What Does Cocaine Do to Your Body?

There is an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States that have used cocaine in the past month. [1]

Not only is cocaine highly addictive, but it also has negative effects on the body and the brain. While addicts use the drug for its euphoric effects, they often do not realize the detrimental effects cocaine is creating.

Effects of Cocaine on the Body

Cocaine can have different short-term and long-term effects on the human body. As a drug rehab in Chicago, we work with people in various stages of cocaine addiction and see the effects of cocaine on the body in both the long- and short-term.

Short-Term Effects of Cocaine

If you suspect that your loved one could be using cocaine, you should look out for these short-term effects including:

• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• Decreased appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Increased levels of dopamine causing a high and making the user feel more alert and energetic
• Possible tremors or muscle twitches
• Hypersensitivity to stimuli
• Possible headaches
• Possible psychosis or agitated mental health issues

If your loved one is exhibiting many of these signs, they probably need professional help. Our partial hospitalization program in Chicago is available to assist before the negative effects become more severe and leave lasting results.

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

The longer a person regularly uses cocaine, the greater the negative effects on the body and the brain. Without a proper cocaine treatment program to help the addict stop using the drug, the long-term effects of the drug can be devastating and overwhelming. Some of the most common long-term effects of cocaine on the body include:

• Changes in brain chemistry, which cause the addict to crave the drug when exposed to triggers
• Nasal issues from constant snorting – loss of smell, holes in the septum, runny noses, and swallowing problems
• Significant increased risk of heart attacks
• Changes to metabolism and problems storing fat
• Neurological problems that could lead to seizures, strokes, and even coma
• Weight loss and malnourishment from decreased appetite
• Lung problems from smoking including most severely pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and tumors

At Banyan Chicago, we do not want you to develop these long-term effects. If you or your loved one is struggling with cocaine abuse or another drug addiction, do not wait to find support.

Contact us today at 888-280-4763 to discuss our substance abuse treatment programs in Naperville and to take back your body.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse – What is the scope of cocaine use in the United States?
2. Independent – This is what cocaine does to your body and brain
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse – What are the short-term effects of cocaine use?