Cocaine (Symptoms)

Short-Term Effects:

• Fast heartbeat and breathing and increases in blood pressure and body temperature
• Erratic or violent behavior
• Blurred vision, chest pain, nausea, fever, muscle spasms, convulsions, and death from convulsions, heart failure, or brain failure

Long-Term Effects:

• Dependence and depression
• Feelings of restlessness, irritability, mood swings, paranoia, sleeplessness, and weight loss
• Emotional problems and isolation from family and friends
• Psychosis, paranoia, depression, anxiety disorders, and delusions
• Damage to the nose and inflamed nasal passages
• Increased risk of hepatitis and HIV
• Severe respiratory infections
• Heart attacks, chest pain, respiratory failure, strokes, and abdominal pain and nausea

Warning signs of cocaine use:

• Red, bloodshot eyes
• A runny nose or frequent sniffing
• A change in eating or sleeping patterns
• A change in groups of friends
• A change in behavior
• Acting withdrawn, depressed, tired, or careless about personal appearance
• Losing interest in school, family, or activities previously enjoyed
• Frequently needing money