Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is illegal in the United States but widely abused for various reasons.
Not only is it highly addictive, but its use can also lead to drastic changes in the body. Along with damaging internal organs, long-term abuse may also lead to a dramatic and unhealthy decrease in weight. Banyan’s Heartland treatment center is taking a look at the causes of cocaine weight loss and why, in this case, a thin figure is not necessarily a victory.
Does Cocaine Make You Skinny?
Sometimes nicknamed “the skinny drug,” cocaine weight loss is not uncommon. This illegal drug has a reputation for use among women for this specific reason. While traditionally considered a male’s drug of choice, more and more women are turning to cocaine to shed some pounds. Although they may have been successful in their weight loss journey because of it, the reward does not outweigh the risk.
Everyone is different, and how cocaine use will impact someone can vary. Because cocaine is so addictive, most people are unable to stop their consumption without formal cocaine addiction treatment at our Gilman, IL, Banyan rehab. Other people become addicted to cocaine because of the euphoric high it provides, and weight loss is just a consequence of continued abuse. Regardless of the reason for abuse, over time, this could cause the user to become underweight or even lead to malnourishment. Both can lead to other serious health problems if ignored.
How Does Cocaine Make You Lose Weight?
New research suggests that the biggest reason for weight loss from cocaine is because of the way the drug impacts metabolism and the body’s ability to store fat. A study of cocaine-dependent men found that although their diet was high in fat, they were not gaining weight as would normally be expected. Researchers believe that the main reason for this difference is that chronic cocaine abuse interferes with metabolism in a way that causes an imbalance in fat intake versus fat storage. Unfortunately, it takes time for the body to correct this imbalance. During cocaine detox and early recovery, many users will experience unwanted weight gain.1
It is also worth noting that, as a stimulant, cocaine causes people to feel energized and more alert. For regular cocaine users, this often means long periods of wakefulness and activity that may take the place of normal sleeping hours. For this reason, regular cocaine users may burn more calories than they would have otherwise. Along with an increase in energy, cocaine is also rumored to suppress appetite. Not only will users be awake and active, but also, they may not eat while under the influence of this drug. Regular and heavy cocaine users often don’t eat regularly, and when they do, it is not a full meal. When these poor eating habits become routine, they can lead to unhealthy weight loss.
The Dangers of Cocaine Weight Loss
Consuming cocaine to lose weight can be extremely risky and even fatal. High blood pressure, seizures, and heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat or heart attack, can all be brought on by cocaine usage. Additionally, it may result in psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and paranoia. Many people who use cocaine for weight loss develop drug dependence, which can result in addiction and a variety of other issues. Overall, using cocaine as a weight-loss aid can be very risky in addition to being ineffective.
Cocaine use can significantly affect a person's social and professional life. The drug may cause erratic conduct and bad judgment, which may harm relationships, lead to job loss, and result in legal problems. Cocaine users may also run into financial difficulties due to the drug's high price, which can result in financial ruin. Additionally, using cocaine can result in an extremely difficult-to-break cycle of addiction and recovery.
Instead of using risky and potentially fatal substances like cocaine, people who want to lose weight should look for safe and efficient alternatives like a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The Importance of Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
The harm caused by this form of drug abuse should not be disregarded. With detrimental effects on a person’s physical, mental, and even financial well-being, seeking out treatment before the problem escalates is crucial. At Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland, our residential rehab program helps people not only overcome their substance abuse problems but also address the ancillary issues related to these disorders. This, combined with building a foundation for a healthy lifestyle, leads to lasting success in recovery. We are proud to offer Illinois addiction recovery from cocaine and hope those in need seek out the resources that we have available.
If you or someone you love struggle with an addiction to cocaine, call us today at 888-280-4763 to get help.
Source:
- NCBI - The skinny on cocaine: Insights into eating behavior and body weight in cocaine-dependent men
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