Cocaine, in one form or another, has been used for its energetic and euphoric effects for hundreds of years, according to the National Library of Medicine. By the time Christopher Columbus found his way to the Western hemisphere, the indigenous peoples had been chewing on the leaves of the coca plant for centuries. The coca plant, which is native to South America, contains natural cocaine. When it is chewed, the chemical is released, and the individual will have a burst of energy and experience decreased fatigue, as described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One might think that, because this method of administration is natural and historical, those who live in these regions and use the drug in this form will not suffer from its habit-forming properties. Unfortunately, those living in the rainforest and harvesting the plant have been shown to be as dependent upon the plant as millions of Americans have become to its manufactured, powered derivative.

Inhaling (Snorting) Powder Cocaine

One of the most common or widely known uses for cocaine ingestion is inhaling the white, crystalline powder through the nose. The powder, divided into thin strips called “lines,” is snorted through a straw or a tightly rolled piece of paper. There are certain risks to this type of administration that are unique to this method. For instance, cocaine is a powerful anesthetic and repeated exposure to the irritating medicinal properties can cause an individual to lose one’s sense of smell. Imagine never again enjoying the scent of a flower, a newborn baby or bacon frying on the stove on a quiet morning. In addition to this side effect, nasal ingestion of cocaine can lead to:

• Irritation
• Inflammation
• Chronic nose bleeds
• Difficulty swallowing
• Raspy/hoarse throat
• Bowel gangrene

Injecting Cocaine

While some individuals abuse the powder form of cocaine, others choose to dissolve the powder into a liquid form and, using a hypodermic needle, inject the drug directly into the blood stream. One very powerful risk of using a hypodermic needle is the increased exposure to blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis (the inflammation of the liver) and HIV/AIDS. These conditions can be spread when drug users share their needles rather than using fresh needles for each injection.

Even when an individual is careful enough to avoid the risk of spreading infections, they must still deal with the possibility of collapsed veins, improper injection techniques and surface infections due to unsanitary conditions.

Regardless of the method by which one chooses to abuse cocaine, the overall risks of the drug itself are common to all. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine abuse can include both short-term and long-term dangers.

In the short-term, cocaine can lead to respiratory failure and heart attack, as well as strokes and seizures. Occasionally, even a single use of cocaine can result in death.

Over time, cocaine abuse can lead to tolerance, or the process through which the human body and brain become so accustomed to cocaine that the effects are diminished. When this happens, the drug user must increase the amounts of cocaine they are using in order to experience the euphoria or increased energy they seek. Eventually, tolerance can lead to the development of the disease of addiction.

Cocaine, specifically, can change how the brain physically operates with prolonged use as well. Cocaine blocks the way in which the brain treats the neurotransmitter, dopamine. This natural brain chemical is responsible for how we comprehend pleasure, reward and learning. When an excess of dopamine is present in the brain, the brain absorbs it to prevent it from overwhelming the receptors that are designed to process the information. Cocaine blocks the absorption, creating a surplus which causes the euphoria. With extended use over the long-term, the dopamine receptors in the brain become damaged. This damage can create a condition that makes it very difficult for the individual to experience everyday emotions, such as joy or pleasure.

Overdose Risks of Cocaine Abuse

According to research reported by the University of Arizona, cocaine overdose can occur with any amount of the drug. When we think of the term “overdose,” we tend to think of huge amounts of a drug or a “very large dose” being administered. However, some cocaine overdose deaths have occurred with a single dose of a comparatively small amount. It is believed that an individual can develop sensitivity to cocaine without increasing the amounts, or before tolerance develops. This can occur with any route of administration.

Don’t Take Chances With Cocaine Abuse

The risks involved in cocaine abuse and addiction far outweigh the alternatives of long life and a chance at true happiness, but it is often difficult for someone in the throes of addiction to understand this concept. If you or a member of your family would like to learn more about the options available for treatment, please contact us here at Axis as soon as possible.