According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse about 15% of Americans have tried cocaine, also known as coke, blow, flake, snow and C. Those who use it most are unemployed men in their 20s in urban areas. Cocaine is mostly administered by oral, nasal, smoke inhalation or intravenous routes. The drug is used for heightened alertness and euphoria but can have dangerous effects.
Dangerous Effects of Intoxication
Cocaine can increase body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Increasing amounts may also lead to erratic or violent behavior. Some users report anxiety and restlessness. Other users report vertigo, muscle twitches, tremors or paranoia. Cardiovascular effects are the most frequent dangerous complications. Cocaine use can cause the heart to go into deadly rhythms that do not adequately supply the body with blood and also cause heart attacks. The high blood pressure can lead to strokes with permanent brain dysfunction or death and seizures. The National Institute on Drug Abuse also notes that the most frequent two drug combination that leads to death is alcohol and cocaine. (See Reference 1)
Dangerous Effects of Withdrawal
The effects of withdrawal are largely psychological and include agitation and restlessness, depression that in severe cases can lead to thoughts of suicide, malaise, vivid dreams, increased cocaine craving and fatigue. Physical symptoms are not as pronounced but can include body aches, chills, tremors and involuntary movements. (See Reference 2)
Other Effects
Some other dangerous effects from cocaine use include bacterial and viral infections such as hepatitis or HIV from needles during intravenous use. Nasal use can damage the septum of the nose and cause sinus problems. Smoked cocaine can cause cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and worsening of other conditions such as asthma.
