What are the effects of Cocaine Addiction?
Chronic use of cocaine can cause brain cells to misfire, due to strong imbalances of neurotransmitter levels, in attempts to compensate for fluctuating extremes. This results in receptors disappearing from the cell surface and then reappearing, resulting in an erratic “on” and “off” working mode. Chronic use of cocaine frequently leads to increased states of depression and may lead to multiple treatments over time. Use of cocaine over longer time periods has multiple health consequences; most dangerously it is associated with a lifetime risk of heart attack. Some consequences of cocaine use include: Physical Effects • Heart attacks • Restlessness • Headache • Sinus Diseases, Hoarseness, nasal irritation • Bronchitis • Birth defects when used by pregnant women, miscarriage • HIV, Hepatitis A and B (caused by sharing IV needles) • Nausea Emotional Effects • Anxiety • Irritability • Paranoia • Hallucinations • Mood disturbances Effects of Cocaine Withdrawal • Fatigue, insomnia • Increase
