Cocaine abuse is a significant public health problem, with thousands of individuals seeking treatment for cocaine addiction each year. The drug is a powerful stimulant that can have a range of negative effects on the body, including and especially on the heart. Risks associated with cocaine use range from heightened anxiety to stroke and even overdose. If you or a loved one is seeking cocaine addiction treatment in Florida, you have taken a great first step, and BoardPrep Recovery is here for you.
Cocaine and the Heart
One of the most significant ways that cocaine affects the heart is through its ability to constrict blood vessels. This constriction can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Additionally, cocaine use increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can further strain the heart and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Cocaine use can cause cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops pumping blood effectively and can cause sudden death. Cocaine use can cause the coronary artery to spasm, which can reduce or stop blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack. In addition to these heart-related risks, cocaine can affect the body in many ways, including:
- Affecting oxygen supply
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
These are only some of the ways in which cocaine can damage a person’s body. And while cocaine is an unhealthy substance with many negative risks, the greatest, perhaps, are to the heart.
Cocaine Abuse
Long-term cocaine use can lead to a number of heart-related problems, including heart muscle damage, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure.
Unfortunately, it is also common for cocaine to be mixed with other drugs. Mixing cocaine with other drugs can increase the risk of heart problems. For example, mixing cocaine with alcohol can lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke. When alcohol and cocaine are metabolized in the liver simultaneously, it produces a chemical in the blood called cocaethylene. This chemical is considered more potent than cocaine and can exist in the bloodstream much longer, dangerously increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Physical problems are not the only negative side effects of cocaine use. Long-term cocaine use can also have a devastating impact on an individual’s mental health and can cause anxiety, depression, and paranoia, which can, in turn, worsen the effects of the drug on the heart. Problems with work, school, and relationships can also stem from cocaine use, as well as financial hardship. Risks involved with acquiring cocaine also abound because of its illegality. Users might find themselves in dangerous situations to obtain the drug, which can put them or others at risk.
Seeking Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Florida? Let BoardPrep Help
There is no shame in seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. Substance use disorders are chronic diseases that can be fatal if left untreated. Recovery is hard, but it is possible. Often, treatment for cocaine addiction involves therapies like group or individual behavioral therapies, support groups, or medication-assisted therapy. All of these and more are offered here at BoardPrep Recovery in Tampa, Florida.
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for cocaine addiction, let us help. Our trained professionals are well-versed in multiple treatment approaches and are dedicated to finding the right combination of treatments for every one of our clients. We understand the challenges facing individuals seeking recovery and do everything we can to set you up for success in long-term sobriety. Contact us today at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our programs and find the right fit for you.
