The Unexpected Consequences of Casual Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug, but many ‘casual’ cocaine users don’t consider that they have a problem. Cocaine has become a go-to party drug for many people, and the prevalence of this lax usage can downplay the seriousness of cocaine addiction. 

In reality, even so-called ‘casual’ cocaine use signifies a serious problem that can have significant consequences both physically and on an individual’s life. People who occasionally use cocaine are also at an increased risk of an escalating addiction.

In this article, we’ll consider the unexpected consequences of casual cocaine use and how to seek help if cocaine addiction has crept into your life. 

Cocaine Use and Its Effects

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that’s made using the leaves of the coca plant, and roughly 42 million people in the US report taking it at some point in their lives. Cocaine is often used for social reasons, though users may also take cocaine to boost their energy levels, reduce pain, or escape from negative emotions. 

Cocaine’s stimulant properties are the most notable thing people experience when using the drug and can include:

• Euphoria
• Feeling alert and excited
• Increased energy
• Social confidence

Cocaine also alters a user’s brain structure and chemistry, particularly when it comes to reward systems and dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for things like pleasure and motivation. When an individual takes cocaine, the drug releases a large surge of dopamine, which is what makes users feel euphoric. 

In the short term, this dopamine surge can result in what’s known as a ‘comedown,’ which is when an individual may experience a low mood and lethargy after using cocaine. Long-term cocaine use can also permanently damage everything from an individual’s ability to make informed decisions using the prefrontal cortex to the brain’s ability to regulate dopamine naturally, therefore increasing the risk of addiction.

Casual Use to Dependence

The majority of casual cocaine users don’t consider themselves to be dependent on the drug. Still, casual use can easily lead to dependency, particularly in situations such as parties or social gatherings. If an individual is spending time in circles where cocaine use is socially accepted, there’s a risk that they won’t even notice when they develop a serious addiction.

It’s generally difficult to differentiate between casual use and cocaine dependence, as the drug’s impact on brain chemistry means that even occasional users will need to increase their dosage over time to achieve the same effects. This growing usage can easily lead to cocaine addiction.

It’s also important to note that both casual and dependent cocaine users face the same short-term risks, which include:

• Blood pressure spikes
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Increased heart rate
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Potential for cardiac arrest
• Risk-taking

With this in mind, casual cocaine use can be incredibly dangerous, especially when occasional users consider themselves safe from many of these risks. 

Emotional and Behavioral Consequences

Cocaine’s effects on the brain mean that any degree of usage can have significant emotional and behavioral consequences. During usage, cocaine impacts several areas in the brain, which include:

• The basal ganglia: The brain’s reward system
• The extended amygdala: The part of the brain responsible for anxiety and irritability
• The prefrontal cortex: The part of the brain responsible for planning, problem-solving, and decision-making

Immediately after using cocaine, individuals will experience a ‘comedown’ as their brain chemicals return to normal. At this stage, they may report a low mood, irritability, and general feelings of lethargy. 

More broadly, cocaine use increases the risks of mood disorders and unpredictable behaviors as the drug interferes with vital processes like dopamine reuptake and even levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This disruption can leave casual cocaine users at an increased risk of symptoms, including depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, poor decision-making, and an inability to experience joy without drug use.

The emotional impact of cocaine can also increase the risks that a casual user will need to take increasingly large doses to avoid any negative feelings. 

Legal and Social Consequences

Cocaine is a Schedule II drug in America, meaning that while it is legal for some medical uses, recreational use remains illegal in the majority of states, with the risk of prison terms and monetary penalties. Casual users, especially those who carry large quantities of cocaine to parties and other occasions, run the risk of developing a long-term criminal record, as well as potentially going to prison or facing fines of more than $1000.

Cocaine use that can result in unreliable behavior can also carry notable social consequences. These can impact an individual’s personal and professional life in several ways. Secretive or avoidant behavior due to cocaine use can result in an inability to maintain healthy relationships outside of drug use. It can also lead to poor timekeeping and a failure to perform at work. If a person’s casual cocaine use is common knowledge, it can damage their professional reputation and future opportunities. 

These consequences can lead to growing feelings of helplessness and isolation, often increasing an individual’s need for escapism. Isolation from work and loved ones can also leave a casual user at risk of developing an unnoticed addiction. 

Physical Consequences

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug, and it can have significant physical consequences for any user. We’ve already discussed the impact of cocaine on brain function, but other physical consequences of cocaine use include:

• High body temperature
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle tremors and seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain and constipation

Cocaine can also cause troubling long-term physical problems, particularly for an individual’s cardiovascular system, which becomes vulnerable to issues like blood clots and inflammation of the heart muscle. Cocaine can also reduce blood flow to the stomach and intestines, increasing the chance of ulcers, as well as kidney or liver damage. Even casual cocaine use can result in life-long, often debilitating, health complications. 

Cocaine Addiction Recovery in San Diego

Many people assume that casual cocaine use isn’t a problem, but it can quickly escalate into a more serious issue that requires recovery treatment. If you’re noticing the signs that casual cocaine use has started to impact your health and well-being or that of a loved one, then it’s important to take action immediately. 

Our treatment programs here at Jackson House Recovery Centers can provide you with much-needed support throughout your recovery from cocaine addiction, including detox supervision, group therapies, nutrition management, and aftercare. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one break free from the grip of addiction.