Watch Out for These Cocaine Side Effects

an image of someone dealing with cocaine side effects
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By: Renaissance Recovery

Clinically Reviewed by: Diana Vo, LMFT

Last Updated:

01/19/2022

Authored By: Joe Gilmore

Table of Contents

There are several short-term and long-term cocaine side effects. However, they are different for everyone. While some may experience feeling alert, others experience just the opposite.
Inevitably the “high” people experience from the drug often disappears after an hour. This is the reason people easily develop a cocaine addiction because they begin to chase the high. As a result, the body begins to build a tolerance and craves more of the substance.

If you want to overcome cocaine addiction, our drug detox center at Renaissance Recovery in California can provide the help you need.

Short-Term Cocaine Side Effects

Even if you have only used this narcotic a handful of times, several short-term cocaine side effects that a user may notice. Many people experience an increase in body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. It is also common to have dilated pupils after using this drug.

These effects get stronger with an increased dosage of cocaine. For example, instead of feeling alert and high, people with cocaine addiction are more likely to exude erratic and violent behavior.

Short-Term Physiological Effects

Depending on the amount of cocaine used and personal tolerance many people will exhibit similar effects of euphoria, energy, and increased focus. But that is not alway the case increase cocaine use can lead to negative effects such as restlessness, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and paranoia. Some of the more physical effects can even leave people with tremors, intense vertigo, and muscle twitches.

Stressed Man

Long-Term Cocaine Side Effects

With continual use, cocaine side effects only get worse. Firstly, the brain starts to adjust to neurological changes caused by the drug. When you are not using cocaine, the brain becomes more sensitive and triggered. Your brain starts to correlate cocaine addiction with being happy and alert.

When you begin a cocaine detox, your mind is unable to cope with everyday stressors. As a result, many people relapse because they believe cocaine is the only thing to cure anxiety. Eventually, as cocaine addiction worsens, you will start to need higher doses of the drug to achieve the same high. This is the reason long-term cocaine side effects include impaired relationships. People who experience cocaine addiction start to choose the drug instead of work, sleep, and spend time with loved ones.

Additional long-term cocaine side effects include:

  • Paranoia
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased risk of strokes
  • Malnourishment

Because people with a prior addiction to cocaine are at a higher risk of relapse, it is best to seek help from certified professionals.

How are the Effects of Cocaine Use Treated?

Attributing to nearly 6% of all admissions into a rehab facility in 2013 that same trend has continued making the addiction medicine experts more focused on treating all aspects of Cocain use disorder to help people recover from addiction. Cocaine use is extremely diverse in situation and can be due to social, familial, and mental health concerns the individual is facing. That is why it is important to see the right treatment center that will empower your recovery that is customized to your situation.

Behavioral Approaches To Treating Cocaine Addiction

Like other addictions treating the behavioral component is often the most successful in achieving lasting recovery. At Renaissance Recovery we use a plethora of different behavioral approaches in addition to an array of addiction treatment and holistic recovery options to treat all aspects of the cocaine addiction.

Our clients find our mindfulness based treatment approach that combines evidence based therapies and addiction treatment methods provides the highest level of care for our guests.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Center

As with most drugs, cocaine use can easily lead to addiction. Regardless of how bad the physical and mental cocaine side effects can be, addiction makes it challenging to quit.

The withdrawal that occurs during a cocaine detox can be very uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and sleeplessness can cause people with cocaine addiction to relapse. For this reason, it is difficult to overcome a cocaine addiction on your own.

Our cocaine addiction treatment center in California strives to make the detoxication process as comfortable as possible. We have a team of certified professionals who provide clients with a better understanding of what factors led to their cocaine addiction. Our drug detox center believes education is key to long-lasting recovery.

The addiction treatment programs available at Renaissance Recovery include:

Additionally, our addiction therapy services help ease symptoms of withdrawal associated with cocaine side effects. Although your journey to recovery will require great strength, our team will help carry some of the weight.

Renaissance Recovery Can Help You Overcome a Cocaine Addiction

Although there are several short-term and long-term cocaine side effects, it is not too late to improve the quality of your life. Our team of certified professionals provides the tools and resources necessary to fight cocaine addiction. Are you ready to begin your drug detox? To learn more about your treatment options, contact Renaissance Recovery by calling 866.330.9449

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Joseph Gilmore has been in the addiction industry for three years with experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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