Snorting Cocaine (Insufflation) | Dangers And Side Effects

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse. Doctors in the United States may use the drug for valid medical purposes, such as a local anesthetic during some surgeries. Still, cocaine is typically seen recreationally in the form of a white powder that a person may snort or mix with water and inject.

People often abuse cocaine through snorting to feel a quick onset of desired effects. While snorting cocaine produces a quick high, it can lead to other unwanted and even dangerous effects.

Some of the most severe, long-term dangers associated with snorting cocaine may include:

• internal tears and ulcerations
• weight loss and malnutrition
• heart problems including aortic ruptures
• increased risk for stroke and seizures

Of course, the risk of overdose is another potential danger of cocaine abuse.

Dangers And Risks Of Snorting Cocaine

All central nervous system stimulants, including cocaine and crack cocaine, come with certain dangers. Cocaine is particularly addictive, which can lead to repeated drug use over time and increase the risk of severe side effects or adverse reactions.

Cocaine can be abused in many ways. Freebase cocaine is heated and inhaled, while crack cocaine is smoked. While all of these methods come with their own risks, snorting cocaine can be particularly damaging to your body.

In addition to the listed dangers, people who snort cocaine are at a higher risk for other potentially severe side effects, including:

• raised body temperature and blood pressure
• constricted blood vessels
• nasal septum perforation
• tremors and muscle twitches
• respiratory system depression

Additional side effects from snorting cocaine may include loss of the sense of smell, nosebleeds, a runny nose, and problems with swallowing.

Snorting Cocaine Overdose Risk

A cocaine overdose can happen if a person takes enough of the drug to cause severe adverse reactions, life-threatening symptoms, or sudden death.

Since cocaine is often snorted, smoked, or injected, an overdose could easily occur intentionally or unintentionally.

Cocaine overdoses may lead to any of the following health consequences:

• chest pains
• increased heart rate
• increased blood flow/high blood pressure
• high body temperature
• cardiac arrest (heart attack)
• seizures
• stroke

If you suspect a cocaine overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911 immediately.

Other Risks Of Cocaine Abuse

In addition to increasing the risk of overdose, cocaine abuse can lead to several physical and mental health effects. These effects can range from moderate to severe.

Other risks of cocaine abuse may include:

• gastrointestinal system issues including tears and ulcers
• cardiovascular effects
• respiratory system issues including sinus infections if cocaine is being snorted
• weight loss that could lead to malnourishment

Finally, people who abuse cocaine by injecting it could be at a higher risk for Hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS if needles are shared.

Physical Effects

When a person snorts cocaine, the drug reaches the brain in only minutes. There, it’s able to create a buildup of dopamine that may last between 15 to 30 minutes. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that deals with pleasure and reward.

If a person abuses cocaine for a long period of time, their brain may eventually get used to the dopamine buildup. The lack of dopamine that a person experiences when they stop taking cocaine can lead to undesirable withdrawal symptoms and lasting physical effects.

In addition to affecting how a person’s body creates and recycles dopamine, snorting cocaine can have other physical effects including:

• lower convulsive threshold (increased risk of seizures)
• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• constricted blood vessels
• nausea
• tremors and muscle twitches
• restlessness
• inflammation of the nasal cavity if cocaine is being snorted

Other physical effects may include loss of appetite that could eventually lead to malnutrition.

Long-term cocaine use has been associated with movement disorders due to its effects on dopamine pathways. Some research suggests a potential link to increased Parkinson’s disease risk, though the relationship is not fully established and remains an active area of study.

Mental Health Effects

In addition to physical effects, cocaine also has effects on the mind. The short-term mental effects of cocaine can vary depending on how cocaine is abused.

For example, snorting cocaine may lead to a slower onset time and less intense effects compared to smoking or injecting the drug. Still, the risks can be equally as dangerous.

Possible short-term mental health effects of cocaine may include:

• increased alertness and excitation
• restlessness
• irritability
• anxiety
• paranoia

If cocaine is abused for a long period of time, there could be additional mental health effects related to withdrawal symptoms, including new or worsening depression.

If you or someone you love experiences severe depression or suicidal thoughts during withdrawal, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Fentanyl Contamination

An increasing danger in the current illicit supply is fentanyl contamination. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is frequently detected in cocaine, often without the buyer’s knowledge.

Fentanyl causes respiratory depression rather than stimulation, meaning someone who snorts contaminated cocaine may experience a very different and potentially fatal overdose.

Fentanyl test strips can detect its presence before use and are available at most harm reduction organizations and many pharmacies. It’s also recommended to keep Naloxone on hand.

Levamisole Contamination

Cocaine from illicit sources is also frequently adulterated with levamisole. This veterinary medication can cause agranulocytosis, which is a severe reduction in white blood cells that compromises the immune system.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and susceptibility to serious infections. Anyone who uses cocaine and develops unexplained fever or recurrent infections should mention their cocaine use to a treating physician immediately.

Polysubstance Abuse Snorting Cocaine With Other Drugs

Many people who struggle with a substance use disorder may mix drugs in order to get a certain effect. This is called polysubstance abuse. Unfortunately, this type of addiction can be harder to overcome and could lead to more dangerous health risks.

Cocaine is often taken alongside alcohol or opioids, such as heroin. Either of these mixtures can create a deadly combination.

Since cocaine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, this can cause a person to take higher doses of one substance or the other. This can easily lead to an unintentional overdose.

Additionally, using cocaine and an opioid such as heroin together is a common practice called “speedballing.” This combination can also increase the risk of overdose or permanent damage.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Abuse

The most common signs, symptoms, and side effects of cocaine abuse could include:

• decreased sociability
• weight loss
• loss of interest in hobbies
• not showing up to work, school, or social events

These signs and symptoms may be more noticeable when cocaine is taken in higher doses or being mixed with other drugs.

If you’ve noticed these signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, reach out to a treatment specialist today to talk about the possibility of cocaine addiction.

Treatment Options For Cocaine Addiction

There are several treatment options available for snorting cocaine. Cocaine abuse and addiction can be treated with inpatient programs and outpatient programs.

Inpatient treatment is more immersive, intensive, and generally the most effective treatment option for people who struggle with cocaine abuse. With this type of treatment, a person will go to a detox facility and stay full-time for several days, weeks, or months while receiving treatment.

Of course, inpatient treatment isn’t always the best or most practical option. People with jobs, families, and other obligations may find an outpatient treatment program more accessible.

With outpatient treatment programs, people typically visit a treatment center several times weekly to get the support and resources to overcome drug addiction.

Most cocaine abuse treatment options include:

• behavioral counseling
• medication-based treatments
• group or individual therapy
• contingency management or motivational incentives
• evaluation and treatment for other mental health illnesses
• long-term follow-up appointments to prevent relapse

Find Help For A Cocaine Addiction Today

When a person stops using cocaine, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including intense cravings, fatigue, depression, and irritability.

Cocaine withdrawal is generally not medically dangerous in the same way that alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be. However, the psychological symptoms, particularly severe depression and suicidal ideation, can be serious and are best managed with professional support.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff