Cocaine High | What Does A Cocaine High Feel Like?

A cocaine high causes feelings of euphoria that are produced by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.

Cocaine is a Schedule II stimulant drug on the controlled substances list, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means the use of cocaine has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical or psychological dependence.

The forms of cocaine are various, including freebase, the base form of the drug sometimes known as crack cocaine which is created by a chemical process. This addictive stimulant drug also causes serious side effects.

Effects Of Cocaine Abuse

In addition to experiencing a cocaine high, a number of side effects can be associated with cocaine use. These side effects range from short-term to long-term and vary in severity.

Some of the short-term side effects of cocaine may include:

• euphoric effects
• panic
• talkative
• constricted blood vessels
• increase in body temperature
• irritability
• sensitivity to light
• dilated pupils
• extra energy
• increase in heart rate

Long-Term Effects Of Cocaine Abuse

The long-term effects of cocaine can create a number of health problems. The severity of the damage to the body can vary depending on the route of administration.

For instance, those snorting cocaine may experience a persistent runny nose and multiple nosebleeds. Chronic cocaine abuse can also result in a deviated septum and damage to the nasal passageways.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), injecting cocaine may increase your risk of developing diseases such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS due to sharing needles with others who may abuse drugs as well. 

Those who inject cocaine may continue to chase the high produced by the drug. This can lead them to combine heroin with cocaine, a process known as speedballing.

Cardiovascular Problems

Those abusing cocaine long-term may experience a number of cardiovascular problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), disturbances in heart rhythm and possible heart attacks can take place.

Mental Illness

If a person suffers from mental health issues or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and they abuse cocaine, the psychological effects can create a number of potential side effects such as restlessness and irritability.

In addition to this, some may experience hallucinations, extreme paranoia, or even psychosis. Consider finding a psychologist in the Ohio area to assist you in implementing a treatment plan at a treatment center.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine withdrawal can be an uncomfortable process and pose significant health risks. It is recommended to receive detox and be monitored by a healthcare professional if a person experiences withdrawal.

Abruptly stopping medication or any illicit drug can lead to a number of withdrawal symptoms such as:

• extreme cravings for the drug
• difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• increased appetite
• cognitive impairment
• fatigue
• Depression

Cocaine Overdose

Those who take large amounts of cocaine have an increased risk of experiencing an overdose. When cocaine is snorted or injected, a person may not be aware of the potential high dose one is receiving.

This is due, in part, to the fact that a person can misjudge how much of the drug is in their system. Long-term cocaine abuse or taking large doses of the drug may lead to a life-threatening overdose.

Some of the symptoms of a cocaine overdose include the following:

• irregular heart rhythm
• seizures
• confusion
• loss of bladder control
• cardiac arrest
• paleness
• fever

• high blood pressure
• sudden death

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, consider finding a cocaine addiction treatment program to assist you on the road to recovery. 

At Ohio Recovery Center, we provide a number of inpatient treatment options such as:

• evidence-based practices like group therapy
• behavioral health care
• detox support
• aftercare resources

To learn more, please contact us today.