Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Dependency

Cocaine dependency takes a tremendous toll on the body. From neurological effects to life-threatening organ failure, cocaine ravages the system as dependency worsens. Though physical effects can depend on intake method, cocaine quality, intensity and frequency of use, even short-term cocaine dependency can cause serious and irreversible damage to the user’s body.

Physical Symptoms of Cocaine Dependency

From the outset, cocaine dependency causes a host of physical symptoms. Nasal problems abound, due to cocaine user’s propensity for snorting the drug. Nasal crusting occurs, as well as congestion, nosebleeds, facial pressure, sinusitis, and hoarseness of voice. The cartilage separating the nostrils (known as the septum) can be badly damaged or perforated as circulation decreases, leading to a host of symptoms, such as nasal secretions and whistling while breathing, also known as “coke nose.”

However, smoking cocaine leads to respiratory problems of its own. Cocaine smokers can end up with chronic bronchitis, black phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pains. In fact, one study showed that 40 percent of cocaine dependent emergency room patients experienced chest pains, with 20 percent also experiencing trouble breathing.

Because cocaine dependent individuals experience lowered appetite, nutritional deficiencies are common. Some cocaine users experience compulsive and anxious behaviors, such as teeth grinding, tremors and muscle jerkings and cold sweats. Neurological symptoms begin to manifest themselves, leading to nausea, vomiting, extreme headaches or even vertigo. As delusions of grandeur (known as “cocainomania”), lowered inhibitions and lowered pain sensitivity combine, cocaine users often find themselves involved in dangerous or violent behavior, leading to serious physical injuries.

Potentially Fatal Symptoms of Cocaine Dependency

At its worst, cocaine use can result in serious illness or death. Cocaine dependent individuals often experience angina, chest pains due to lowered blood supply to the heart. Chronic cocaine users often experience hardening of the arteries, increased risk of heart attacks, and higher frequency of cardiac arrest—even in users as young as 19 years old. Chronic cocaine users can experience severe headaches, seizures, brain hemorrhaging, respiratory failure, fatally high fevers and stroke. High usage can lead to slowing of the body’s automatic functions, causing dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, halted breathing and eventually death.

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