Many people start out using cocaine recreationally, believing they can handle it. And while some can, sadly, others can’t. The feelings of strength, confidence, energy and invincibility are too intoxicating for some users. Cocaine ends up depleting them of money, relationships and self-respect. If this sounds like what has happened to you, the team of drug rehab professionals at Brighton Recovery Center can help.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine is a stimulant and has a profound effect on the heart. Not only can it damage the heart over time, it can induce heart attack, stroke or seizure from a single use. Long-term, heavy use of cocaine often leaves users feeling paranoid and delusional. Because cocaine gives users energy, they sleep less than they should, which affects their weight, overall health and their mental state, causing confusion and inability to focus or regulate emotions.
Cocaine tolerance develops quickly, and users attempt to compensate by increasing doses. Not only is this more dangerous to their health, but it is also frustrating that they cannot recapture the high they remember, and this can make them angry and irrational.