›› Physical Effects of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a very addicting drug and it has many short term and long term effects associated with it. In fact, there are many physical effects exhibited by an individual with a cocaine addition. Anyone who is aware of the various physical effects can spot them quickly in a coke user. The following short and long term effects of cocaine will be discussed in further detail.

Short Term Effects

Cocaine has many short term effects that affect the user right away. It is obvious when someone is using cocaine if you are aware of the physical effects the drug causes shortly after use. These include reduced appetite, high blood pressure, runny nose, sniffing, mental alertness, a feeling of power, increased body temperature, and increased energy. Cocaine users may also exhibit constricted blood vessels and dilated pupils.

As soon as an individual uses cocaine these symptoms are quickly obvious. Those who have a cocaine addiction will sometimes exhibit these symptoms on a regular basis or at least when they are not crashing. Unfortunately, even the first time user may experience these symptoms and they can be very damaging. In fact, the short term effects caused by cocaine use may even result in death due to a heart attack, stroke, seizures, or respiratory failure. Frequently the physical effects of cocaine use cause an individual to make poor choices that may result in death or serious injury as well.

Long Term Effects

Cocaine addiction also has some long term effects as well. The longer an individual uses cocaine the more pronounced the long term effects will be. One example of a long term effect of cocaine addiction is considerable weight loss. When an individual is addicted to cocaine they lose their appetite and can even go days without eating. This in addition to their increased energy and hyperactivity can result in burning lots of calories without taking any in. As a result, amazing weight loss frequently results from cocaine addiction. That is why so many models and young women turn to cocaine; it helps keep their waistline small.

Unfortunately, the long term effects of cocaine are very serious and can actually result in death. Some of them include seizures, strokes, heart disease, respiratory failure, coma, blurred vision, gastrointestinal issues, fever, chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and more.

There are other long term effects that result from cocaine addiction. Many times people experience a personality change and begin lying and stealing. Cocaine is expensive so lots of addicts must turn to stealing in order to finance their habit. This results in avoiding family and friends, hanging out with a new circle of friends, denying drug use, and completely becoming a different person.