Any drug can affect a person’s mental and physical health, and cocaine is no exception. People who become addicted to cocaine can face many challenges, including the long-term effects of cocaine use. Fortunately, cocaine addiction treatment can help those with cocaine use disorder regain their health and reclaim their lives.
At Sophros Recovery Tampa, we help people break free from addiction disorders. We offer a range of effective treatments and programs tailored to your specific goals and needs. To learn more about the program options at Sophros Recovery Tampa, call us at 813.686.6306 today.
Understanding Cocaine and What It Does
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that’s processed from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows in South America. It typically comes in powder or rock form, known colloquially as “crack.”
Powdered cocaine may be snorted, dissolved in a liquid and injected, or smoked. Crack cocaine is smoked by heating it in a glass pipe. Regardless of the type of cocaine or the way it is ingested, though, the effects of cocaine abuse can be devastating.
People may reach for cocaine to increase their energy and enhance feelings of happiness. However, the substance is highly addictive. Cocaine use can cause life-threatening emergency side effects, including heart attack, stroke, or fatal overdose.
Side-Effects of Cocaine Use Disorder
Some of the immediate effects of cocaine use are dangerous to an individual’s health and safety. These effects include:
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Frequent upper respiratory infections
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Constant runny nose and damage to nasal passages
- Loss of interest in other activities, including sex, hobbies, and personal goals
- Feeling angry or irritated for no reason, which can come with violent outbursts
- Paranoia
- Depression
It’s possible to resolve most of these health issues with treatment. The sooner an individual undergoes treatment, the better their chances of regaining balance in their physical and mental health.
The Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine can affect every system in the body. Long-term use can increase the chance of experiencing the most serious effects of cocaine abuse. Serious long-term medical issues caused by cocaine use can include:
- Heart attack and heart damage, such as angina, arrhythmia, and tachycardia
- Permanently increased blood pressure
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- An increase in seizures related to epilepsy
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Changes in brain function, such as poor memory
- Inability to cope with stress
- Damage to the nose and mouth
- Damage to the respiratory system, including “crack lung”
A person’s age, overall health, genetics, and history of drug addiction can also factor into the potential long-term effects of cocaine use. For example, people who are already at a higher risk for stroke or heart attack may increase that risk if they become addicted to cocaine.
Additionally, the long-term effects of cocaine addiction can be fatal. Some of the conditions caused by cocaine require lifelong medical care and monitoring.
Undergoing treatment in a program that specializes in treating those with cocaine use disorder can help ensure you receive the medical care needed to address your specific health concerns.
Begin Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Sophros Recovery Tampa
You can reduce the long-term effects of cocaine use by seeking treatment now. It’s never too late or too early to ask for help. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medical care can provide the tools and support you need to break the cycle of addiction.
At Sophros Recovery Tampa, our programs can ease the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine use disorder, don’t wait to seek help. Call Sophros Recovery Tampa at 813.686.6306 or use our convenient online contact form and start your journey to recovery today.
