Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive substance that can have devastating effects on your health, relationships, and life. Of the hundreds of thousands of Americans experiencing cocaine addiction, it is a sad fact that few will get the help they need. In many cases, this is a direct result of the fact that they do not realize the full scope of the effects of cocaine use until it’s too late.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing addiction, it is critical that you understand the long-term effects of cocaine use and the importance of getting professional help. With over 50 years of experience, we have been identified as one of America’s “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” for the past three years, per a survey conducted by Statista in cooperation with Newsweek Magazine. To learn more about receiving affordable cocaine addiction treatment in California, reach out to New Bridge Foundation® at 866.772.8491 today.
Signs That You May Be Addicted to Cocaine
If you use cocaine regularly or in large doses, you may have a cocaine use disorder. Common signs of addiction include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Continual cravings for the drug
- Spending large amounts of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of using cocaine
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Isolating yourself from family and friends
- Continuing to use cocaine despite negative consequences
If you suspect that you or someone you love may be addicted to cocaine, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine on the Body
Sustained cocaine use can lead to serious health problems with one’s physical health. These include:
- Organ damage
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Coma
- Respiratory failure
- Hepatitis C infection or HIV/AIDS (associated with injecting cocaine)
- Death from overdose
- Headaches and abdominal pain caused by constricted blood vessels
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
The many links between cocaine and mental health concerns are well documented.
- Cocaine has been linked to depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
- Long-term cocaine use can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder and psychosis, often leading to psychotic symptoms such as paranoia and hallucinations.
- Prolonged cocaine use can lead to diminished cognitive function, including memory problems.
- People who abuse cocaine are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as violence and unprotected sex.
- Long-term cocaine abuse can lead to changes in brain chemistry that result in decreased pleasure sensitivity (anhedonia). This can further contribute to depression.
- Regular cocaine use can cause extreme mood swings and irritability.
- An individual’s personality can change as a result of long-term cocaine abuse.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine on Employment, Family, and Social Life
The social effects associated with long-term cocaine use can be profound:
- Prolonged cocaine use can lead to impaired decision-making abilities, which can negatively impact employment.
- Long-term cocaine abuse can cause financial problems and lead to the neglect of family responsibilities.
- It is common for people with ongoing cocaine addiction to alienate themselves from family and friends, resulting in loneliness or depression.
- People who take cocaine may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors or criminal activities in order to support their addiction.
- Difficulty concentrating due to long-term use of the drug can impair job performance.
- Regular cocaine use can damage relationships and cause strain in social situations.
Learn More About the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use at New Bridge Foundation®
Cocaine is a powerful drug that has serious consequences if not appropriately treated with professional help at an addiction treatment center like New Bridge Foundation® in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our compassionate professionals understand what individuals experiencing addiction are going through and are ready to help them at every step of their recovery journey. Call New Bridge Foundation® today at 866.772.8491 or reach out to us online, particularly if you would like to learn more about the relationship between cocaine and mental health. The adverse effects of long-term cocaine use are serious, but with support and professional help, recovery is possible.
