Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that can devastate the human body. Cocaine side effects can range from mild to severe, and they can impact users in a variety of ways. While some may experience minor discomfort, others may face life-threatening consequences due to cocaine use. If you or a loved one has cocaine use disorder, NorthStar Clinical Services can help. We offer a variety of treatments for substance use disorders, including a cocaine rehab. Contact us at 888.488.6153 to learn more about how we help our clients overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting recovery.
Common Cocaine Side Effects
Cocaine works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. When a person uses cocaine, it blocks dopamine reuptake, accumulating the neurotransmitter in the brain. This leads to a sense of euphoria or a “high.” Apart from this high, the side effects of cocaine abuse can be both physical and psychological:
- Cardiovascular effects – Cocaine can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can strain the heart and blood vessels. Long-term cocaine abuse can cause heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
- Respiratory effects – Cocaine can cause respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and lung damage. Smoking crack cocaine can cause coughing, wheezing, and asthma-like symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal effects – Chronic cocaine use can cause stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.
- Neurological effects – By its nature, cocaine can profoundly affect the central nervous system. It can cause seizures, headaches, tremors, and other neurological problems. Cocaine abuse can also lead to psychosis, where a person loses touch with reality and experiences delusions and hallucinations.
Extended cocaine use can also lead to a substance use disorder characterized by a compulsive desire to use cocaine despite the negative consequences.
How Are Cocaine Side Effects Treated?
The treatment for cocaine side effects depends on the specific side effects experienced and their severity. However, the treatments can be divided into the following categories.
Medication
Medications can treat specific physical and psychological side effects of cocaine use. There are medications to treat high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat, and medications can also be used to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other psychological side effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for the psychological side effects of cocaine abuse. These therapeutic interventions can help individuals develop coping skills and identify triggers for drug use. Most good cocaine addiction treatment programs will feature behavioral therapy as one of the core aspects of the treatment program.
Support Groups
Support groups can be a helpful treatment option for individuals struggling with the psychological side effects of cocaine abuse. Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous are two examples of support groups that can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help manage the physical and psychological side effects of cocaine abuse. These changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation or yoga. While these changes treat the side effects either directly or indirectly, they do not address the root cause of the addiction and, as such, are a secondary measure meant to serve as a supplement to behavioral therapy.
It is crucial to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing the side effects of cocaine abuse.
Call NorthStar Today to Start Treatment
It’s possible to start recovery from cocaine addiction today. At NorthStar Clinical Services, we have a comprehensive cocaine addiction treatment program. We offer a supportive, welcoming environment for our clients. Reach out online or call us at 888.488.6153 today to overcome cocaine addiction and start living your best life.
