Adverse effects of cocaine abuse.
Specific consequences of cocaine abuse on health and psycho-social functioning were assessed in 55 cocaine-abusing subjects who called a telephone "helpline." REsults showed a high incidence and wide range of adverse consequences including: impairment of job functioning, interpersonal relationships, and financial status; disturbances of mood and cognitive functioning; psychiatric symptoms of depression, paranoia, and increased suicidal/violent tendencies; and physical symptoms of exhaustion, weight loss, sleep problems, and seizures. Cocaine-related automobile accidents, suicide attempts, and violent acts, including a cocaine-related homicide, were also reported. Intranasal users reported no fewer and no less severe adverse consequences than free-base smokers or intravenous users. Our findings challenge popular notions that cocaine is a benign "recreational" drug and that the intranasal route of administration guarantees protection against addictive patterns of use and adverse effects.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012917:Social Adjustment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology
D003042:Cocaine