What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a luxury drug, wildly expensive wherever you are located. This fact makes it a difficult and pricey addiction to maintain, especially when use is heavy. It provides a relatively short-lived high for the price, lasting usually around half an hour before it is necessary to take another "bump" to maintain the high.

"Cocaine nose" is a popular term among those with an addiction who snort the drug, referencing the numbness and tingling sensations in the nasal passages after snorting a line. Although cocaine nose is favored by many coke addicts, others dislike the tingling feeling left behind by the white powder. The drug can also be smoked.

But what does it do? One of the main reasons the drug is used is to stay awake. Additionally, cocaine makes you feel as though you're "on top of the world". It has ego-boosting properties that make you feel invincible, which, when coupled with drinking, can create a dangerous concoction with an inflated sense of self.

Additionally, cocaine makes you feel as though you're "on top of the world". It has ego-boosting properties that make you feel invincible, which, when coupled with drinking, can create a dangerous concoction with an inflated sense of self.

Truly, for the price you pay, coke is an extremely short-lived high. This contributes to the popularity of drugs like meth which have similar properties of keeping you awake while also lasting much longer.

Cocaine Side Effects

What are the side effects of cocaine use? Since the drug is a stimulant, there are noticeable symptoms of use. It is easy to recognize the side effects of coke in an individual who is currently high, or even in one who was coked out the night before. Effects of cocaine after use and signs of addiction include:

• Agitation or anxiety
• Increased enthusiasm or exuberance
• Lack of inhibition/overconfidence
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Runny or itchy nose ("coke nose")
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulties focusing or concentrating

You can notice the symptoms of cocaine use immediately or the effects after. Usually the user is incredibly fidgety or restless and often talks for long periods of time about nothing in particular. They are extremely distracted and their attention tends to shift from one topic to another with no reason why.

Signs of Cocaine Use

You can also see the side effects of use the following day or the effects before the next high. These are often referred to as "coke hangovers". When coupled with alcohol the night before, the comedown and hangover after a night of cocaine and drinking can be brutal. Effects the following day include:

• Poor sleep or sleeplessness
• Pounding headache
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Irritability and agitation
• Irregular heartbeat
• Painful nose
• Little to no appetite

Symptoms of cocaine hangover or the effects before the next fix look somewhat like the person has a cold and they may still have a residual runny nose from the night before. Coke hangovers can be extremely painful and difficult to deal with throughout the day.

If you notice any of these signs of drug use in your loved one there is a chance they may be using this drug or have an addiction. However, if you notice symptoms of drug use, what are you supposed to do? How do you know when it is a problem and not simply a one-night thing?

Since cocaine is so expensive, excessive money problems may also be a sign of addiction or drug use. If they often ask to borrow money or already owe you, there may be something going on. Keep an eye on your loved one for the signs of cocaine use or hangover. Keep an open channel of communication if possible so you may approach them if you feel there is something going on.

What are the Dangers of Coke?

There are a wide range of side effects of cocaine use. After using large amounts for a long period of time, a user's brain begins to rewire the neural pleasure pathways. Things that were once a fun time become less enjoyable, especially without the use of the drug. As with many drug addicts, those with an addiction develop a tolerance to the drug and need to use more and more of it to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, when cocaine isn't present in the user's system, they may begin to experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

When someone with an addiction is snorting, side effects include the nasal passages slowly tearing apart and the user becomes more susceptible to infection. The destruction of nasal passages also leads to nose blockages, nosebleeds, difficulties swallowing, and a general irritation in the nose at all times. If cocaine is smoked, this can lead to lung problems such as asthma.

The stimulating effects of cocaine over time can cause an increased susceptibility to panic attacks, anxiety disorders, or paranoia. In some extreme cases, users may even experience psychosis, during which they lose touch from reality and experience both visual and auditory hallucinations.

Cocaine use leaves users more likely to have strokes or seizures, as well as heart problems. Due to the rewiring of the brain, users may also experience disordered cognitive function such as an inability to focus or pay attention or memory problems.

For sober cocaine addicts, relapse is an inherent danger. As with any drug addict, relapse is always a possibility and the vicious cycle of getting sober begins all over again. It is difficult for addicts to remain clean for long periods of time without the proper support, so any addict in recovery should seek assistance for their disease.

A Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center in Seattle Can Help

At Northpoint Seattle, we have worked with many people who suffered from cocaine addiction. We know how drastically this drug can take over a person’s life, and we are committed to providing the very best treatment available.

As we mentioned earlier, detoxing is a critical part of the recovery process for cocaine addicts. While we do not offer those services at our facilities, we do make sure anyone who needs to detox gets a referral. We only refer to programs we trust, and afterward, the client returns to us for further treatment.