If you use cocaine regularly, then you might notice various side effects. One common side effect of using cocaine is nosebleeds, which can be quite hard to manage. In this blog, we’re answering the question, why do I get nosebleeds after cocaine?
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is an illegal drug that is highly addictive. It can come in different forms, including crystals or powder, meaning it can be taken in various ways. Common ways to take the substance include snorting, smoking or injecting it.
The drug is derived from the coca plant and was previously used as an anaesthetic. The drug is often found to create a sense of euphoria and energy, but it can have some adverse side effects.
It is often used by people wanting to experience a high. The dangers rise when people take more of the substance on a regular basis to try and maintain this ‘high’. This can lead to cocaine addiction.
Cocaine addiction is unlikely to get better on its own and will likely require specialist support from a high-quality rehab centre. Cocaine can have devastating impacts on people’s lives, so it’s important to spot when it’s becoming a problem in your life.
Is it normal to get nosebleeds after cocaine?
Snorting cocaine can cause a number of different nasal symptoms. These can signal that something is wrong, and you may require treatment to deal with them effectively.
Nosebleeds are a common side effect of taking cocaine. Nosebleeds occur as a result of damage to the nasal blood vessels. People may also notice skin irritation around the nose, which may also cause some bleeding.
Other nasal symptoms associated with long-term cocaine use
- Persistent runny nose and sniffing
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Sinus problems
- Experiencing problems with your sense of smell
- Having scabs in the nasal passages
- Deviated nasal septum
Why do I get nosebleeds after taking cocaine?
When people take cocaine, it makes the blood vessels constrict. This means that the vessels have reduced blood flow, but tissues in the body require healthy blood flow. Snorting cocaine not only causes problems with the blood vessels but also with the skin, nasal tissues, cartilage and bones, including the nasal septum.
It’s worth noting that taking cocaine in other ways also comes with its own negative side effects. Read our blog on what is coke jaw and why does it happen?
How to deal with nosebleeds from cocaine
If you are experiencing a nosebleed from cocaine, then it’s important that you take some time to let it settle before resuming normal activities.
- Sit down and lean your body forward as best you can
- Keep breathing through your mouth
- Use a tissue to catch blood, but only use it on the outside of the nose – do not put the tissue up the nostrils
- Gently press your nostrils closed for a few minutes until the bleeding eases
If you cannot settle the nosebleed after 20 minutes, you need to seek medical support. This could be a sign of something more serious that may even be life-threatening. Be honest with the medical professional at every stage so they can provide you with the best care.
After you have dealt with the initial nosebleed, you should seek professional treatment. Chronic cocaine inhalation is not good for you and can quickly take over your life.
Long-term issues with the nose
Chronic cocaine use and frequent nosebleeds can lead to other issues, such as sinus and nasal diseases. Some of these can include sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasal perforation or a deviated septum. It’s crucial that you seek medical support if you are worried about any of these issues.
Chronic cocaine use can also cause the immune system to become overactive and can lead to issues such as vasculitis. This is where damaged blood vessels cause inflammation and swelling. Cocaine-induced nasal damage can have severe complications.
What are the other side effects of taking cocaine?
There are various short and long-term side effects of taking cocaine. Here are just a few.
Short-term effects of cocaine use
- Increased dopamine (making it hard to regulate after use)
- Increased energy
- Increased sensitivity to the senses
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
- Restlessness
- Anxiety – read our blog on can cocaine cause anxiety?
- Tremors and twitches
- Violent behaviour
- Increased risk-taking
Long-term effects of cocaine abuse
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Sinus infections
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Liver and kidney damage
- Increased risk of cardiovascular issues
- Damage to the nasal structures caused by diminished blood flow
Getting help for a cocaine addiction
As we mentioned earlier in the blog, a cocaine addiction is unlikely to get better without professional treatment and support.
Even if you only take cocaine every now and again, it can have severe consequences on your physical and mental health. Find out more about our cocaine addiction treatment.
At Acquiesce, we create personalised treatment plans to help you address your unique needs and triggers. We can provide you with the skills you need to overcome your addiction safely.
When you choose to attend our rehab centre in Bolton, we promise that you’ll have access to a supportive environment and team of specialists who truly care about you. Read our blog on personal stories of recovery from cocaine addiction.
Are you looking for support with a cocaine addiction? Contact our friendly team today for a confidential chat about how we can help.
