Coke Jaw: Understanding the Dangers of Cocaine Use
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Cocaine, or coke, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can result in a variety of physical and psychological health complications. In addition to being called coke, cocaine goes by many different names and is often abused for its energizing and euphoric effects. Sadly, this can quickly escalate into physical ailments that are hard to manage on one’s own. An example of this is seen in instances known as coke jaw, a consequence that can drastically affect a person’s health and appearance. Learn about coke jaw and other dangers of cocaine abuse with Legacy Healing.
What Is Coke Jaw?
Coke jaw is a condition that occurs when someone abuses cocaine, causing them to clench their jaw tightly for extended periods. This tension can lead to various dental and oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain. Over time, these issues can become severe and even cause permanent damage to the teeth and gums.
One of the primary causes of coke jaw is the muscle tension that occurs when someone abuses cocaine. As a stimulant drug, cocaine causes the muscles to contract and tighten, leading to a range of physical symptoms, including jaw clenching. This clenching can occur for extended periods, leading to chronic tension and strain on the muscles of the jaw.
In addition to quitting cocaine, there are several other treatment options available for coke jaw. These may include:
- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and swelling in the jaw.
- Muscle relaxants: Prescription muscle relaxants can help reduce muscle tension and spasms in the jaw.
- Dental treatment: Depending on the severity of the dental problems caused by coke jaw, dental treatment may be necessary. This could include fillings, crowns, or even tooth extraction in severe cases.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help relieve muscle tension and improve jaw mobility.
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help individuals with coke jaw learn techniques for managing stress and reducing jaw clenching.
- Surgery: In severe cases of coke jaw, surgery may be necessary to correct damage to the teeth or jawbone.
Unfortunately, this is far from the only negative side effect that a cocaine addict may experience.
Side Effects of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. When someone snorts, smokes, or injects cocaine, it causes a surge of dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria. However, this drug also causes a range of cocaine side effects.
Physical side effects include:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Constricted blood vessels
- Headaches and migraines
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Tremors and muscle twitches
- Insomnia
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Respiratory failure
Mental side effects include:
- Restlessness and agitation
- Euphoria and increased confidence
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Irritability and mood swings
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
It is important to consider that the severity and duration of these side effects can vary depending on the individual and the amount and frequency of cocaine use. Prolonged abuse can also lead to addiction, which can have far-reaching effects on a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help is crucial for anyone struggling with cocaine addiction.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment at Legacy
If you are in the midst of addiction and are uncertain of the steps necessary to stop, many of our Legacy Healing Center locations offer cocaine detox programs that can effectively help patients in overcoming withdrawal symptoms. After completing this program, patients can pursue comprehensive treatment for cocaine addiction that addresses all facets of their substance use disorder.
Call us today at 888-534-2295 to learn more about these programs and how they can help you overcome your own addiction.