In the 1880’s Sigmund Freud referred to Cocaine as a magical substance; he used it himself and prescribed it to his friends. Pure cocaine was later an ingredient in the popular soft drink Coca-Cola. After that, Cocaine became popular in the silent film industry, and the Cocaine endorsing messages coming out of Hollywood influenced millions of people. In the early 1900s and effects of cocaine, the dangers and effects of cocaine use became more evident, and Coca-Cola removed Cocaine as an ingredient. In 1912, over 5,000 cocaine deaths were reported by the US Government, which caused Cocaine to be officially banned i. n 1922. However, it made a reappearance in the 1970s, which most of you are familiar with from watching movies like Scarface and Blow, which glamorized the use of Cocaine. However, Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to a devastating outcome.
True or False Facts About Cocaine
True or False?
Statement: Cocaine hurts the body.
Answer: True. Cocaine increases heart rate, blood pressure, dilated pupils, and loss of appetite.
Statement: Cocaine is not an addictive substance.
Answer: False. Cocaine is a highly addictive substance.
Statement: You can not overdose on Cocaine.
Answer: False. Cocaine can be deadly when used in large quantities or mixed with alcohol or other substances.
Statement: Cocaine causes damage to your heart.
Answer: True. Cocaine use causes coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, chest pains, congestive heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.
Statement: Cocaine can only be consumed by snorting the substance.
Answer: False. Individuals can use Cocaine various methods use Cocaine in multiple ways, such as snorting it, injecting it into their veins, and smoking it. When someone smokes it, it is known as freebasing or smoking crack.
Statement: You can get HIV from injecting Cocaine.
Answer: True. Individuals that inject Cocaine are at risk for contracting hepatitis C, HIV, and AIDS. Needles are often shared, causing the increased spread of blood-borne diseases.
Statement: Snorting Cocaine can cause permanent nasal passageway damage.
Answer: True. Individuals who snort Cocaine cause irreversible damage to their nose and their mouth, and throat. Cocaine use causes irreversible damage to nasal tissue and bone degeneration.
Statement: Treatment is available for Cocaine addiction.
Answer: True. Inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment is available to assist individuals struggling with Cocaine addiction.
Statement: Cocaine use only affects the heart.
Answer: False. Cocaine use also impacts the brain. Cocaine use increases the levels of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine naturally exists in your brain. When you’re under the influence of Cocaine, dopamine floods your brain cells, but has nowhere to travel to. The excess dopamine blocks your brain cells from speaking with one another. Prolonged use of Cocaine causes your brain to become less sensitive to dopamine. This means you need larger quantities of Cocaine to receive the high. Constantly flooding the brain with dopamine damages the structure of the brain. Prolonged use of Cocaine leads to seizure disorders and other neurological conditions.
Statement: Cocaine is only known as Cocaine.
Answer: False. Cocaine is also known by many street names such as Coke, Dust, Toot, Line, Nose Candy, Snow. Sneeze, Powder, Girl, White, Flake, White girl, Cain, and Rock. “Crack” Cocaine is also called “freebase.”
Cocaine is a stimulant that can impact your health in a variety of ways. There are long-term and short-term side effects from the consumption of Cocaine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse severe medical risks and complications such as cardiovascular disturbances in heart rhythm and heart attacks. There is no safe way or level to consume Cocaine.
Long-term and Short-term Effects of Cocaine Effects
Short-term Effects
Here are some of the ways they use of Cocaine to impact the body:
- Irritability
- Inability to sleep
- Extreme happiness and energy
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Increased body temperature
- Constricted blood vessels and dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Increased blood pressure and a faster heartbeat
Long-term Effects
The long-term effects of Cocaine vary based on the method of use and include the following:
- Cocaine effects the heart
- Snorting: a reduced sense of smell, nosebleeds, nasal tissue damage, and difficulty swallowing
- Smoking: cough, asthma, and lung damage
- Consuming orally: damage to the intestines, specifically between the stomach and the anus.
- Intravenous use: higher risk for HIV and hepatitis
- All methods: poor nutrition and weight loss
Treating a Cocaine Addiction
Addiction to Cocaine is hard to overcome on your own. Help and resources are available to individuals who are ready to take their life back. Cocaine drug rehab is an effective way to conquer your addiction.
If you struggle with cocaine addiction or other substance abuse issues, contact Avatar Residential Detox Center (973)-774-7222 to discuss treatment options.
