Mixing cocaine with other substances, such as heroin or alcohol, can also be life threatening. If a heart attack occurs after taking cocaine, a person may experience discomfort or tightness in the center or left side of their chest. This typically lasts for several minutes, or may go away and return, or may last for a longer period. This discomfort may result in a sensation of fullness, squeezing, or uncomfortable pressure and pain.
Brain Damage
The severity of your withdrawal symptoms depends on how heavily and regularly you used cocaine, and how you consumed it – either snorting, injecting or smoking it. Understanding cocaine withdrawal and what you should do if you’re experiencing symptoms. This means you need more of a substance to get the same effect you once did. Mixing alcohol and cocaine has also been shown to increase cravings for each substance, leading to a higher risk of dependence. That also depends on how it’s consumed, along with other variables, like your dose and whether you’re taking other substances. The more often or heavily you use cocaine, the more pronounced these effects become over time.
Mental Or Cognitive Symptoms
These dopamine receptors are in the brain’s reward center and allow someone to feel things they might find pleasurable. Cocaine use immediately affects the body and brain, often leading to dangerous short-term effects. While some may experience temporary euphoria, the risks outweigh the benefits. Despite its illegal status in most countries, cocaine remains a popular drug, particularly in social and party scenes. However, it’s not just a recreational drug — it’s a dangerous substance with long-term health risks.
Hyperthermia and Organ Damage
But over time, your brain gets used to the presence of cocaine and becomes less sensitive to natural dopamine, making it harder to feel happy when you’re not using drugs. This eventually leads to cravings and compulsive use, which is what we call cocaine addiction (or cocaine use disorder). If not addressed correctly or in time, cocaine overdose can have long-term impacts on mental health. The trauma and damage to the brain may cause consistent issues, including depression, anxiety, and even psychosis, that significantly affect the quality of life.
- Professional treatment is necessary for breaking free from this cycle and addressing the root causes of addiction.
- Cocaine profoundly affects the nervous system, illuminating its highly addictive nature.
- Focusing on the symptoms of a hangover and complaining about them will only exacerbate the experience.
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that’s linked to feelings of reward and pleasure.
Even so, this powerful stimulant has a high potential for addiction and overdose. The goal of cocaine detox is to remove all traces of cocaine from your body. This takes place in a supportive and safe environment, and you may receive controlled medication to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. Medical and nursing staff will be available 24/7 to ensure your safety and comfort during this period. This can support your long-term recovery and help reduce the risk of relapse. During detox, you might be prescribed controlled medication to help you to manage your withdrawal symptoms.
Tolerance
In addition to traditional therapies, many rehab centers offer holistic approaches to recovery. Treatments like yoga, and mindfulness exercises can help individuals heal both physically and mentally during their recovery journey. As the drug disrupts the brain’s natural dopamine system, users can experience significant changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Likewise, there is no ‘magical cure’ for cocaine addiction – it requires hard work, comprehensive support, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Understanding Why Cocaine Comedown Happens: Cocaine Crash and Its Rebound Effect
Another potential risk of long-term cocaine use is malnourishment because cocaine is an appetite suppressant. Other long-term risks include severe paranoia, hallucinations, and movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Cocaine can affect judgment, which can result in high risk or dangerous behaviors. However, experiences may vary since cocaine can affect each person differently. This article explains what may happen after a single dose of cocaine, including the risks of death and addiction and what to do if an overdose occurs.
- Cocaine, scientifically known as benzoylmethylecgonine, is derived from the coca plant.
- If you are experiencing rebound effects, coming down, or crashing due to using a substance, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.
- Conversely, snorting cocaine leads to a slower, weaker high that lasts for up to 30 minutes.
- A cocaine overdose results in severe effects on the body, causing brain damage, cardiovascular complications, and other life-threatening symptoms.
- Cocaine is metabolized quickly in the body, but its detection period and elimination time vary depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism rate.
Recognising the signs of cocaine withdrawal
These symptoms usually peak between the first and third day after using, and tend to subside over the following week. However, many people can continue to experience some symptoms for weeks or months. Cocaine use carries a high risk of contracting bloodborne infections, including HIV and hepatitis C. In severe cases, the septum (the cartilage between your nostrils) can develop a hole. Some people process cocaine into a rock and what happens after taking cocaine once side effects and safety smoke it, which we’ll get to next. If you use it, are considering using it, or are around anyone who does, read on.
Surgeons used it to block pain before local anesthetic were available. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Our treatment specialists can help you find the perfect treatment center in your area. After so many weeks or months of using, brain chemical levels remain in an imbalanced state. Feelings of depression persist no matter how much cocaine a person consumes.
Its potency means that a regular user may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. Currently, there aren’t any FDA-approved medications specifically for treating cocaine addiction like there are for opioid and alcohol addiction. However, researchers are working on potential treatments that might help manage cravings and ease cocaine withdrawal symptoms in the future.
The more you use it, the higher your risk for developing a substance use disorder. Once the high wears off, coke can leave you feeling depressed and extremely tired for several days. The short-lived high is also often followed by an intense desire to use more and difficulty sleeping.
Cocaine addiction is one of the hardest addictions to overcome without professional help. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine use, it’s necessary to seek treatment at a rehab center in Pennsylvania or another qualified facility. Even occasional use can lead to these serious health risks, especially if the drug is combined with other substances, like alcohol or opioids. One of the most immediate effects of cocaine is the euphoria and energy boost. When you take cocaine, it quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier.
In the United States, 5.5 million people, or 2% of the population, reported using cocaine in the previous year. Additionally, cocaine was a factor in almost 1 in 5 drug overdose deaths in 2017. However, the specific details of coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan and the individual’s specific situation. Additionally, some insurance plans may require prior authorization or limit the amount of treatment covered. Therefore, it’s important to understand your insurance coverage before beginning treatment. While some people attempt home detox, it’s not recommended—especially for heavy or long-term users.