Fast Facts: Cocaine Use in Numbers
- 36 million Americans aged 12 and over admit to using cocaine at least once
- 2 million Americans admit to using the stimulant regularly in the years 2018
- Cocaine accounts for 6% of all rehab center check-ins
- Abuse occurs most commonly in young adults aged 18-25 years
- In 2019, 2.2% of high school seniors used cocaine in the past year
- Effects of cocaine typically last a maximum of an hour but average 15 to 30 minutes
- Cocaine-related overdose deaths have increased 34% between 2016 and 2017
What Happens When You Use Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance that causes its user to feel elevated and euphoric. The high reaches its peak minutes after the dose, but the effects are short-lived. And while the experience might feel pleasant and exciting, crashing from the high may leave users feeling far less satisfied. Some of the short-term effects of cocaine include:
- Numbness at the site of use
- Heightened energy levels
- Talkative and sociable
- Loss of inhibitions
- Mental alertness
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Decreased hunger and appetite
- Decreased need for sleep
Individuals may also experience bizarre, violent, or intense behaviors when a large dose is used. It’s not uncommon for long-term users to experience emotional volatility, irritability, anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Others will react more violently and disproportionately to minor inconveniences or interactions. There are also physiological signs that come with the high. These include:
- Increased temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Increased respiratory rate
- Blood vessel constriction
- Dilation of the pupils
While the experience during the high might feel desirable, the crash that follows the high can be the opposite. Strong feelings of unwell, discomfort, and pain, among others, prompt users to repeat the use of the stimulant to avoid the unwanted symptoms of the crash. In doing so, a cycle is created in which users attempt to chase the feeling of the high and avoid the resulting discomfort. The frequent, repetitive use of cocaine will lead to dependence, abuse, and addiction. This extended exposure to the stimulant drug may result in some, if not all, of the following long-term effects:
- Heightened reaction to stress
- Development of a tolerance requiring higher doses to experience the same effect
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Consistent chest pain
- Increased risk of stroke and seizures
- Increased risk of movement disorders like Parkinson’s