Cocaine Side Effects - What to Be Aware Of

There are both physical and mental side effects to be aware of when dealing with a cocaine habit. The thing is that they both have long term devastating effects. The key is to cure the habit before these effects become deadly.

The effects can run the gambit from runny nose to coke nose (hole in the nose from deteriorating tissue caused by snorting too much). The effect can vary from high blood pressure from a hit, to a stroke from blood clots. The side effects can be from one extreme to the other.

Even though cocaine addiction is a neurological order, (brain desire) there is a long term side effect on the brain. The continued use deteriorates the tissue of the brain, the increased blood pressure can cause cerebral hemorrhaging and the destruction of blood cells. You will see this by the lack of ability to concentrate, loss of ability to learn quickly and the loss of memory.

Cocaine shorter term effects which are usually the tingly crawly creepy skin from the increased blood pressure spike and the increased pulse rate, but also include high body temp, expanded pupils and dry mouth. These effects will lead to weight loss from loss of appetite, digestive problems and dehydration. Many long term users will have serious diarrhea bouts with liver and kidney problems.

When doing cocaine, the rush is actually a constriction of blood vessels, which can eventually lead to heart and brain deterioration. As the blood vessels constrict it causes a lack of oxygen in your body. This lack of oxygen will lead to blood clots in the intestines, brain and heart. And these consequences will lead to irregular heart rhythm, heart attacks and strokes.

When doing cocaine, the blood pressure spikes and the pulse rate increases, hence the buzz. Often the scenario from this is, the blood vessels constrict and the blood pressure soars and something weak will blow. Hence the stroke or heart attack.

With the long term brain deterioration some users will have the shakes. Some will have a long term problem of ringing in the ears from the blood pressure spikes. All of this leads to changes in personality. Users become insensitive to many issues that before were very serious to them. Many will become embarrassed and shy away from family and friends, some will even forsake family and friends in the chase for the next high.

The results of a cocaine habit can and will be long lasting. Many who stop early on only have a few minor symptoms, usually memory loss is one of the first. The key is to be aware of the side effects of cocaine use and steer someone in the right direction. If this is you, look in the mirror and you will already see it.