The Dangers & Effects of Casual Cocaine Use

What Is Classed as Casual Cocaine Use?

Cocaine is a strong stimulant drug used for recreational purposes all around the world, but what is classed as casual usage?

Casual cocaine use could look like using cocaine only at social events, using less than somebody who is addicted, using it in recreational settings as opposed to using it as a coping mechanism or alone and also having a lack of dependency and instead feeling like you do indeed have control.

This casual use may last some time, but there is always the risk and danger of it going too far and spiralling out of control.

Cocaine is addictive, and tolerance can rise quickly, meaning you may find that even during recreational usage, you need more to chase the high you once had. This is when it gets very serious, the dangers of cocaine are always clear, but with more frequency, the dangers become much more prevalent and, ultimately, can soon turn into denial about having an addiction.

Due to the growing ‘normalisation’ of cocaine use as a recreational substance, it can be easy for users to pass off addiction as casual, social use – downplaying the seriousness of any form of substance abuse.

That being said, it is incredibly important to recognise signs that the effects of casual cocaine use have spiralled and have turned into an addiction; before we get into further details of the signs to look out for, here are some of the most common signs of cocaine addiction.

Why Is Cocaine So Addictive?

Cocaine produces a range of effects, which include increased energy and self-confidence, as well as euphoria, making it one of the UK’s favourite party drugs; how dangerous is cocaine, and why is it so addictive?

For many, taking cocaine over the weekend has become as much of a habit as drinking a few pints with friends. The reason behind cocaine’s addictiveness is due to the brain’s ‘reward system’ making it even harder to stop once the frequency of use ramps up.

Primarily, dopamine release is a key player. This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reward, and when cocaine is taken, a burst of dopamine is released, emitting immense feelings of euphoria, pleasure and confidence.

This feeling is chased again and again every time a user takes cocaine to recreate this feeling. This is why addiction formulates so easily, as with repetitive usage comes higher tolerance and higher doses – with this comes addiction.

Ultimately, it is pleasure that makes users chase the high, but this is an incredibly dangerous chase and can end fatally. With the increasing normalisation of cocaine use, users often ask, ‘is cocaine bad?’ – the answer? Yes.

So, if you’re worried about your or somebody else cocaine habits, read below some of the telling signs that a casual cocaine habit has turned into something more sinister and get the help you need.

#1 You Feel Like You Need Cocaine For Every Night Out

A sure sign that you are developing a reliance or addiction on cocaine is feeling like you cannot enjoy any night out with friends without taking the drug.

If the idea that you would go out and not take cocaine seems impossible to you, then you need to get help as soon as possible.

Cocaine shouldn’t be a normalised activity in the same way drinking culture may be; it should be taken at face value, and this is the fact that it is a high-class illegal substance that is addictive, dangerous and can lead to fatalities.

#3 You Have Consistent Stomach Upsets

Whilst any substance abuse leaves you prone to catching illnesses, cocaine specifically affects the blood flow through your body and to your organs.

When your stomach and intestines lose blood flow, they can become inflamed, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and painful stomach cramps.

Over time, this organ damage can increase and lead to more serious problems, such as necrotic bowel tissue, which could be fatal.

#5 You Feel Anxious All The Time

A cocaine high causes users to feel over-confident and social, making them feel more able to enjoy a night out with friends.

However, the comedown from cocaine causes the opposite effects, with users feeling anxious, paranoid and ‘on edge’. Over time, your brain becomes reliant on cocaine to feel confident and social, meaning that whenever you are not high, you feel depressed and paranoid.

If you are starting to feel restless and anxious constantly, then this is a clear sign that you might be suffering from a dependence on cocaine.

#7 You’re Taking Bigger Risks

Risky behaviour is heavily correlated with cocaine use.

You might find that you are doing drugs at work, stealing or selling things to fund your habit, or just getting yourself into dangerous situations that you would not have previously done.

Cocaine impairs your judgement, making these ideas seem positive at the time, but this can also be a sign that your need for the drug is starting to overrule your sense of self-preservation.