treatment for Cocaine Abuse

If you or someone you love requires treatment for cocaine addiction, you can find the help you need at The Living Room in New Jersey. 

Our holistic treatment programs will help you manage withdrawal symptoms, stabilize your mental and physical health, and learn to avoid relapse. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact us today.

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More than anybody, we understand that reaching out for help can be difficult. If you have any questions about our programs, services or the recovery process itself; please connect with us now. We are here to provide guidance and support… every step of the way.

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