Cocaine use stimulates the brain and central nervous system, and can result in a variety of adverse outcomes. The effect that cocaine has on an individual depends on a number of factors. These include:

•          how much cocaine is taken
•          the method of use
•          the form and purity of the cocaine
•          the height and weight of the user
•         the user’s current physical and mental health status
•          the user’s previous experience with cocaine (i.e. new user vs frequent user)
•          whether other substances (alcohol, tobacco, medications, or other illicit drugs) are used at the same time as cocaine.

There are a variety of physical health risks associated with cocaine use. Many of these risks are very serious and can result in severe short- and long-term consequences for the user.

Long-term use of cocaine can result in nasal damage, breathing problems, chronic coughing and lung damage. Severe consequences of cocaine use can include weight loss and malnourishment, impaired cognition, cardiovascular problems and heart attack, neurological damage, seizures, stroke, comas and death. The use of cocaine in combination with alcohol or opioids can be particularly dangerous.

Regular use of cocaine may also lead to dependence (addiction). Dependent users develop a tolerance to cocaine, and need to take larger doses of the drug to achieve the same effect and feel ‘normal’. The urge to use cocaine can become more important than other activities in their lives, resulting in poor physical and mental health, social and financial problems, and family and social breakdown. See FAQ What are the diagnostic criteria for cocaine-related mental health disorders?