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Why Cocaine Abuse Is Still Lethal

Nowadays, access to drugs is everywhere. Some substances have been used for years. One of the stimulants that have been used by many is cocaine. Think of the sex, drugs, and rock n roll era – many of the world's most famous rock stars used cocaine, and they were not shy about admitting it. 

Back in the 1970s, people believed cocaine was recreational, not dangerous. Stevie Nicks is a prime example of a rock star from this era who experienced the unfortunate effects of cocaine use. Though believed to be recreational, her cocaine use was so dangerous that it literally burned a hole in her nose. 

Thankfully, in today's day and age, people are educated enough to know the dangers that come with cocaine use. Unfortunately, not everyone makes the best decisions regarding cocaine, and many fail to recognize just how lethal it can be.

Why Cocaine Abuse Is Still Lethal

Cocaine may look glamorous, but it isn't. It's a habit which can be surprisingly lethal.

Cocaine: What Is It and How Is It Used?

Cocaine comes from the leaves of a plant native to South America, called a coca plant. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse regarding cocaine use (NIDA), "As a street drug, cocaine looks like a fine, white, crystal powder" and is often mixed with other kinds of drugs like "stimulant amphetamine, or synthetic opioids, including fentanyl." 

Mixing substances like these with cocaine is what so frequently causes unintentional drug overdoses. People may plan to use cocaine recreationally, but due to the lethal mixture, they do not realize they are at a greater risk of overdose.

The most common way people use cocaine is by snorting it through their nose, but there are other ways. Some may rub it on their gums, inject it as a liquid, and even combine it with heroin to call what the NIDA refers to as a "speedball."

Many will use cocaine repeatedly during a small period as a way to maintain the high. Unfortunately, that also means increasing the dose. The higher the dose, the higher chance of overdosing.

Short-Term Effects of Recreational Cocaine Use

Believe it or not, cocaine is sometimes used for medical purposes but is nevertheless still illegal to be used recreationally. Using it medically can still be dangerous. Individuals suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) and excessively using cocaine put their minds and bodies at severe risk.

Like other stimulants, cocaine increases the body's dopamine. Over time, people have to use more to feel the same effects, thus increasing the risk of developing an addiction.

Some of the short-term effects one may experience from cocaine use include:

  • An increased sense of alertness 
  • Feeling incredibly happy or having a lot of energy
  • Experiencing a sense of paranoia or increased irritability 
  • In many instances, increased hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch

Short-term effects such as these may only last for a limited time, but continual use can have several adverse effects on someone's overall long-term health.

Long-Term Health Effects of Cocaine

It is not unheard of for people to experience specific long-term effects of cocaine use as a direct cause of the way they use cocaine. For example, those who snort it may have frequent runny or bloody noses, difficulty swallowing, or even lose their smell. Smoking cocaine may have adverse effects on the lungs, leading to asthma or a generally increased risk of respiratory infections.

Cocaine use through needle injection puts people at a greater risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and several other bloodborne diseases which can be incredibly life-threatening.

Additionally, the effects of a cocaine overdose can lead to irreparable damage and death. One of the reasons cocaine is so lethal is because it can cause an overdose just from a first-time use, especially when mixing with alcohol or other substances. If untreated, the NIDA states that cocaine addiction might lead to heart attack, seizures, and even strokes.  

Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

If an individual is suffering from cocaine addiction, it is encouraged to contact a drug rehab or addiction center. Remember that treatment and recovery are possible for those who truly want it. Treatment for cocaine use commonly consists of behavioral therapy, similar to other stimulants. Support groups can also be exceptionally helpful whether they follow a 12-Step program or not.

Recreational cocaine use is not only illegal, but incredibly lethal to long-time and even first-time users. If left untreated, individuals risk experiencing adverse effects for the rest of their life, or even worse, experience death. It is important to not let the risk of death become a reality.

Popular Doesn’t Mean Safe: Cocaine Abuse Can Kil

Cocaine, while sometimes used medically, is illegal to use recreationally and for good reason/ Even first-time usage can have irreversible effects on long-term health. This is especially true today when drug dealers are often mixing other dangerous substances like heroin into the cocaine they sell and overdosing from cocaine use is at an all-time high. Cocaine use causes damage to the nasal cavity, increased risk of respiratory and blood-borne diseases, heart attack, strokes, and death.

Cocaine addiction is treatable, however, and treatment for cocaine addictions starts with a detox program. DetoxNearMe.com has thousands of detox centers on record. Searching for a detox provider has never been easier.

Start your journey towards recovery today with DetoxNearMe.com.

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