Coke Bloat Causes, Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse, & Treatment

Cocaine Addiction Statistics

The second most trafficked illegal substance worldwide is cocaine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, death from overdose can occur on the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly after that. Many people who use cocaine also drink alcohol simultaneously, which is particularly risky and can lead to overdose. Others mix cocaine with heroin, another dangerous—and deadly—combination. [1]

 

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Why Do Some People Have A Puffy Face After Using Cocaine?

Coke bloat symptoms could result from common complications of sustained cocaine use, such as fluid retention or hormonal disturbances. However, perhaps the most likely cause is simply straying from the pure stuff. Though there may be a lot of factors at play, maybe one reason why those with sustained cocaine use often appear with a face that looks ‘puffy’ or ‘swollen’ could be the adulterant present in most cocaine samples. 

Levamisole is used primarily as an anthelmintic drug, which is used to get rid of worms and other internal parasites. The FDA previously approved its use in the treatment of colon cancer. Still, it’s no longer used in the U.S. and Canada because of reports that it caused a condition called agranulocytosis, which causes a severe reduction of white cells in the blood. 

Levamisole is a joint-cutting agent in cocaine. It’s estimated to be present in approximately 80% of the cocaine seized in the U.S., so it’s exceedingly prevalent. [4] Levamisole, when metabolized, creates a compound called aminorex that has psychostimulatory properties of its own. As a result, levamisole prolongs the stimulatory effects of cocaine use. This, in addition to its physical similarity to cocaine, is likely why it’s also addictive.

In addition to many side effects, levamisole causes glands to swell, and one of the glands that can explain a ‘puffy’ face is the parotid gland. The parotid glands are the most prominent salivary glands right in front of the ear. When met with an irritant such as levamisole, swelling is a possibility. 

Does Coke Bloat Go Away?

The internet is full of anecdotal coke bloat cures that people swear by, but there’s no evidence to back them up. Here are some of the most commonly recommended tips:

There’s no guaranteed fix, and while you can try the above strategies, they might not offer much relief. But as the cocaine leaves your system, the bloating should start to subside.

What About General Bloating?

Facial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms. Emergency treatment is needed if burns cause facial swelling or if you have breathing problems.

Abusing cocaine may also cause non-facial bloating for a few reasons. For one, cocaine causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels, resulting in a buildup of lymphatic fluid that can cause bloating and swelling.

This vasoconstriction may also add up to the development of peritonitis or inflammation of the inner lining of the abdomen. One of the main symptoms of peritonitis is bloating. Finally, not staying hydrated can also play a huge role. When the body isn’t getting enough water, it can slow down or stop digestion and hold onto excess fluid or water to help counter the effects of dehydration. As a result, the individual can experience some general bloating.

Cocaine isn’t new, nor are all of its slang terms and nicknames. Drug slang is any non-medical term for a substance, whether drugs or alcohol. This could be creative, new names or abbreviations for otherwise well-known substances that allow them to be discussed without outside parties knowing.

You might see them searching for “does diet coke make you bloated” or “coke and mentos bloat,” but it may be more than “diet coke bloat” they’re looking for. Remember that “coke” is also an infamous nickname for cocaine drug. Have you noticed your loved one asking about “does diet coke cause bloating?” or about mentos and coke bloat? Are there any suspicious things they’re hiding behind their words? If it’s hard to understand, then it’s time to evaluate the changes that might be happening in their appearance and behavior.

How Does Taking Cocaine Affect Your Skin?

Using coke will also restrict your skin’s healing capacity, which won’t regenerate as quickly as before. This can result in the worsening of acne and premature aging. Even if you think you don’t abuse cocaine, possibly just consuming a small amount at the weekend, this will still significantly affect the skin.

Not only will it cause the skin to become dehydrated and dry, but it will also increase your chance of rashes. It can have a detrimental impact, such as skin necrosis, which means the skin is dead. Cocaine can kill the skin cells, leading to red or brownish patches on this skin. This happens because taking cocaine reduces the lack of oxygen and blood supply, and as a result, it damages the white cells of the blood, leading to skin necrosis.

The contraction of blood vessels and increased inflammation can also trigger redness, eczema, skin irritation, and even the appearance of ulcers. And because wounds will take longer to heal, you may end up with scarring.

Common Skin Problems Caused by Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine can also make you more inclined to suffer from skin-picking disorder, increasing the possibility of infection and damage. Individuals who abuse coke or meth show signs of “dermatillomania” – an obsession with picking at the skin.

Sometimes they have the sensation of bugs crawling on or in their skin, called delusions of parasitosis. Some coke users use needles and blades to cut their skin open to remove the bugs. Other times, coke users have itching or tingling on their skin, resulting in deep scratches and excoriations.

They often focus on tiny imperfections on their skin and pick at them until they bleed, causing scars and discoloration. This leads to a cycle of even more picking, where they scratch the scabs that occurred from their initial picking. The constant scratching of the skin leads to inflammation, ulcers, scarring, and pigmentation.

Treatment For Cocaine Addiction

Millions of people in the United States use cocaine each year. At least one million live with a cocaine use disorder. Treatment for cocaine addiction generally begins with cocaine detox, followed by an inpatient rehab program. Physical therapy starts with removing the toxic effects of cocaine from the body, known as detoxification or “detox.” To successfully handle cocaine withdrawal symptoms, supervised and medically-assisted detox is recommended. Cocaine withdrawal can range from a few days to months—the risk of returning to use increases as the body attempts to rebalance.

Treatment for cocaine addiction may include:

Find the Right Cocaine Addiction Treatment Plan at We Level Up New Jersey

Some people detox from cocaine at home. However, it is not advisable to detox by yourself at home because of the dangerous effects of cocaine withdrawal. Most importantly, the risk of cocaine overdose is high regardless of a person’s experience with the drug. It is necessary to get people into a drug rehab center at the first sign and symptoms of drug abuse, including coke bloat.

3 Most Coke Bloat Frequently Asked Questions FAQs