Long-term use of cocaine can have serious and lasting effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Some of the physical consequences of prolonged cocaine use may include cardiovascular damage, such as heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats, respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, gastrointestinal complications, such as ulcers and bowel decay, kidney damage, liver damage, and an increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a concerning increase in cocaine overdose fatalities, with over 16,000 deaths reported in 2020.