According to Narconon International, cocaine is a potent addictive stimulant that targets the brain. When cocaine enters the bloodstream, it stimulates the brain to provide pleasurable feelings. Long-term cocaine use can lead to addiction and increase tolerance to the drug, leading users to need more of the drug to get the same pleasurable effects. Cocaine abuse is characterized by fluctuation of moods, frequent panic attacks, runny nose or nose bleeds, depression or suicidal behavior.
Mood Fluctuations
Frequent mood fluctuations are prevalent in cocaine addicts, according to Narconon International. The person can be high and happy one moment, then suddenly feel lethargic and grumpy the next.
Frequent Panic Attacks or Paranoia
HelpGuide.org reports that a cocaine addict is always in the state of panic. Anything can set the person off into having a panic attack.
Constant Runny Nose or Nose Bleeds
Rhinitis, or tenderness of the nasal membranes, can result from snorting cocaine. The chronic cocaine user can have a runny nose and also suffer from occasional nose bleeds. The sense of smell can also be damaged.
Depression or Suicidal Behavior
According to an article published in the August 2001 edition of "The American Journal of Psychiatry," a survey of 13,673 cocaine users in the United States showed that cocaine abuse leads to a significantly greater risk of attempting suicide. Many cocaine abusers--mostly women--who attempted suicide have also had traumatic experiences during childhood, were introverted or had a family history of suicide.
Short-term Physiological Effects
Some of the immediate and short-term physiological effects of cocaine abuse include increased temperature, dilated pupils, tremors, muscle twitching and anxiety.
Long-term Effects
According to HelpGuide.org, prolonged and heavy cocaine use leads to increased paranoia and restlessness, which can result in paranoid psychosis, a condition characterized by aural hallucinations--or "hearing things"--and losing touch with reality.
