Cocaine is a stimulant that can give you tons of energy and attentiveness for a short period. If you’re doing a Google search for “what does cocaine do to your body,” you and millions of others are wondering the same thing. Cocaine can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, and is a dangerous party drug. It became popular in the 1980s and is still a serious problem that can negatively affect your quality of life.
The Ranch PA supports those who are struggling with a cocaine use disorder and want help in stopping the abuse. Our cocaine addiction treatment program includes residential and outpatient treatment options to support your full recovery. Each program uses a mix of therapies and medical support to create a whole-person recovery experience. You’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions where you’ll develop effective coping skills to better manage your symptoms and triggers.
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a natural stimulant that comes from the coca plant, Erythroxylum coca. It’s mainly grown in South American countries like Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. In its natural form, people chew the leaves of the plant and get a slight stimulating effect. Illegal drug manufacturers take the leaves and produce a fine, powdery substance or rock-like crystals that are smoked, snorted, or injected directly into the bloodstream.
Side effects of cocaine use
The side effects of taking cocaine include:
- Increased heart rate, attention, and alertness
- Elevated blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
Cocaine abuse triggers powerful psychological effects, including an intense and highly addictive euphoric rush. People often experience a surge of energy, heightened confidence, increased talkativeness, and, at times, paranoia and irritability. This can lead to impaired judgment and poor decision-making. The initial high typically lasts 15–30 minutes, but people often experience overwhelming cravings to keep using the drug to prolong the sensation.
Symptoms of long-term cocaine abuse
If the abuse is left to continue, it can lead to serious addiction, anxiety, depression, and intense mood swings. Other long-term symptoms of cocaine abuse include:
- Paranoia or chronic psychosis
- Impaired memory, attention, and decision-making
- An increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts
Abuse of cocaine can also cause severe malnutrition, as cocaine stops the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to kidney trouble, liver damage, a weakened immune system, and respiratory infections, including bronchospasms, pneumothoraces, and pulmonary infarction.
What does cocaine do to your body?
Cocaine can have a very negative effect on your body and severely limit your ability to function without more cocaine. It’ll affect your energy levels and weight and make you more susceptible to diseases and illnesses, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Central nervous system
Cocaine has a direct impact on the central nervous system and floods the body with dopamine. This overstimulation can lead to euphoria, heightened alertness, and increased energy. People who take cocaine will experience a crash effect, which includes fatigue, depression, and irritability. Long-term use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and seizures.
Cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system controls the flow of blood throughout the body. Cocaine can affect this delicate system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause constricted blood vessels and weakening of the heart muscle, which can lead to arrhythmia, stroke, and even heart attack.
Respiratory system
Cocaine abuse has negative effects on the respiratory system, especially for those who snort cocaine. This can damage the nasal tissue and cause frequent nosebleeds and loss of smell. Smoking cocaine can lead to significant lung damage and a persistent cough, a condition often referred to as “crack lungs.” It may also cause chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms that can sometimes mimic a panic attack.
Troubling symptoms and overdose
Other physical side effects of ingesting cocaine include hyperthermia, or high body temperatures, muscle twitches or tremors, restlessness, agitation, loss of appetite, weakened immune system, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal problems.
If the abuse is left to continue, the risk of overdose increases and can cause sudden death due to heart attack, stroke, and seizures.
Enroll in our cocaine addiction treatment program today at The Ranch PA
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that welcomes Pennsylvania residents who are struggling with an addiction to cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and other dangerous stimulants. When you come to us for help, we’ll ask questions about the abuse to develop an effective recovery program that includes group and private therapy sessions. You’ll work with a therapist to find the original reasons behind the abuse and learn how to build healthy coping skills to manage symptoms and triggers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine abuse, fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a tour of our center in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.