Shooting (Injecting) Cocaine: Dangers And Side Effects

What Happens When You Inject Cocaine?

When someone first begins using cocaine, they usually snort it through their nose since this is the least invasive method of getting it into the bloodstream. Later on, people start injecting it because this will give them a faster high.

But this method increases the risk of becoming addicted or physically dependent on the substance. The euphoric sensation that occurs from injecting cocaine causes the brain and body to develop strong cravings for the substance.

Is It Safe To Inject Cocaine?

It is never safe to inject any type of illegal drugs into the body because of the potential damage that can be caused to the skin and veins, especially when someone doesn’t know how to inject cocaine.

Since cocaine is a powder, it has to be mixed with a liquid, like water, before it can be drawn up into a hypodermic needle to inject into the body.

Cocaine doesn’t always dissolve very easily, especially if any other substances have been mixed in with it. This can cause powdery clumps to form in the bloodstream, which can lead to the development of blood clots.

Side Effects Of Shooting (Injecting) Cocaine

The side effects of shooting cocaine can be identified more easily by looking at the way the drug affects a person’s mind and body. Initially, the brain will be flooded with neurochemicals that give them confidence, courage, and a strong euphoric sensation, which can easily be mistaken for happiness.

Then, their energy will start to pick up. This can make them feel as if they are able to accomplish anything. The positive attributes of the drug don’t last long, though.

Within a matter of minutes, the body is affected on a multi-system basis, which means that nearly all of the organs are being damaged at the same time.

Behavioral Side Effects

The side effects of shooting cocaine that can be seen by looking at a person’s behavior include:

• lying about using cocaine
• borrowing or stealing money to purchase cocaine
• avoiding friends and family members
• risky behavior
• increased libido
• constant mood swings
• acting violently
• paranoia
• aggression and hostility
• talking and moving quickly
• restlessness
• acting superior to other people

Physical Side Effects

Some of the physical side effects of shooting cocaine are:

• heart attack
• high blood pressure
• arrhythmia
• chest pain
• headaches
• seizures
• kidney damage
• lung dysfunction
• brain hemorrhage
• hyperthermia
• skin infections
• collapsed veins
• gangrene
• coma
• death

Dangers Of Shooting (Injecting) Cocaine

The most serious dangers of injecting cocaine often happen because a person injects too much of the drug into their body at once, as this can result in an overdose. Usually, this occurs when a person is using other drugs at the same time as cocaine, such as benzodiazepines or opioids.

Benzodiazepines and opioids suppress the central nervous system, while cocaine stimulates it. A person may take more cocaine in an attempt to balance out the effects of these other drugs, which in turn increases the risk of overdose.

Overdose

Signs of cocaine overdose include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, extreme agitation, seizures, hyperthermia, and loss of consciousness.

If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. If fentanyl contamination is possible, administer naloxone. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that provide limited legal protection to people who call 911 during an overdose.

Damage To Blood Vessel Linings

Damage to the blood vessel linings is another danger that can be caused by cocaine injection. This often occurs when shooting up cocaine because a person doesn’t have any medical training in how to give themselves shots.

Since they don’t really know how to shoot up, they may rely on other addicted individuals to give them shots or show them how to inject cocaine for the first time. Unfortunately, this often leads to vein damage because the needle is inserted improperly.

Cardiac Problems

When it is injected into the body, cocaine negatively affects the cardiovascular system by constricting the blood vessels and increasing a person’s blood pressure and heart rate very quickly.

This increases the chances of having a heart attack within minutes of the substance reaching the bloodstream. In fact, there have been some cases reported of people dying from a heart attack the first time they attempted this delivery method.

Bacterial And Viral Infections

Not knowing how to shoot up cocaine can lead to bacterial and viral infections because dirty needles that were shared with other people may be used.

This can result in cellulitis of the skin, gangrene, or staph infections. There’s also Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a dangerous bacterial infection associated with injection drug use.

Signs of MRSA include warm, red, swollen areas at or near injection sites, fever, and pus. Prompt medical attention is critical — untreated MRSA infections can be fatal.

It is also possible for a person who injects cocaine regularly to contract hepatitis or HIV.

People who inject cocaine can reduce their risk of infection, vein damage, and disease transmission by using sterile needles and never sharing injection equipment. Syringe service programs (SSPs) provide free sterile supplies and are available in most states. Find one at nasen.org.

Damage To Injection Site

Damage to the injection site can lead to noticeable scars on the body, which are called “track marks.” Track marks make it difficult for a person to go out in public without wearing long sleeves or pants.

Other people might see track marks and begin to ask questions about what caused them. This can make it difficult for a person to get a job or even spend time with their friends and family members without exposing their cocaine use issue.

Possible Fentanyl Contamination

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is increasingly detected in cocaine. Fentanyl is an opioid, meaning it causes respiratory depression rather than stimulation. Someone injecting cocaine laced with fentanyl may not realize they’re also using an opioid until overdose symptoms begin.

Fentanyl test strips can detect its presence before use. Naloxone should be on hand for anyone injecting cocaine obtained from illicit sources, and you can find it over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription.

How To Find Treatment For Cocaine Abuse And Addiction

The dangers and side effects of shooting cocaine severely impact a person’s body and mind, which can lead to a host of mental and physical illnesses if treatment is not received in time.

Many of the physical effects of injecting cocaine, including skin infections, early vein damage, and elevated blood pressure, can improve through long-term abstinence and appropriate medical care.

A primary care provider or wound care specialist can assess injection-related injuries and recommend treatment. The sooner cocaine use stops, the greater the potential for physical recovery.

To find help today, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff