Overcome the Dangerous Effects of Cocaine: Buffalo Drug Treatment Centers in New York

Buffalo, known as the City of Trees, is characterized by its plentiful parks, which contribute to its distinctive urban-suburban ambiance. Most Buffalo residents opt to rent their homes, embracing the vibrant city lifestyle enriched by numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Despite its appeal to families and young professionals seeking a dynamic and comfortable living environment, Buffalo, like many other locales, has been affected by the drug addiction crisis involving cocaine. In Erie County, where Buffalo is located, the alarming trend of opioid-related deaths involving cocaine is on the rise. Shockingly, in 2022, a staggering 56% of opioid-related deaths were linked to cocaine—a stark contrast to 2016, when cocaine was implicated in only about 16% of such fatalities. [1]

The effects of cocaine kick in quickly, making users feel euphoric, energetic, and alert. It can also reduce hunger and the need for sleep. The way it’s used affects how long the high lasts, with snorting lasting about 15 to 30 minutes and smoking lasting only 5 to 10 minutes. Physiological effects include constricted blood vessels, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Large doses can lead to erratic behavior, while long-term use can cause serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death. Mixing cocaine with opioids or heroin can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of overdose.

Cocaine addiction is a severe condition that requires professional treatment. Buffalo drug treatment facilities offer comprehensive and safe support to help individuals recover from cocaine effects. If you or someone you know is struggling, feel free to reach out to speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists. We provide confidential assistance and valuable information to help you understand and address this condition. Search for top-rated drug treatment centers in New York to find the best options for overcoming addiction and reclaiming your life. You can start healing with various specialized programs and expert care.

How Many People Died from Overdose in Erie County? 

Over the past six years, deaths related to fentanyl and cocaine have risen sharply. In 2016, less than 20% of opioid-related deaths involved cocaine, but now, the number has increased significantly. In 2023, Erie County faced a dire situation, with 56.34% of drug overdose deaths involving both fentanyl and cocaine, while 17.18% were solely linked to cocaine without fentanyl. With a total of 353 drug overdose deaths, these alarming figures emphasize the urgent need for intervention and prevention efforts in the community.

The Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force has been raising alarm about a concerning rise in opioid-related deaths involving cocaine. According to officials, out of the 245 suspected or confirmed opioid overdose deaths in Erie County up to July 2023, a staggering 81% involved cocaine, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. [2]

Currently, there are no medications approved by the FDA specifically for treating cocaine use disorder. However, behavioral therapy can considerably help individuals overcome cocaine addiction. For individuals struggling with severe cocaine addiction, effective treatment typically necessitates professional intervention. The treatment journey often starts with detoxification under supervised medical care, followed by intensive therapy, frequently conducted in an inpatient setting. Transitional housing and structured aftercare programs like outpatient treatment significantly enhance the likelihood of sustained recovery for many patients. If you seek a supportive environment conducive to your recovery journey, consider exploring halfway houses in Buffalo, New York.

Can Cocaine Cause a Deviated Septum?

Cocaine can cause a condition known as “coke nose,” where the nasal septum, the divider inside the nose, becomes crooked. This is called a deviated septum, which can make one nostril smaller than the other. In severe cases, it can make it hard to breathe through the nose and affect your sense of smell.

Coke nose symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Nasal congestion or blockage.
• Nosebleeds.
• Recurring sinus infections.

Prolonged cocaine use can affect the sense of smell due to damage to the nasal passages. Treatment options include surgical correction of deviated septum, nasal irrigation to alleviate congestion, and avoidance of further cocaine use to prevent worsening of symptoms. Chronic cocaine use can also lead to severe damage to the nasal passages, sometimes resulting in a collapsed or “saddled” nose appearance.

Coke nose is one of the most noticeable signs of cocaine addiction, yet additional symptoms of abuse may include the following:

• Intense cravings for cocaine.
• Increased tolerance means needing larger doses to achieve the desired effects.
• Spending significant time and resources obtaining, using, and recovering from cocaine use.
• Continued cocaine use despite negative consequences, such as legal, financial, or relationship problems.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to cocaine use.
• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of cocaine, such as driving or unprotected sex.
• Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce cocaine use, including fatigue, irritability, depression, and increased appetite.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Relationship conflicts or breakdowns due to cocaine use.
• Social isolation or withdrawal from family and friends.
• Financial difficulties or legal issues related to cocaine use or obtaining the drug.
• Changes in mood, including irritability, agitation, anxiety, or euphoria.
• Physical symptoms include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hyperactivity.
• Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or oversleeping.
• Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Continued use of cocaine despite deteriorating physical or mental health.
• Developing a preoccupation with cocaine, spending significant time thinking about obtaining and using the drug.
• Attempts to hide or conceal cocaine use from others.
• Experiencing blackouts or memory lapses while using cocaine.
• Using cocaine as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, trauma, or emotional pain.

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms, it may indicate a cocaine addiction, and seeking professional help is advisable.

Does Cocaine Make You Lose Hair?

Patients may hesitate to disclose their history of cocaine abuse to healthcare providers due to societal stigma. However, cocaine use and addiction often coexist with other health issues like psychiatric disorders and skin diseases. Unfortunately, many individuals with drug use disorders initially seek treatment for different problems.

One notable physiological consequence attributed to cocaine use is alopecia or hair loss. This occurs due to the vasoconstrictive properties of cocaine, which can disrupt blood flow to hair follicles, leading to follicular ischemia and subsequent hair thinning or loss. Moreover, cocaine’s impact on hormonal regulation and its interference with the normal hair growth cycle further exacerbate this phenomenon.

Consider the story of Joan. Joan was a dedicated professional, constantly pushing herself to excel. However, the stress of her demanding job and constant overtime took its toll on her wellbeing. Seeking an escape from the mounting pressure, Joan turned to cocaine, finding temporary relief from her stress and anxiety. As the effects of cocaine gradually infiltrated her life, Joan began to notice alarming changes in her appearance. Patches of hair loss became increasingly noticeable. Terrified of the judgment and stares from others, Joan found herself avoiding social interactions and dreading the thought of stepping outside. Deep down, Joan knew she couldn’t continue living this way. Despite her desperate attempts to quit, the cravings for cocaine always seemed to pull her back into the vicious cycle of addiction. It was a constant battle between her desire for freedom and the overpowering grip of her dependency.

Finally, after hitting rock bottom, Joan decided to seek professional help. With the support of medical detox and therapeutic interventions, Joan embarked on a journey of recovery. Through counseling sessions and behavioral therapies, she confronted the underlying issues fueling her addiction and learned healthier coping mechanisms to manage stress. As Joan progressed through her treatment, she began to reclaim control over her life. The once daunting prospect of facing the world with thinning hair no longer held her back. With newfound confidence and resilience, Joan emerged from the darkness of addiction, ready to embrace a brighter future filled with hope and possibility.

Alopecia induced by cocaine use is treatable with cessation of drug use and appropriate medical intervention. With the ending of cocaine and proper treatment, individuals experiencing cocaine-induced alopecia can often see improvement in hair growth over time.

Combat Cocaine Effects and Addiction: Embrace Healing at Drug Treatment Centers in Buffalo, NY

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 3.7% of people aged 12 or older, which is about 10.3 million individuals in the US, misused central nervous system (CNS) stimulants in the past year. Among these, roughly one-third, or 3.3 million people, only used cocaine. [3]

Along with hair loss and side effects like coke nose, repeated cocaine use changes the brain. It makes natural pleasures less enjoyable and increases sensitivity to stress, leading to withdrawal symptoms like negative moods. This can cause people to prioritize seeking cocaine over other rewards. Tolerance may develop, requiring higher doses for the same effect, while sensitization can make lower doses more harmful, increasing the risk of overdose. Cocaine binges can lead to irritability, paranoia, and even psychosis. Different ways of using cocaine, like snorting or injecting, have harmful effects, such as nosebleeds or infections. Cocaine also damages organs like the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and can cause neurological problems and cognitive impairments with long-term use.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, finding specialized treatment is crucial. There are top-rated drug treatment centers in Buffalo equipped to help individuals overcome the challenges of cocaine abuse. These facilities offer comprehensive programs tailored specifically for cocaine use disorder, incorporating evidence-based therapies, medical detoxification, and personalized support to address the unique needs of each individual. By seeking New York drug treatment centers, individuals can undertake a transformative journey towards healing, reclaiming their lives from the grips of cocaine effects, and paving the way for a brighter, drug-free future.

Resources: 

[1] ERIE COUNTY OFFICIALS PRESENT NEW DATA OUTLINING THE TERRIBLE TOLL OF OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS IN 2022 – Erie County (.gov)

[2] Opioid deaths tied to cocaine on the rise in Erie County – https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/opioid-deaths-tied-to-cocaine-on-the-rise-in-erie-county/

[3] Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)