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Cocaine abuse is become incredibly prominent across the UK, from younger adults to older, from football fans to white collar workers in the pub after work. In fact, it’s rife across Europe and is having a huge impact on many people’s lives.
The BBC reported that the number of drug-poisoning deaths in the UK is at its highest level since 1993 and that’s largely being driven by cocaine usage. More people are receiving private drug treatment as a result of the substance, yet still many people are using it as freely as they would eat sweets or chocolate, often without truly understanding the impacts it can have on their health.
There are both mental and physical ways cocaine can affect our bodies, and if you’re not aware of these then you should be. So if you’ve been considering cocaine usage, or you are a user but unaware of the facts, here are five ways it could be physically having an impact on your body…
Damage to the Cardiovascular System
One of the most dangerous effects of cocaine on the body is its impact on the cardiovascular system. Cocaine use causes an immediate spike in heart rate and blood pressure, placing significant strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Cocaine constricts blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen to vital organs, including the heart. This can cause the heart muscles to weaken or even die, leading to long-term heart disease. Additionally, repeated use of the drug increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, where the arteries become clogged with fatty deposits, further increasing the chance of heart attacks and strokes.
Nasal and Respiratory Damage
Cocaine is often snorted through the nose, which can cause significant damage to the nasal passages and respiratory system. Repeated snorting of the drug irritates the nasal lining, leading to chronic nosebleeds, loss of smell, and a constant runny nose. Over time, it can destroy the tissues inside the nose, leading to the collapse of the nasal septum—the thin wall that separates the nostrils. This condition, known as a deviated septum, can cause difficulty breathing and may require surgical intervention to repair.
In addition to nasal damage, inhaling cocaine can cause respiratory issues, particularly if it is smoked in the form of crack cocaine. The drug can lead to lung damage, chronic cough, and even respiratory failure, especially in long-term users. Crack lung, a severe condition caused by smoking crack cocaine, involves symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
Weight Loss and Malnutrition
Another physical change often associated with cocaine use is significant weight loss. Cocaine acts as an appetite suppressant, meaning that people who use the drug regularly may eat much less or skip meals altogether. Over time, this lack of proper nutrition can lead to malnutrition, where the body does not receive the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.
Chronic cocaine use can cause the body to break down muscle tissue and fat stores for energy, leading to a gaunt, undernourished appearance. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Additionally, the lack of vitamins and minerals can affect the health of the skin, hair, and nails, further contributing to a decline in overall physical wellbeing.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Cocaine use can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues, as the drug constricts blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the digestive system. This reduced blood flow can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to ulcers, abdominal pain, and chronic constipation. In severe cases, cocaine can cause ischemic colitis, a condition where parts of the colon become inflamed due to a lack of blood flow, leading to intense pain and, in some cases, life-threatening complications.
The strain that cocaine puts on the digestive system can also lead to a decreased ability to absorb nutrients, further exacerbating issues with weight loss and malnutrition.
Skin and Vascular Problems
Cocaine use can also cause noticeable changes to the skin, particularly as a result of the damage it causes to blood vessels. Repeated use of the drug can cause blood vessels to constrict and become damaged, which reduces blood flow to the skin and other tissues. This can lead to chronic skin conditions, such as infections, sores, and ulcers.
In severe cases, chronic cocaine use can cause vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels that can result in tissue death (necrosis) and open sores that are slow to heal. People who inject cocaine are also at high risk of developing skin infections, abscesses, and collapsed veins, all of which can leave permanent scars and marks on the body.