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Dangers of Injecting Cocaine

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Learn about the severe risks of injecting cocaine, including overdose and disease transmission, and identify cocaine abuse signs.

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Cocaine injection is a standard route of administration because it provides a rapid and potent high. The ability to quickly feel the effects of cocaine might mean the world to someone dependent on the drug.

One of the riskiest ways to consume cocaine is through injection due to the rapid onset and potency of the high.

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More About Cocaine

From Ancient Use to Modern Abuse

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine, a powerful stimulant, is highly addictive. Cocaine has existed since ancient times when South Americans first began using coca leaves as a recreational drug. The leaves of Erythroxylon coca, when consumed, have a stimulating impact on the body.

Cocaine hydrochloride, a delicate chemical, has been extracted from the plant and used to make contemporary cocaine. This process began more than a century ago.

Cocaine has a significant potential for abuse. Hence it is now classified as a Schedule II substance. A medical expert may administer a local anesthetic for procedures involving the eyes, mouth, and ears.

Cocaine misuse involves the hydrochloride salt, which is soluble in water, and the cocaine base, which is not. The powdered hydrochloride salt is injected or snorted by users.

Crack cocaine, a cheaper type of cocaine that became popular in poor areas in the 1970s and 1980s, wreaked havoc on societies all over the globe.

According to recent research, around 1.4 million American adults and adolescents (aged 12 and above) have a stimulant use problem, with the vast majority suffering from cocaine addiction.

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A High-Risk Consumption Method

Is Cocaine Injectable?

Cocaine injection is only one method of ingesting this drug. Cocaine injection produces a rapid and potent high. Cocaine injection dramatically increases the likelihood of the user experiencing a fatal overdose. Cocaine is often dissolved in water before being injected. Cocaine’s effects are amplified when ingested intravenously since the substance enters the circulatory system unfiltered.

How Does Cocaine Injection Work?

he white powder form of cocaine must be diluted with water before it can be administered. Once this is done, a syringe with the drug may be used to administer it into a vein or a muscle.

Sterile conditions are paramount when injecting cocaine or any other illegal substance. Before using, ensure the injection site is disinfected with alcohol and use only fresh, sterilized products.

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Immediate and Long-Term Consequences

Effects of Injecting Cocaine

Cocaine injection produces a rapid and robust buzz. But, at the same time, the injected cocaine might be causing havoc on the nervous system and other organs.

Effects on the Body

Cocaine is a potent stimulant that may have devastating effects on the cardiovascular system. Besides restricting blood flow via the veins, it also increases the heart rate and blood pressure.

Cocaine usage increases the likelihood of cardiovascular problems, such as cardiac arrest. If you have a history of cardiac problems or now suffer from one, your risk is much higher.

The physical consequences of cocaine include;

  • A slowed heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Dilated veins.

  • A tendency for veins to rupture.

Effects on the Brain

Some persons who abuse cocaine for an extended period develop lasting brain damage and a psychotic state known as “cocaine mania.”

The long-term effects of chronic stress include increased sensitivity to nervousness, fear, and depression and diminished sensitivity to natural reward neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Evidence suggests that cocaine use may lead to a loss of brain tissue in areas responsible for memory and learning.

This not only leads to the development of movement diseases like Parkinson’s in old age, but it also has immediate effects on memory, focus, and interest.

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Overdose, Contamination, and Infection Risks

Risks Associated with Cocaine Injection

Cocaine injection, sometimes known as “shooting up,” is one of the deadliest ways to consume the drug.

Cocaine Overdose

Overdose is far more likely when cocaine is injected intravenously. Cocaine’s powerful and brief effects, when shot, make users need more of the substance quickly after each use.

Injecting cocaine repeatedly in a short amount of time will cause a user’s blood concentration to rise. Therefore, the potential for an overdose of cocaine is relatively high.

Dangerous Substances

Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find cocaine on the market that hadn’t been adulterated with at least a couple of other chemicals. The greatest threat is that users might not know precisely what they purchase.

Injecting substances like baby powder, household cleaners, or worm poison that were never intended for human consumption may have devastating health consequences for people.

Fentanyl, a powerful opioid that occurs in a white powder form, is a deadly cutting agent.

Unknowingly ingesting fentanyl may result in an overdose due to its extreme potency (it’s 50 times stronger than heroin).

Bloodborne Disorder

There is a great danger of infection with intravenous cocaine usage since shooting up often results in a tissue tear.

In addition to potentially fatal blood infections like sepsis, chronic health problems like cirrhosis or AIDS may be transmitted via shooting cocaine.

Sharing needles among cocaine addicts, reusing needles more than once, or not adequately disinfecting injection sites significantly increase the chance of contracting a blood-borne infection.

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Key Indicators and Health Concerns

How to Spot the Signs of Cocaine Abuse?

Cocaine addiction is possible regardless of how the drug is first used. There are several concerning warning indicators that someone is developing or already has a cocaine addiction:

  • Irritability.

  • Alterations to one’s regular eating and sleeping schedules.

  • Severe depression.

  • Infections of the nose and throat occur often.

  • Paranoia.

  • Persistent nosebleeds.

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The Bottom Line

Treatment for Cocaine Dependence

Detoxification under medical supervision is the usual first step in treating cocaine addiction. After that, withdrawal and relapse risks will be reduced, and you may detox peacefully. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care after detox, you may expect to participate in personal and, probably, group and family therapy sessions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are two forms of behavior treatment that have shown great success. It’s important to remember that recovery from addiction is a process that won’t end just because you stopped using drugs.

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Written By:

Dr. Saman Aftab, Ph.D.

Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health write at Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Dr. Saman is a mental health writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. Dr. Saman started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with her extensive clinical experience.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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