What Does Cocaine Do to You?

According to the latest government figures, of the 310,863 adults entering addiction treatment, 19% of those were battling cocaine addiction in the UK. Another 19% of that number were entering treatment for crack cocaine use.

Especially over the last decade, cocaine use has risen as it has become a more popular drug to take casually. It is no longer reserved for the rich in high-end clubs but has moved to being taken in pub toilets every Saturday night.

Cocaine can be very dangerous for you. It’s important to know the effects of cocaine, how a comedown can affect you and what support is available.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that predominantly comes in a powder form that is either snorted or rubbed into the gums. Another popular form, more so in the USA, is crack cocaine. Crack comes in lumps or rocks that are smoked, usually in a glass pipe, bringing about a more intense high.

There is also freebase cocaine, which is smoked too and comes in the form of a crystallised powder.

Both powder and crack can be made into an injected solution. This method is much less common and far more dangerous than snorting or smoking it.

In the UK, cocaine is classified as a Class A drug. This means it is illegal to possess, give to anyone or sell. Possession alone can land you in prison for 7 years, and supplying it can mean a lifetime behind bars.

It is popular because of its stimulant properties, giving people more energy and making them feel excited. It is also fast acting, so it can be seen as less of a big deal.

How Cocaine Affects the Brain and Body

Cocaine works in the brain by blocking dopamine reuptake. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a key part of the brain’s reward system. As reuptake is blocked, dopamine floods your brain, and you get a wave of pleasure chemicals.

This wave contributes to the immediate effects that are sought after by users – euphoria, confidence, and alertness.

Cocaine damage to the brain in the long term will occur as continued use will soon affect your ability to regulate dopamine activity. Blood vessels will also constrict, leading to increased risk of strokes and parts of the brain may alter – including your amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

Cocaine will also affect your body, leading to:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Physical overstimulation

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

What does cocaine do to you in the short term?

This is important to know as it’s the reason people take the drug in the first place. Besides the desired effects, there can be less pleasant short-term impacts when taking cocaine.

Physical effects include:

• Dilated pupils
• Restlessness
• Nosebleeds
• Insomnia
• Raised heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased body temperature

Psychological effects include:

• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Impulsivity
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Increased aggression

The euphoric high that is sought after will only last a maximum of 15 minutes to an hour. Smoking crack cocaine will bring a quicker, more intense high that lasts only 5 to 10 minutes.

In all cases, the high you are after is followed by a crash.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and chronic use will mean long-lasting consequences. Many of the issues that long-term cocaine use can cause are irreversible and life-altering.

Because cocaine is fast-acting and more is needed to delay a crash, the risk of more frequent use can be quite high. Knowing what may lie ahead with frequent use can show you the clear dangers of the drug. Cocaine will impact every aspect of your life if you regularly use it.

Physical health risks include:

• Heart damage
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Weight loss
• Nasal damage
• Kidney and liver damage

Mental health risks include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Memory loss
• Cognitive impairment

Social risks include:

• Psychological and physical addiction
• Social decline (loss of friends and familial relationships)
• Financial issues (losing your job, owing money)
• Legal issues

What Happens During a Cocaine “Crash” or Comedown?

With the high comes the inescapable fall.

After cocaine has hijacked your brain’s reward system and given you this intense euphoric feeling, it suddenly goes away. This brings on a range of symptoms known as a crash or a comedown.

Physical and emotional symptoms of a cocaine comedown include:

• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Intense cocaine cravings
• Tremors
• Increased appetite
• Increased irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

To avoid this crash, people may go on a binge cycle, taking larger amounts to lift themselves out of the crash. Taking more cocaine to combat a comedown can increase the risk of overdose and developing an addiction.

Cocaine Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

If you are worried about the effects of cocaine and addiction, it’s important to know what to look out for. Addiction is unique to every person, but some common symptoms tend to crop up a lot.

Symptoms and signs of cocaine addiction include:

• Building up a tolerance: You now need to take more and more to feel the same effects as when you first started using.
• Using alone or hiding use: Taking cocaine is no longer a social activity, and you are aware that the amount you are doing will bring comment, so you are becoming more secretive.
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships: Your addiction has now become the priority in your life, so things like your job, being with family and seeing friends have retreated to the background.

In the case of addiction, it’s important to understand the difference between use and abuse. If you engage in casual use, you will take the substance irregularly, in a social setting, and it will have minimal impact on your life. Substance abuse and addiction occur when you continue to take a substance, despite knowing the negative impact it is having on you and others and are unable to stop.

Getting Help for Cocaine Use

If you think it is time for professional help, then go and find it. There is no shame or judgement in admitting you are struggling. Taking that first step is incredibly brave.

At a professional cocaine rehab, you will gain access to a comprehensive treatment programme that can be effective in aiding long-term recovery.

What you will experience at rehab is clear treatment pathways that will include detox, therapies (such as CBT and group therapy) and access to aftercare once you leave. Maybe in this moment, recovery feels a long way away. No situation is irreversible. With the right support around you, long-term recovery is possible, and you can stop cocaine from having such power over your life.

You’re Not Alone. Reach Out Today

If you are struggling, there’s no reason to feel abandoned. Hope and help are out there if you are looking for them.

Getting help from Rehab Directory is as simple as picking up the phone. We can help you explore treatment options and decide which is best for you. Contact us now by calling today at 0330 0414 845, where you can speak confidentially to our support team.