Cocaine is a powerful, dangerous, and highly addictive stimulant drug derived from coca plant leaves. It is a popular recreational drug due to its energizing and euphoric effects.
However, cocaine use commonly leads to lifelong health problems, overdose, and death. Additionally, many dealers mix cocaine with other drugs—including fentanyl—leading to an even greater risk of overdose and addiction.
Like many drugs, continued cocaine use often leads to tolerance, where an individual must take more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect, increasing a user’s likelihood of becoming addicted to cocaine or overdosing.
If you or someone you love is battling a cocaine addiction, you’re not alone. Buena Vista Recovery can help. We provide an individualized approach to addiction treatment using effective programs that address addiction’s psychological, physical, and social aspects.
Additionally, you can use this page to learn more about cocaine, including quick cocaine facts, the short and long-term effects of cocaine use, and addiction information.
Quick Cocaine Facts and Statistics
- Anestimated 27,788,000 people ages 12 and older used a form of cocaine at least once in their lifetime in the United States.
- Street dealers commonly mix cocaine with other drugs, such as synthetic opioid fentanyl or the stimulant amphetamine, increasing the risk of addiction, overdose, and death.
- There were 24,538 cocaine-related deaths in the U.S. in 2021.
- People who use cocaine commonly do so on binges, taking the drug frequently within a short period at higher dosages, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Cocaine overdoses are severe, life-threatening conditions and can be intentional or unintentional.
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine use can have serious short- and long-term effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Some of the most common effects of cocaine use include the following.
| Short-Term Effects of Cocaine | Long-Term Effects of Cocaine |
|---|---|
| Extreme boost of energy and euphoria | Increased risk of contracting bloodborne diseases, including HIV and hepatitis C |
| Mental alertness | Higher risk of infections |
| Hypersensitivity to touch, sight, and sound | Bowel decay |
| Irritability and mood changes | Reduced blood flow |
| Paranoia | Loss of smell |
| Unpredictable, violent behaviors | Frequent runny nose or nosebleeds |
| Muscle twitches and tremors | Difficulty swallowing |
| Restlessness | Collapsed veins and scarring |
| Nausea | Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease |
| Increased blood pressure and heart rate | Overdose, coma, and death |
| Irregular or fast heartbeat |
Cocaine Addiction and Treatment
At Buena Vista, we understand the devastating impact cocaine addiction has on individuals and their families. Cocaine addiction can be incredibly difficult to overcome on your own, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and lead to further relapses.
Symptoms of cocaine addiction include withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to reduce or stop using, intense craving, risky behaviors, and the continued use of the drug despite negative consequences. Fortunately, Buena Vista can help you find the best treatment plan for you.
Every treatment for cocaine addiction starts with a medically supervised detox, where we’ll help keep you as comfortable and safe as possible and eliminate the possibility of relapse during withdrawal.
If you or a loved one are battling a cocaine addiction, contact Buena Vista for more information and to take the first step toward lasting recovery.
