Anyone who grew up during the Reagan era or had kids during that time remembers the phrase “Just Say No” (to drugs, of course). In schools, we may have heard the term “crack is whack,” but that hasn’t stopped millions of people from trying this potentially deadly stimulant. Accelerating physical and psychological functions, cocaine (derived from the Amazonian coca plant) is a dangerous drug that peaks after 2 minutes and leaves an addict craving more and more. However, perhaps one of the most infamous ways cocaine affects your body is by blasting a valve in your heart (literally). So, how does Peruvian marching powder affect the most important muscle in your body? Let’s take a closer look at the facts and find out more information.
Four Steps of Cocaine Blasting
According to reports, people who experiment with cocaine or have become addicted to the drug will experience four specific stages after consuming the powder. Here are some examples of the four stages of cocaine use:
- An overwhelming sense of euphoria, overconfidence, and arrogance
- A terrible crash (following a high), leaving the user wanting more of the drug
- Body temperatures rise to a dangerous level (hyperthermia), overheating vital organs like the brain (which can lead to strokes)
- Heart works overtime to compensate for the burst of energy and heat (tachycardia)
Additional dangers of cocaine use include the transmission of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, nosebleeds, and severe damage to the kidneys.
Cocaine and Your Heart
Simply put, your heart is a powerful muscle that requires a supply of oxygen (from hemoglobin) from coronary blood vessels, but, when a person consumes cocaine, the heart is immediately impacted. As a result of taking the stimulant, the user’s heartbeat and blood pressure skyrocket (alpha adrenergic), and the blood vessels tighten (vasoconstriction), meaning less blood flow and fewer deliveries of life-saving oxygen to the muscle. This ultimate mismatch of supply and demand ultimately sends the heart into shock, resulting in myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Keep in mind that first-time users and hardcore addicts can suffer from heart attacks after consuming the deadly stimulant cocaine.
Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
