Symptoms of Cocaine Use

A person can introduce cocaine into the body through several routes. It can be absorbed through the skin after it is rubbed on mucous tissues. It can be inhaled by smoking, which includes crack. It can be injected into the vein, which is called mainlining. It can be taken intranasally, which means snorting the cocaine through the nose. It can also be taken orally, which is called chewing

After it is introduced into the body, cocaine passes readily into the brain. In the brain, it causes a buildup of dopamine by blocking the normal recycling process. These high levels of dopamine continuously stimulate nerve cells, causing the euphoria or high.

The effects of cocaine can be felt within seconds. Cocaine provides a dramatic high that lasts 3 to 5 minutes with crack cocaine. The high lasts for up to 30 to 60 minutes when cocaine is snorted or injected. Afterward, the user feels an intense craving for the drug.

Dependency can develop in less than 2 weeks. Some research indicates that a psychological dependency may develop after a single dose of high-potency cocaine. As the person develops a tolerance to cocaine, higher and higher doses are needed to produce the same level of euphoria.

Common symptoms and signs of cocaine use:

• anxiety
• panic
• tin foil
• bloody nose
• increased energy
• talking rapidly
• rapid pulse and breathing
• paranoia
• confusion
• dilated pupils
• hallucinations
• altered motor activities (tremors, hyperactivity)
• stuffiness and runny nose