When people ingest, inject, or snort cocaine, it stimulates the central nervous system by increasing dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and pleasure.
Specifically, when cocaine is used, it blocks the reuptake of dopamine, leading to an accumulation of dopamine in the synaptic cleft.
This excess dopamine results in the intense euphoria and heightened mood commonly associated with cocaine use.
Cocaine also affects the gastrointestinal system.
Cocaine can make you poop abnormally or cause you to become constipated.
Different factors determine how users will react to cocaine.
Let’s get into the details…
Cocaine Can Make You Poop
Yes, cocaine can make you poop.
The three main reasons are:
- The additives that commonly lace the drug, not necessarily the active ingredient, cocaine hydrochloride
- Long-term use, which damages the GI system
- Cocaine’s effect on the Gut-Brain Axis and Anxiety
While the effects of cocaine on the central nervous system are well-known, its impact on the digestive system is often overlooked.
This article will explore the connection between cocaine use and its influence on your bowel movements, shedding light on the various factors that contribute to this phenomenon and discussing the potential health risks associated with cocaine abuse.
Key Takeaways
- Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and can cause mental alertness, hypersensitivity, irritability, and paranoia
- People who use cocaine experience significant effects on their digestive system, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and weight loss
- Street dealers often lace cocaine with fillers, which can cause undesirable side effects and interfere with its effects on the body
- Long-term cocaine use can lead to complications such as respiratory problems, severe bowel decay, bleeding, perforation, and bloodborne infections
Physical Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of cocaine, particularly on the central nervous system, are thoroughly documented and extensively researched.
The following side effects can also occur shortly after ingesting cocaine:
- Decreased appetite, which may contribute to constipation
- Increase in blood pressure
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors
- Increase in mental alertness
- Euphoria (extreme happiness)
- Hypersensitivity
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Dilated pupils
- Increase in body temperature
How cocaine affects the digestive system
In terms of its effects on the digestive system, cocaine’s impact is typically experienced when the drug is ingested orally.
The most common GI side effect that a user experiences is nausea.
Prolonged use of cocaine can have significant effects on the digestive system.
As a powerful stimulant, cocaine affects various systems in the body, including the gastrointestinal system.
When cocaine is ingested orally, it can lead to digestive issues.
However, it’s important to note that cocaine doesn’t directly make you constipated or cause extra bowel movements.
The effects of cocaine on the digestive system are primarily due to its impact on blood flow.
Cocaine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.
This can result in various digestive issues, such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Prolonged cocaine use even pure cocaine, can lead to bleeding, severe bowel decay, and intestinal perforations, further exacerbating digestive problems.
Additionally, the purity of the cocaine and the presence of cutting agents can affect the digestive system.
Street dealers often lace cocaine with additives to stretch their supply and increase profits.
These “cutting agents” may contribute to the need to use the bathroom.
Additionally, the cutting agents found in cocaine are remarkably dangerous and can include:
- talcum powder
- cement
- kerosene
- gasoline
- laundry detergent
Different mixtures and purities of cocaine can also result in varying effects on bowel movements.
Cocaine may contain other drugs like amphetamines, which can affect bowel movements.
The presence of additives like fentanyl can also cause constipation.
Furthermore, the presence of fentanyl can result in overdose, respiratory depression, and death.
If you’re struggling with a cocaine addiction and experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help so that you may detox safely.
The long-term effects of cocaine abuse on the digestive system can have serious consequences, and addressing the underlying drug addiction is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Effects of cocaine abuse: Anxiety and digestive issues
Cocaine use can contribute to digestive issues, specifically in relation to anxiety and its impact on the gastrointestinal system.
As we know, cocaine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and the intestine.
The effects of the drug can induce anxiety and paranoia, which can, in turn, lead to digestive issues.
When the brain experiences anxiety, it can directly affect the digestive system through the Vagus nerve.
The Vagus nerve controls aspects of the limbic, gastrointestinal, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
I talk about the gut-brain connection to anxiety and stress in my article here.
Additionally, intestinal distress can also be caused by or result in depression.
In the case of frequent anxiety attacks in cocaine users, bouts of diarrhea can occur.
Geriatricacademy.com is reader-supported and may earn a commission from bookings made on online-therapy.com via the link below. Thank you for supporting our website!
Cocaine addiction treatment programs
If you need help with cocaine misuse, know that help is available.
Talk with your doctor or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) for help.
They can help you identify and get connected to treatment facilities in a non-judgmental and confidential manner.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective if you want immediate or one-on-one private help in a virtual setting.
I recommend online-therapy.com, a highly reputable and excellent resource.
Signing up and getting connected to a licensed mental health professional literally takes four steps on their website.
You will receive a 20% discount your first month for trying them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effects of cocaine use can have a significant impact on the digestive system, causing more frequent bowel movements.
This is due to the stimulation of the central nervous system and increased dopamine levels.
Additionally, the additives and impurities in cocaine, such as cement, gasoline, kerosine, etc, may contribute to this effect.
Prolonged use of cocaine can cause severe bowel decay and other health risks.
It’s important to be aware of these potential complications and seek help for cocaine abuse.
