Does Cocaine Dehydrate You?

Does Cocaine Dehydrate You

Not all of cocaine’s short and long-term side effects are well known. One lesser-known adverse effect of cocaine use involves electrolyte imbalances, weight loss, and malnutrition that leads to dehydration. So, if you use cocaine and notice your skin looking dry, you may be wondering, “Does cocaine dehydrate you?” The answer is, it can.

Cocaine Basic Information

Cocaine, often called “coke,” is derived from the leaf of the South American coca plant. Cocaine is a white powdery substance that acts as a stimulant, speeding up the central nervous system.

Cocaine is ingested in many ways. It is usually snorted in powder form, although many smoke rock cocaine form (crack), or inject a liquid version.

The effects that people seek from cocaine include euphoria, burst of energy, sharp focus, and a heightened mood state. The sought-after effects of cocaine are short-lived, but the many adverse effects include:

 

  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
  • Reduced appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Impulsive or risky behaviors
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Irritability
  • Being uninhibited
  • Frequent sniffing, runny nose, or nose bleeds

Signs You Have a Cocaine Problem

Cocaine is an extremely addictive illicit drug and designated as a Schedule II controlled substance. This designation implies that cocaine use leads to addiction and abuse. Cocaine releases a flood of dopamine that induces the classic signs of a cocaine high. The brain imprints these pleasurable feelings in its reward network, spurring the person to continue seeking and using the drug.

Because cocaine addiction develops quickly, any ongoing chronic use of the substance is likely to become problematic. The signs of addiction may be visible in just a few short weeks.

Cocaine addiction signs include:

  • Needing more cocaine to achieve the desired high
  • Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from cocaine
  • Neglecting daily responsibilities
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • No longer participates in activities once enjoyed
  • Purchases cocaine on the street or other illicit sources
  • Has serious money problems
  • Engages high-risk behaviors
  • Continues to use cocaine regardless of the consequences
  • Lies and steals to feed the cocaine addiction
  • Has withdrawal symptoms when the cocaine effects wear off

Physical signs of cocaine abuse and addiction include:

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  • Nosebleeds
  • Mood swings
  • Rapid speech
  • Runny nose
  • Dilated pupils
  • Lack of sleep
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Manic behaviors

Ways Cocaine Dehydrates You

Does cocaine dehydrate you? While this is a less common side effect, cocaine use can cause the body to become dehydrated. There are various ways dehydration can occur, including:

  • Because cocaine is a stimulant, it causes an increase in body temperature and sweating. Excessive sweating may result in fluid loss and dehydration.
  • Cocaine suppresses the appetite, so in addition to insufficient food intake, the person may not consume enough fluids, causing dehydration.
  • Cocaine use causes the body to produce more urine, which in turn leads to increased fluid loss via urination.
  • While under the influence of cocaine, your body is less able to recognize the thirst sensation, reducing the intake of fluids.
  • During the cocaine comedown, the person may experience sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting which may result in dehydration.

Effects of Long-Term Cocaine Use

While dehydration is a serious health issue, there are much more serious long-term effects associated with cocaine addiction. These include:

  • Nasal damage. Damage to the nasal tissues and cartilage abuse can be so severe that it requires reconstructive surgery.
  • Kidney damage. The kidneys are also adversely impacted by long-term cocaine abuse.
  • Heart damage. Cocaine addiction can cause an enlarged heart, arrhythmias, or heart attacks.
  • Mental health conditions. The mental health disorders commonly associated with cocaine abuse are anxiety and depression, including an increase in thoughts of suicide.
  • Financial devastation. Cocaine addiction an expensive habit, causing users to go into deep debt to fund the addiction.

What is Cocaine Comedown?

Cocaine comedown is mostly linked with partiers. Cocaine is a short-lived high, so when the drug begins to wear off, dopamine levels in the brain drop off. This causes exhaustion, foggy thinking, slowed movements, and feelings of depression.

To offset the signs of the cocaine comedown, the individual reacts by using more cocaine. This cycle of comedown and getting high results in a cocaine binge. The greatest danger of getting pulled into this binge cycle is an increased risk of cocaine overdose.

Cocaine overdose can do serious damage to the vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. When someone has ingested a toxic amount of cocaine, it is critical that they receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, a cocaine overdose can cause a heart attack or stroke, which may be fatal. In 2023, 21.2% of all drug overdoses involved cocaine.

When it’s Time to Get Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Once addicted to cocaine, it is extremely hard to quit the drug without professional support. The withdrawal symptoms are very difficult to endure, causing the person to return to the cocaine. Therefore, to succeed in long-term recovery from cocaine, a residential addiction treatment program is the recommended level of care.

Here is what to expect at rehab:

  • Detox Support. During cocaine detox, you’ll receive ongoing medical and psychological support for mediating the withdrawal symptoms.
  • Psychotherapy. Individual psychotherapy sessions focus on changing the thought-behavior patterns of the addiction cycle. Cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management are effective therapies for cocaine addiction recovery.
  • Group therapy. One of the most effective treatment elements is group therapy. These small groups of peers meet in a safe, nonjudgmental space to discuss topics related to recovery.
  • 12-Step Work. N.A. or A.A. themes provide a set of benchmarks to help guide the recovery process.
  • Holistic. Holistic methods are integrated into treatment to help you manage stress or anxiety. These might include yoga classes, art therapy, mindfulness, and massage therapy.
  • Wellness. Cocaine addiction takes a toll on the body, especially due to the lack of sleep and malnutrition. Treatment programs address this by providing nutritional counseling and daily exercise.

The Treatment Specialist’s Comprehensive Treatment for Cocaine Addiction and Dual Diagnosis

The Treatment Specialist is a leading physician owned and operated luxury addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center in Pasadena, CA. If you are wondering, “Does cocaine dehydrate you?” then you most likely are concerned about cocaine effects on your health. Please contact us today or call us at 855-778-8668.

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