Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and regardless of how you choose to use cocaine there are many serious consequences. The effects of snorting cocaine differ somewhat than injecting cocaine. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of snorting cocaine.

One of the most well-known drugs available is cocaine. Books, movies and television shows have mentioned cocaine, and they address the issue of cocaine in a variety of ways, sometimes sensationalizing or even glamorizing cocaine use. Cocaine has very real - and sometimes dramatic - effects on its users. It is important to understand the effects of snorting cocaine, since they can go beyond the main high to affect you physically and mentally for a long time.

How you are affected during a high

Many people like the part of cocaine use called the “high.” The effects of snorting cocaine can include a state of euphoria. Snorting cocaine takes longer to feel these effects than injecting, but it is still fast-acting. The cocaine gets into the bloodstream and then heads to the brain.

Once inside the brain, the cocaine begins to affect the neurotransmitters. These transmitters are responsible for using chemicals to send messages to different parts of the brain. Cocaine blocks a number of different chemicals. These neurotransmitters are not absorbed. Instead, there is a buildup of chemicals in between the nerves. This buildup is responsible for the high. Here are some of the effects that come with a cocaine high:

• Elevated mood.
• Feelings of increased alertness.
• Increased energy and activity.
• Feelings of supremacy.
• Nervous actions.
• Anxiety.
• Irritability.
• Paranoia.

As you can see, once the initial feelings of euphoria wear off, other effects of snorting cocaine kick in, and you may not have the same positive feelings. And because cocaine is a drug that your body builds a tolerance to, it takes more and more cocaine to create the same effects. You can become addicted to cocaine, with your body requiring the drug in order to function at all. Some of the signs that someone is using cocaine include dilated pupils, a great deal of activity, and speech that appears exuberant and excited.

It can take between 30 and 120 minutes for the effects of your cocaine high to wear off. When you snort coke, the effects of the high tend to last longer. But there are effects beyond the immediate high that you need to be aware of. There are physical and mental effects of snorting cocaine that last longer.

Long lasting effects of cocaine

When you are snorting cocaine, you need to be aware of the longer lasting effects that may be consequences. Cocaine is responsible for more visits to the emergency room than any other illegal drug in the United States. And for good reason. A cocaine overdose can send the user into cardiac arrest, or even stop one’s breathing. Here are some of the effects of snorting cocaine on the body:

• Kidneys: The kidneys can fail as a result of cocaine use. High blood pressure only exacerbates the problem of kidney damage.
• Heart: When you use cocaine, your heart rate increases rather quickly. At the same time, the cocaine forces your blood vessels smaller. This means that your heart is working extra heard, but without the oxygen and other nutrients it needs. This can cause long-term damage, as well as bring on immediate heart attack.
• Lungs: One of the effects of snorting cocaine is damage to the nasal passages and the sinuses. Additionally, it can cause lung damage. Restricted circulation can cause problems with the lungs. Problems are compounded in those who smoke cocaine.
• Brain: Your brain is also affected by the constriction of the blood vessels. This can lead to stroke and/or seizure. It is possible for the brain damage to be permanent, and cause changes to behavior or personality.
• Stomach: Your entire gastrointestinal system can be affected by the effects of snorting cocaine. It can cause ulcers or even perforate the intestines.
• Sexual activity: Contrary to popular belief, cocaine is not really an aphrodisiac. You might feel euphoric, but in reality, the physical effects of cocaine use can make it difficult to actually complete intercourse - especially for men.

Cocaine can also have psychological effects on the body. While brain damage can cause depression, violent behavior, mood swings and personality changes, you will find that withdrawal symptoms are often more distressing. If you do not get cocaine and you are addicted, you can experience fatigue, have trouble concentrating, have the ability to feel pleasure impaired or feel an overwhelming need for more cocaine.

In the end, the effects of snorting cocaine are rarely worth it.