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5 Side Effects of Cocaine

person sitting on the floor silhouetted considering the side effects of cocaine

People use cocaine across the United States and here in Massachusetts every day. The popular party drug of the 1980s is still common today. Contrary to popular belief, cocaine is not just used socially. The intense stimulant helps people focus and stay awake at work or school, making it common for those in high-pressure jobs or academic situations. Unfortunately, cocaine has many short-and long-term side effects and is highly addictive. Cocaine addiction treatment is the safest, most effective way to stop using cocaine and prevent relapse.

If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction, treatment can help. NuLife Behavioral Health’s Massachusetts clinic provides flexible dual diagnosis treatment for mental health and addiction, including cocaine addiction treatment. Don’t let the negative effects of cocaine take over your life. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about our programs and get started today.

What Are Cocaine and Addiction?

Cocaine comes from the South American coca plant. Commonly found in a white power form or crystallized crack cocaine, like all stimulants, cocaine changes a person’s brain chemistry. When cocaine enters the bloodstream, it speeds up messages from the brain to the body while flooding the body with dopamine. The brain naturally makes the “pleasure chemical” dopamine every day, giving the body feelings of happiness, joy, euphoria, and motivation. When the brain receives high levels of dopamine, this motivation causes a hyper-alert state that increases cocaine addiction. Cocaine highs also cause feelings of arousal, happiness, and disconnected from reality. This can make it popular at clubs, parties, and raves. While on cocaine, people may feel more confident, talkative, and outgoing. While some may use cocaine casually, many quickly become addicted to the dopamine reward and stimulant effects cocaine offers.

Side Effects and Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

Like other addictive substances, cocaine has a profound effect on the brain and body. The more often someone uses cocaine, the more quickly they will suffer physical and psychological side effects. Those with co-occurring disorders are at a higher risk of developing cocaine addiction. While some people can use cocaine socially, many become addicted after a few uses. Side effects of cocaine include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Profuse sweating
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue

Long-term side effects of cocaine can be detrimental. Common long-term side effects include:

  1. Damaged nasal tissue from snorting or collapsed veins from injection
  2. Damage to the heart from excessive stimulation
  3. Damage to the aspect of the brain that makes decisions
  4. Psychosis and hallucinations
  5. Cognitive impairment

When cocaine leaves the bloodstream, the brain and body slow down. Cocaine leaves the body as quickly as it enters, causing an intense crash whether or not someone has developed an addiction. This can cause lethargy, changes in pulse, slowed digestion, and other physical effects. For those who use cocaine frequently, withdrawal symptoms can be intense and difficult to endure without more cocaine or other stimulant drugs. Cocaine addiction treatment is the safest, most effective way to prevent reuse and help someone get on the road to recovery.

Start Cocaine Addiction Treatment Today in Massachusetts

The effects of cocaine can be long-lasting. Because cocaine changes the brain, it can permanently alter how someone sees and interacts with the world around them. If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine, don’t quit cold turkey. Call our team today for help. At NuLife Behavioral Health’s Massachusetts outpatient clinic, we meet clients no matter where they’re at in recovery for individualized, dual diagnosis treatment for mental health and addiction. Our outpatient programs provide intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization alongside referrals for residential and aftercare programs with our trusted partner clinics. No matter where you are in your recovery, we can help you recover and thrive.

Learn More About Treatment Options Now

Don’t let cocaine control your life. If you’re ready to learn more about cocaine addiction treatment in Massachusetts, call us now at 888.568.2057 to get started with our outpatient programs.