Health Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use

Health Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use

Understanding Cocaine Use and Addiction

What Is Cocaine and How Is It Used?

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant drug made from the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca) that can be snorted, smoked, or injected.

This drug typically appears as a white powder, but can also be off-white or yellow when mixed with other substances. It’s a water-soluble hydrochloride salt that can be snorted, injected, or dissolved. Powdered cocaine is often “cut” with other substances, which can be other powdered drugs (such as fentanyl) or household goods like baking soda or flour.

Freebase cocaine is created by processing the drug to make it into a smokable substance. This removes all additives and impurities, leaving a pure base with a low melting point. The ending result is crack cocaine, which resembles small rocks or soap shavings.

Freebase cocaine can be white, pink, off-white, yellow, or brown in color. This type of cocaine is almost always smoked and is considered more potent than typical cocaine.

Some common nicknames for cocaine include coke, blow, snow, dust, and rock.

How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?

Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating intense euphoria and reinforcing addiction.

Using or abusing cocaine can cause other immediate neurological effects, such as making someone feel more mentally alert, energized, or talkative. However, this may also cause feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or irritability. Long-term cocaine use can impair cognitive functioning, especially when it comes to memory, decision-making, attention, and motor skills.

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

Cocaine’s impact on neurotransmitters rewires the brain’s reward system, making it hard to stop.

The brain contains a limbic system, which is a set of interconnected regions that induce pleasure and inspire motivation. This is the “reward,” “pleasure,” or “teaching” center of the brain.

When you use cocaine, it stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. These increased levels of dopamine reinforce the use of cocaine as a conditioned response. Eventually, the brain will become dependent on cocaine, resulting in withdrawal symptoms and cravings once use has ceased.

Over time, the brain becomes tolerant to cocaine, forcing the individual to need increasing dosages to feel the same euphoria as before. This leads to addiction, or what is known as a cocaine use disorder (CUD).

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

Short-term immediate effects of cocaine use include increased heart rate, dilated pupils, high energy, and euphoria.

However, the short-term side effects of cocaine can also include mental and physical effects such as:

• Nausea
• Irritability
• Increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Increased sensitivity to sounds, sights, and touch
• Tremors
• Volatile or violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Restlessness 

It’s important to note that cocaine is a powerful stimulant and can cause serious medical complications that can be fatal, even when using it for the first time.

Such conditions can include:

• Heart attack
• Coma
• Seizure
• Stroke
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Overdose

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

Long-term cocaine use can damage the heart, brain, and lungs as well as lead to lasting mental health issues.

Some long-term side effects of cocaine depend on how the drug was used. Snorting cocaine can lead to issues such as losing your sense of smell, nosebleeds, or permanent damage to the nasal septum. Smoking cocaine can lead to chronic lung issues, such as infections, cough, asthma, or permanent damage.

Injecting cocaine can lead to collapsed veins, skin infections, blood clots, or an increased risk of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Cognitive damage is also common with long-term cocaine use, which can cause issues with memory and thinking power.

How Does Chronic Cocaine Use Affect Mental Health?

Chronic cocaine use can cause anxiety, mood swings, psychosis, and worsening mental health conditions.

Prolonged cocaine use can cause significant long-term neurological damage and changes to the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and extended amygdala. This accelerates brain cell death and prematurely ages the brain due to the neurological stress and neurotoxicity from prolonged cocaine use.

As a result, this can cause or worsen mental health disorders, especially anxiety and psychosis. Many people who struggle with addiction understand that they are trapped in a cycle, which can cause depression and other negative mental health effects.

Physical Health Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use

How Does Cocaine Affect the Cardiovascular System?

Cocaine use raises blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Prolonged cocaine abuse forces the heart to work harder, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. This causes tremendous strain that leads to problems such as coronary vasoconstriction, where blood vessels supplying the heart constrict and restrict blood flow.

When less oxygen reaches the heart muscles, it can lead to a heart attack. Cocaine may also disrupt the heart’s electrical system in some individuals, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.

What Are the Respiratory Effects of Snorting and Smoking Cocaine?

Snorting cocaine can damage nasal tissues, cause chronic nosebleeds, result in lung damage, and lead to a deviated septum.

Damage to the nose and mouth occurs when someone snorts cocaine through the mucus membranes in the nose. This damages the soft tissue in the nose, which can cause parts of it to die.

When the septal cartilage is exposed, it can lead to the development of holes (septal perforations), which in turn can lead to a collapse of the nose structure. This may also occur in the upper palate of the mouth. Snorting cocaine can damage the delicate mucous membranes of the sinus, throat, and upper respiratory system as well.

When smoked, cocaine can cause many respiratory problems and pulmonary damage. This causes blood vessels in the lungs to constrict, which destroys the alveolar walls.

Once this happens, capillaries can be destroyed and oxygen becomes difficult to reach the rest of the body. This can lead to an increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia, chronic coughs, and acute respiratory distress.

What Other Health Problems Can Long-Term Cocaine Use Cause?

Long-term use can lead to weight loss, liver damage, hepatitis, tremors, and seizures.

Because cocaine reduces blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body, organs such as the gastrointestinal and immune system can become severely damaged. Cocaine overall reduces health and wellness, leaving behind damage that can take years to recover from, with some damage being irreversible.

Mental and Emotional Impact of Long-Term Cocaine Use

How Does Cocaine Affect Mood and Behavior?

Cocaine can cause irritability, aggression, paranoia, and severe mood swings.

Although cocaine can cause desirable effects such as pleasure, euphoria, and alertness, moods can quickly change or shift even while still high. This can cause significant distress or panic, especially when they feel as though they are experiencing two moods at once.

In some cases, a person may become aggressive or violent because of cocaine use or engage in risky behaviors due to the influence of cocaine.

Can Cocaine Use Lead to Psychosis?

Yes, chronic cocaine use can trigger hallucinations, delusions, and cocaine-induced psychosis.

Cocaine is well known to cause many psychiatric symptoms and worsen pre-existing psychiatric disorders.

What Happens to Mental Health After Quitting Cocaine?

Mental health may initially worsen due to withdrawal, but it can improve with treatment and support.

Addiction often occurs because of some underlying cause, such as pain, trauma, or untreated mental health conditions. Treatment programs address these underlying causes, which can improve overall mood and mental health.

In the case of cocaine use, many clients see improvements to their mental health once they receive professional help and support.

Risks of Cocaine Overdose and Toxicity

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Overdose?

Signs of cocaine overdose can include:

• Dangerously high body temperature
• Sweats and chills
• Chest pain
• Hypertension 
• Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid respiration and/or shortness of breath
• Seizures, tremors, or excessive shakiness
• Incoherent speech or unable to speak
• Mania, paranoia, erratic or bizarre behaviors, and hallucinations 
• Weakness, pain, or numbness in extremities
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these signs, you must call 911 right away. A cocaine overdose can be fatal.

Cocaine is commonly cut with or used in conjunction with other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol, which further increases the risk of overdose.

How Can Cocaine Use Be Fatal?

Cocaine can stop the heart, cause a stroke, or trigger fatal seizures.

This drug is potent enough that a single use can trigger the above conditions or cause an overdose.

Cocaine, in particular, can be dangerous because it can be cut, laced, or contaminated with other drugs or dangerous substances, especially opioids like fentanyl. Many overdoses occur because a person consumed what they thought was cocaine, only for it to be laced with other drugs.

What Increases the Risk of Overdose?

Mixing cocaine with alcohol or opioids, using high doses, or freebasing increases overdose risk. 

Other factors can include:

• Tolerance levels
• Pre-existing health conditions
• Age and physical health
• Method of use

How you use cocaine will involve different levels of potency and risk. Smoking or injecting cocaine leads to faster and more intense effects, which can increase the likelihood of overdose. However, people can and have experienced an overdose after using cocaine once, as it is highly toxic.

Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction

What Are the First Steps in Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Medical detox and stabilization are the first steps in treatment as they help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

The detoxification process is critical, as once cocaine leaves your system, your body can begin the healing process.

Withdrawal symptoms for cocaine are typically not dangerous, but they can be painful and uncomfortable. Medical detox manages these withdrawal symptoms to make detoxification as safe and comfortable as possible. Once stabilized, you are then able to begin the more intense part of treatment.

Which Therapies Work Best for Cocaine Addiction?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups are proven to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

Treatment facilities like Infinite Recovery understand that there is more to treating substance abuse. That’s why we utilize therapies that address the underlying causes of addiction, such as trauma, chronic stress, pain, or untreated mental health conditions.

This is typically a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy), holistic modalities, and other trauma-specific therapies as needed. CBT is commonly utilized as part of addiction treatment because it helps clients identify the root of their substance abuse and make active choices to change harmful thought and behavioral patterns.

Should You Choose Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

Inpatient programs provide intensive support, while outpatient care offers flexibility for daily life.

What you need depends on several factors, such as the severity of your addiction or how much support you have at home.

Most begin with inpatient residential treatment after completing detox and step down into extended outpatient care once ready. However, you can begin with outpatient care, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). To determine which program is right for you, speak with your treatment provider.

Supporting a Loved One With Cocaine Addiction

How Can You Talk to a Loved One About Cocaine Use?

Use compassion, avoid blame, and encourage them to speak with a healthcare provider.

Many people struggling with substance use disorder or addiction don’t seek help because they fear judgment and anger. Speaking to your loved one kindly with reminders that you love them is important in helping them seek treatment.

If you need further help, Infinite Recovery offers intervention services. With this service, you can best plan on how to help your loved one with the assistance of a mental health care professional.

What Role Do Family Members Play in Recovery?

Family programs provide education, set healthy boundaries, and support long-term recovery.

In addiction treatment, family therapy and other family-focused programs are critical in helping clients and their loved ones heal from addiction and prepare for sober living. With the guidance of professionals, family members can learn how to best support their loved one in recovery or receive help if they are struggling as well.

Where Can You Find Help and Resources?

Treatment programs, support groups, and referrals from healthcare providers can connect you with the help you need.

If you are struggling, your doctor can give you a referral for treatment, or you can contact your local mental health care or addiction treatment facility. These places are staffed by kind, knowledgeable, and understanding individuals who are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones.

If you have questions about addiction, how it’s treated, or need further resources, you can contact Infinite Recovery. Calls or messages are always private and non-obligatory, which helps you get the assistance you need quickly.

FAQs About Long-Term Cocaine Use

Can the health effects of cocaine use be reversed?

Yes, some health effects related to cocaine use and abuse can be reversed with sustained sobriety and proper medical and mental health treatment. 

The use of cocaine can result in damage to the brain, particularly the areas related to memory and thought processes. However, new studies have shown that this damage can at least be partially reversed, helping many heal from cocaine addiction.

It’s important to note that everyone is different, and their recovery will be different as well. Some damage may not be reversible, but that doesn’t mean a person cannot live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless, seeking treatment is the best way to start the healing process, as you will have access to medical and mental health care professionals.

What are common cocaine withdrawal symptoms?

Some common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure)
• Irritability
• Slowed thinking
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue 
• Memory problems
• Increased appetite
• Dehydration 
• Cravings
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
• Insomnia/hypersomnia
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams
• Dysphoria (a general sense of unease)
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are typically not life-threatening. However, everyone is different, and it’s important to seek professional help if you want to stop using cocaine.

How can you reduce the risk of relapse?

There are many ways you can reduce relapse risk, with some examples including:

• Being aware of and managing triggers 
• Maintaining healthy habits to boost physical, mental, and emotional health
• Practicing self-care habits and mindfulness
• Developing healthy coping strategies 
• Engaging in sober support and community 
• Setting healthy boundaries 
• Keeping occupied with sober hobbies and activities
• Checking in regularly with a mental health care professional 
• Reaching out for help immediately should you suspect that you may relapse

Relapse prevention is a skill taught in addiction treatment. Clients have the opportunity to practice skills to prevent relapse under the guidance of mental health care professionals. How you prevent relapse will depend on your individual triggers and needs.

For example, if you are in recovery from cocaine addiction, you may avoid places where you know people use cocaine as a precaution. Overall, it’s best to surround yourself with sober people who support you and be open to seeking help if needed.

Long-term cocaine use and abuse can lead to serious damage to your physical and mental health. However, with treatment, it’s possible to reverse or heal some of this damage. Like with other addictions, it requires compassionate, quality, and evidence-based care to achieve full recovery. Infinite Recovery, located in Texas, is dedicated to treating a wide range of addictions and substance use disorders, including cocaine and other stimulants. We are prepared to help you or your loved one overcome cocaine addiction at many of our convenient Texas locations. Anyone can recover from addiction, including yourself and the people you love. So don’t wait, reclaim your life from cocaine addiction today by calling (844) 928-1502.