EFFECTS ON BODY

General Long-Term Effects of Cocaine

• Chronic Nasal Problems

    • Nose is the most common area damaged through intranasal cocaine use
    • Causes chronic sneezing, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion
          • how, why??

• Lung Damage from Smoking Cocaine

    • Specifically caused by smoking cocaine
    • Users experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or coughing up blood

• Heart Damage (Cardiomyopathy)

    • Damage to the heart muscle and prevent is from contracting normally
    • Caused by direct toxic effect of cocaine on the heart.
    • More susceptible to having heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest

• Vitamin Deficiencies

    • Cocaine suppresses appetite and causes weight loss
    • Results in malnutrition, anemia, and metabolic abnormalities

• Sexual Difficulties

    • Frequent drug use can lead to sexual dysfunction
    • Impotence and inability to ejaculate are common complaints
    • People become dependent on the use of cocaine for sexual arousal if initially found sex more pleasurable while using the drug

Complications During Pregnancy

Effects on Mind and Body Main Page