Understanding the Serious Side Effects of Cocaine Use
Bump. Blow. Coke. Nose Candy. There are many names on the street for this infamous substance. It is a popular stimulant that has spread to be one of the most infamously addictive drugs in the world. Today, our high-end rehab will take a closer look at the history and side effects of cocaine.
History of Cocaine
Cocaine has a unique history dating back all the way to the 1850s, when the drug was first isolated from the coca plant in South America. It was initially seen as medicinal, even being used as an anesthetic. Despite its initial popularity, the medical community swiftly rejected the drug once the number of overdoses from these surgeries skyrocketed. The year 1886 saw the invention of Coca-Cola, which, as the name suggests, contained cocaine among its ingredients. The drug was removed from the beverage in 1903 and went on to be outlawed altogether by the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914.
Facts About Cocaine
Cocaine is known for the intense feelings of happiness and energy it gives its users. However, this addictive substance is infamous for the numerous bodily issues it can cause.
Short-Term Effects of Cocaine
- Paranoia
- Mental and physical hypersensitivity
- Heightened body temperature
- Racing heartbeat
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine
- Loss of smell
- Chronic bloody nose
- Respiratory infection
- Bowel deterioration (if swallowed)
A cocaine addiction will also leave its users at the mercy of drug dealers that likely don’t have the health of their customers at the top of their priorities. It is common for street dealers to dilute the drug with flour, cornstarch, or baby powder to make more money. Some even resort to lacing it with other drugs to maintain more control over their client’s addiction, their prime money maker.
Difference Between Cocaine and Crack
The creation of crack cocaine took place in the 1980s. It is a crystalized variant of the substance that can be made by boiling down a concoction of water, ammonia, and powdered cocaine into a solid mass. That mass is then shattered into smokable rocks. The high achieved from smoking crack is far more intense than that of snorting powdered coke, making it even more addictive. If you or a loved one is afflicted by such an addiction, our drug and alcohol detox in Palm Beach could be a great first step in your recovery journey.
Cocaine Overdose
According to the CDC, 2019 saw that nearly 1 in 5 overdose deaths involved cocaine. When a person is experiencing an overdose, it is important to know the signs. These can involve:
- Intense irritability
- Visible paranoia
- Heightened body temperature
- Difficulty breathing
- Hallucinations
A cocaine overdose can lead to severe health scares, including stroke, heart attack, seizures, and even death. It is easy to read these possibilities and assume we are impervious to them. Sadly, there is no way to predict how much is too much until it is too late.
Make Today the Day
Cocaine addiction can result in several irreversible side effects on the user’s body and mind. While it is never too late to get help, the dangers of cocaine cannot be ignored. Seaside Palm Beach, our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida, is ready and waiting to support you in your journey to a fulfilling and sober life. Call 561-677-9374 for more information. Source SAMHSA – 2020 NSDUH Detailed Tables: Prevalence Estimates, Standard Errors, and Sample Sizes. Related Reading How Does Cocaine Affect The Lungs? Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine?
