The Dangers of Cocaine Hydrochloride Abuse

Cocaine Hydrochloride Abuse

Cocaine Hydrochloride is a highly-acidic drug that can severely harm the mucus membranes of the nose and throat when snorted. Cocaine, which is often called coke, has similar effects on the body as alcohol abuse. Like alcohol, it causes rapid heart rate, hypertension, and changes in blood pressure. The immediate symptoms of cocaine snorting are a feeling of euphoria, increased energy levels, increased alertness, and a feeling of euphoria (e.g., “I feel like Superman”).

Overuse of cocaine hydrochloride can cause significant damage to the heart’s delicate vasculature and reduce blood supply to vital structures. As the blood supply to the sensitive nasal mucosa is reduced, nasal congestion, thick nasal mucus, and irritation or pain in the nose and throat begin to occur. This results in increased mucous drainage, increased production of mucous by glands in the nose and throat, and increased production of pus in the nose and throat. Eventually, the reduced blood flow and lack of nutrients cause damage to the tissues and cells of the nose and throat, and the snorer begins to experience loss of voice and movement.

There are two major types of remedy for the effects of cocaine hydrochloride. The first is oral antihistamines (e.g., Zantac, Claritin) that prevent the release of histamine from being released into the nose and throat. Oral antihistamines reduce the amount of water in the system that would allow the nose and throat to become dehydrated, thus reducing the amount of mucous in the airways that would collect and cause inflammation, pain, and further irritation and snoring. The second remedy for snoring and its associated complications is to reduce the amount of freebase drugs that have been administered into the lungs during the habit of snorting. The most common method of this is by reducing or eliminating the hydrochloride salts in the drug.

The Dangers of Cocaine Hydrochloride Abuse

Cocaine and its derivatives, particularly cocaine hydrochloride, may lead to a condition called “raccoon syndrome”, sometimes also known as “coke rash”. This is characterized by blisters that appear on the skin and surrounding muscles; they may be red, raised, and puffy or flat and irritated. These blisters often look like eczema or athlete’s foot. They may appear after repeated use of cocaine and may result from continued use with the same amount and intensity of dosages. This condition generally resolves with cessation of use, but may recur with use of certain corticosteroids or other medications.

There are some cases in which cocaine, even when used under physician supervision, can lead to severe negative health consequences. It is not uncommon for people who abuse cocaine to experience severe complications such as heart failure or liver disease. Some of these complications may include pulmonary embolism (blood clots that form in the lung), thrombosis (blood clots in the legs resulting in heart failure), congenital heart defects, stroke, and death.

Cocaine and its derivatives are almost never taken without the presence of people who have inherent psychological or physical problems or personal or emotional reasons for wanting to take it. Usually, they are given in small amounts, especially if the person taking them has a history of drug abuse or mental illness. However, after prolonged use, even non-takers begin to notice a difference in their moods and energy levels. Most users realize that taking too much cocaine hydrochloride, even in very small dosages, can be highly addictive and toxic. If you or a friend are interested in trying cocaine, do so only under the supervision of a licensed doctor or health care provider.