Cocaine is a psychostimulant drug that produces quick effects in the body. It is snorted, smoked, and injected, all of which are absorbed into your system at different rates. But how long do the effects last?
How Long Does Cocaine Last?
Cocaine produces a powerful high that can bring euphoria, stress release, confidence, energy, and sociability. At the same time, it can bring negative results like paranoia, agitation, and anxiety. Cocaine is fairly fast-acting, but it also has a quick up and down cycle. In most cases, a cocaine high lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. This short period before the comedown and following low actually increases one’s risk of addiction. Because the high is short-lived, individuals can be inclined to take another dose, or a larger dose. Not only does this increase the risk of overdose, but it also speeds up the addiction timeline so someone can become addicted faster.
How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which acts on the brain by modifying its normal functioning. It releases positive chemical messengers that activate your system, including your reward response. For prescription stimulants like amphetamines, the right dose can help balance out an irregulated system, like that of an ADHD brain. But cocaine is an illicit drug that is not prescribed for any conditions in North America. Realistically, its effects simply stoke a high with a fast comedown, which can lead to repetition.
Is Cocaine Addictive?
Yes, cocaine is addictive. Multiple factors combine to influence whether someone becomes addicted to a drug. How you take it, how often, how much, and genetic factors, along with size, all contribute. If you develop an addiction, you won’t be able to stop on your own and will need to accept medical help.
Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse
These are some common signs and symptoms of a person addicted to cocaine:
- Cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
- Inability to quit
- High tolerance
- Malnutrition
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of pleasure and interests outside of drugs
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Mood swings
- Sneaky behavior
- Disheveled appearance
- Restlessness
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Mental health symptoms (depression, paranoia, anxiety)
What Are the Dangers of Cocaine Addiction?
Taking cocaine is not safe for your system, which wasn’t designed to process such a powerful substance, especially when abused. Long-term cocaine health risks include the following:
- Psychosis
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack
- Infections
- Overdose
- Stoke
- Coma
Finding Help for Cocaine Addiction
If you are always thinking about and craving cocaine and are unable to quit, you’re showing signs of an addiction. The pull of cocaine on your brain will be too strong for you to manage on your own, keeping you trapped in drug use. But you deserve a healthy and fulfilling life! We treat substance use disorders like cocaine use disorder at our drug rehab center. Please let us help you by contacting us today.
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