Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that affects hundreds of thousands of people a year who become dependent on this potent stimulant. Whether snorted in powder form or smoked in crack form, cocaine can affect mental and physical health. The effects of cocaine on the nose are wide-reaching and can harm people’s lives, even after stopping the use of the drug. If you or someone you love are struggling with cocaine addiction, our cocaine rehab in Houston is available to help.
The Right Step Houston offers evidence-based treatment for cocaine addiction in both inpatient and outpatient programs. Our clinicians are highly trained and ready to support you or a loved one in recovery from a strong position among safe, trustworthy, knowledgeable people. Before the long-term effects of cocaine on the nose, as well as the brain and other physical structures, become more difficult to reverse, call 1.844.768.0169 to learn how to begin your recovery.
What Are the Effects of Cocaine on the Nose?
The nasal damage done by cocaine abuse is typically the result of snorting. The drug is crushed to a fine powder. When snorting, the tiny granules are forced through the delicate skin of the nose to enter the bloodstream. The proximity of the nose to the brain means that the rush of a cocaine high begins quickly. The long-term effects of cocaine abuse on the nasal structures are wide-ranging.
Some of the effects of cocaine on the nose include:
- Loss of the sense of smell (anosmia)
- Foul nasal odors
- Chronic post-nasal drip (catarrh) and nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Nasal obstruction
- Chronic infections like sinusitis and cellulitis
- Swelling of cartilage (chondritis)
- Perforations of the septum, which is the divider between the two sides of the nasal cavity
- Nasal collapse or deformity caused by the decay or collapse of cartilage
Warning signs of perforated septum or nasal collapse are hard to recognize as the symptoms are often similar to benign signs of a cold or allergy. The small ulcerations and scabbing caused by snorting particulates deepen over time until there’s a hole straight through the septum. Once perforated, the septum won’t heal and will need repair.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?
Being a chronic abuser of cocaine leads to addiction, which comes with its own set of behavioral symptoms. Those symptoms, such as denial, drug-seeking, and a loss of focus and perspective, can result in poor decision-making. In some ways, addiction is like a runaway truck on the expressway—complicated to control without help.
Due to the nature of the disease of addiction, it’s important to seek professional help to stop the progression of symptoms.
In addition to nasal damage, some of the other effects of ongoing cocaine abuse include damage to the immune system, internal organs, and the brain. A few of these are listed below:
- Pulmonary embolism and stroke
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Irregular or racing heartbeat
- Seizures
- Atrophy of the brain
- Changes to the prefrontal and temporal lobes affecting memory, problem-solving, attention, and learning
- Mood disorders
- Tremors, muscle weakness, and gait changes
- Damage to the colon, liver, and kidneys
Recognizing that your cocaine abuse has become a potential danger to your health and life is difficult because addiction makes drug use a priority over self. But if you believe, or even suspect, that you have a problem or that someone you care about is at risk due to cocaine abuse, please reach out for help.
Enroll in Cocaine Rehab at The Right Step Houston Today
Our cocaine rehab in Houston, TX, offers evidence-based care in either an outpatient or residential program. Our professional clinicians provide dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring cocaine use and mental health conditions.
The high level of care you’ll receive at The Right Step Houston is matched only by the compassion and commitment of every staff member. Please don’t wait. Complete our online contact form or call 1.844.768.0169 today.