Cocaine, otherwise known as “coke,” is an illicit drug that individuals use recreationally. This powerful substance can cause a high sensation and can make people feel extremely unusual after taking it. This feeling may have them asking, “why do I feel weird after doing coke?”

 

What Is Coke?

A highly addictive stimulant drug, coke works by increasing a person’s levels of alertness, attention, and energy. This substance is illegal in the United States and is only used recreationally for the high it produces. Individuals may also use cocaine to decrease their need for sleep or to focus on work or a project. Other than ‘cocaine’ and ‘coke,’ this drug is also sometimes called ‘snow,’ ‘rock,’ or ‘blow.’ It usually comes in the form of a white powder, but may also be found in rock form. The powder form is typically snorted into the nose.

 

Side Effects of Cocaine Use

Coke works by increasing the amount of dopamine that is released in the brain. When more dopamine is released, an individual feels pleasurable effects. It may produce temporary positive effects such as a euphoric feeling, increased energy, alertness, higher energy, inflated self esteem, or an elevated mood. However, cocaine is also known to cause negative side effects.

Common side effects of cocaine use include:

  • Hearing and sight sensitivity
  • Anger and irritability
  • Paranoia
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Panic
  • Tremors
  • Muscle twitches
  • Vertigo
  • Dilated pupils
  • Constricted blood vessels
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased body temp
  • Decreased appetite

People who use cocaine are also likely to feel ‘weird’ after they use coke. They may undergo an unpleasant feeling that they can’t exactly explain. Why does that strange sensation occur?

 

Why You Feel Weird After Doing Coke

People may experience a strange sensation after they snort this substance. Here are a few explanations as to why you may feel weird after doing coke:

  1. Coke provides a rapid-onset high, which means the full high sensation kicks in and affects the body very quickly.
  2. Since coke can influence short-term mental health, it can produce an overwhelming sense of paranoia and/or anxiety that can become very overwhelming.
  3. When someone stops feeling high after doing coke, they might experience what is known as a ‘comedown.’ A comedown is the feeling that is produced after drugs wear off that makes a person feel ill or weak.
  4. Stimulants like cocaine can cause people to ‘crash,’ or feel extreme drowsiness and exhaustion, after using.

These, of course, are not all the reasons why someone may feel strange after using cocaine. How someone feels after using widely depends on age, genetics, how much they use, how often they use, and many other factors. And the more often someone uses cocaine, the more complications they become at risk for.

 

Consequences of Cocaine Use

People who use cocaine in high volumes may eventually experience health issues such as:

  • Headaches
  • Convulsions
  • Seizures
  • Heart attacks
  • Heart disease
  • Sexual trouble
  • Lung damage
  • Loss of smell
  • Nosebleeds

If you are someone you know uses cocaine and experiences any of the issues above, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.

 

Combating Cocaine Addiction

People who use cocaine regularly are also likely to develop strong cravings for the drug, which could lead to abuse and addiction. Their mind and body will begin to rely on cocaine and the sensation it produces. This makes it harder for individuals to sleep, remember things, and complete other daily tasks. Therefore, those with a cocaine abuse issue are encouraged to talk to a doctor or therapist about getting help or enrolling in a substance abuse treatment program.

When someone stops using cocaine for a few hours, they may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. When someone has withdrawal symptoms, they should undergo detox treatment. All individuals with a dependence on cocaine should detox in a medical environment.

After detoxing, people with an addiction to cocaine should officially enroll in an inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment program. Throughout the program, they will participate in therapy and counseling, support groups, and more activities that are designed to set people with cocaine addictions up for success in sobriety.

To learn more about the causes of cocaine side effects and treatment options, contact our team of substance abuse treatment specialists by visiting 267.209.7312.

 

 

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/cocaine-use-and-its-effects#1

https://www.verywellmind.com/comedown-crash-rebound-effect-after-drugs-4171269

https://drugabuse.com/drugs/cocaine/effects-use/