Cocaine is a potent short-acting stimulant that has a very addictive effect. Ongoing use can quickly become an addiction because of its intense desirable effects. This makes it a difficult drug to quit without professional help.
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a drug commonly used as a powder that is derived from the leaves of the coca plan. Originally used as an anesthetic in the 1800s, its medical uses have fallen out of favor because of its addictive properties. Cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Nowadays, cocaine is mostly used recreationally by snorting or injecting it. It is known illicitly as coke, blow, crack, or snow.
Stimulants such as cocaine increase the speed and volume of activity in the central nervous system, affecting how quickly messages are transmitted around the body and the brain. Since cocaine is particularly powerful, it creates a rush of dopamine in the brain in addition to eliciting a state of hyperarousal and awareness. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in sensations of pleasure and positive mood. This mechanism increases the likelihood of repeated use, which can turn into addiction.
The effects of cocaine come on quickly and last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. However, residual alertness and arousal can last for a couple of hours after use. Typically the positive rush of dopamine motivates people to take additional doses to maintain the intense high. In the period after cocaine use, there may be other symptoms such as:
- Elevated temperature
- Dilated pupils
- Rush of energy
- Hyperarousal
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Aggression
In addition to these symptoms that are a direct effect of cocaine, other issues may occur depending on the route of administration. For example, snorting cocaine can lead to nosebleeds, runny nose, difficulty swallowing, and impaired sense of smell and taste. If cocaine is injected, skin lesions including abscesses and infections may develop.
Long-term effects of cocaine use
Cocaine’s effects aren’t limited to short-term reactions to the drug. Over time, cocaine can have serious and detrimental health effects due to the stress it puts on vital systems in the body like the cardiovascular system. Prolonged use is linked to cardiovascular problems including cardiac arrest, heartbeat irregularities, and rupture of the aorta. Cocaine use has also been associated with greater risk of seizure and brain hemorrhaging. Since cocaine inhibits appetite, ongoing use can also lead to dangerous weight loss and malnourishment.
Other long-term problems are associated with how cocaine is used. Snorting cocaine can lead to chronic nosebleeds and septum issues. Injecting cocaine can cause collapsed veins and increases the risk of contracting illnesses like HIV or Hepatitis C through shared needles. Long-term smoking of cocaine can create lung damage, chronic cough, and other respiratory problems. If ingested, it can severely damage the digestive system as well.
Snorting
The most common way to use cocaine is to snort it. When snorting, the cocaine high comes on immediately and lasts up to half an hour.
Injecting
Cocaine’s powder form can also be dissolved in water and injected. This is a fast-acting route of administration and the effects can be felt instantly.
Smoking
Cocaine can also be smoked in its crystallized form. Known as crack, the crystal is heated and smoked with a pipe. The high comes on quickly but lasts only up to 10 minutes.
Ingesting
By ingesting, cocaine effects take the longest to come on. Since it must first go through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, it can take up to an hour to have an effect.
The dangers of mixing cocaine with other substances
In part because the effects of cocaine last for such a short time, it is common to use cocaine in conjunction with other substances like alcohol. This creates additional risks because of the way cocaine may interact with these substances. For example, when mixed with another nervous system stimulant like methamphetamine, the two may have a synergistic effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing stress on the heart and arteries.
People may believe that it’s safer to take cocaine with a depressant that offsets the powerful stimulant effect of cocaine. However, this carries its own dangers. For one, the effects of cocaine are likely to wear off much faster than the effects of a depressant such as heroin. This leads to a sudden drop in respiratory and heart rate. This can also put major bodily systems under extreme stress and may lead to dangerous or even fatal results.
Why cocaine is so addictive
Cocaine’s addictiveness is due in large part to its effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine. By preventing dopamine from being eliminated in the nervous system, cocaine leads to a surge of dopamine which stimulates sensations of pleasure and well-being. In addition, the short duration of the cocaine high motivates people to continue using cocaine and to use it repeatedly.
Understanding Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal can feel overwhelming, with powerful cravings and emotional turbulence. Understanding the symptoms and timeline is your first step toward navigating the road to recovery.
Signs of cocaine addiction
Many physical or behavioral signs can serve as a red flag that someone might be addicted to cocaine. These signs include:
- Sudden reduction in sleep
- Sudden weight loss that can’t be explained by other causes
- Increase in risky behaviors such as sharing needles
- Neglect of social and professional responsibilities
- Aggression, hostility, or violence that is out of character
- Unpredictable or erratic behavior
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Criminal consequences as a result of cocaine use
- Failure to stop using cocaine despite attempts to
Cocaine overdose
It is possible to overdose on cocaine, and because cocaine use increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, overdose can be deadly. The risk of overdose is compounded when mixing cocaine with other drugs. Both drugs that amplify the stimulant effect of cocaine and those that counteract it can increase the likelihood of overdose. Since cocaine overdose can be fatal, it’s important to be vigilant for signs and symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Seizures
- Tachycardia
- Severe anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Irregular blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms after using cocaine, you should immediately call an ambulance. Cocaine overdose is a medical emergency and should be handled by medical professionals.
Cocaine withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms develop when a person’s body is used to the long-term effects of cocaine and then the substance is suddenly eliminated from the body. As the body adjusts to the absence of cocaine, it’s possible to experience symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tremors
- Chills
- Sexual dysfunction
- Suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior
- Inability to feel pleasure
Cocaine FAQs
How much cocaine is lethal?
The minimal lethal dose of cocaine is about 1.2 grams, but it depends on the individual. Someone with lower body mass or who has mixed cocaine with other substances may have a lethal overdose with a much lower dose.
How long is treatment for cocaine addiction?
Cocaine addiction treatment typically begins with detox, which lasts a minimum of one week. A typical treatment program lasts 30 to 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Research has shown that those who commit to longer programs have greater success.
Why can’t I stop using cocaine without help?
Cocaine is an extremely addictive stimulant because it creates a chemical dependency in the brain. During detox, cocaine withdrawal may create a powerful barrier to quitting. This is why medically supervised detox is advised.
