“Coke Bloat:” What to Know About This Common Side Effect of Cocaine Use Disorder
Cocaine use disorder is a challenge faced by many. While cocaine causes a euphoric sensation, it is also highly addictive and brings with it various side effects. The only way to prevent these is to develop recovery strategies at a rehab treatment center.
A common side effect of cocaine use disorder is known as “coke bloat.” While this may not seem like a severe side effect, it can lead to greater health issues if you don’t cease cocaine use. If you need help stopping use, a drug treatment center can help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, contact Twin Town Treatment Centers for addiction treatment in Torrance, CA. Call us at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule a free initial assessment.
Defining Coke Bloat
Cocaine is made from the coca plant and comes in the form of a white powder. One important thing to note is that while the drug has innate side effects, many dealers will cut the drug with other substances like cornstarch or fentanyl, which can be fatal.
Cocaine addiction can cause a distinctive puffiness of the face known as “coke bloat.” This bloating is noticeable in the cheeks and under the chin, which is counterintuitive to the image of cocaine users with sunken cheeks presented by the media.
Understanding what to look for will help you identify “coke bloat,” which may indicate a cocaine use disorder and the necessity of seeking help from an addiction treatment facility.
Causes of Coke Bloat
There are several underlying causes for coke bloat due to substance use disorder. It may be linked to hormonal issues, which lead to excess fluid retention in the cheeks and chin. However, this isn’t the most common reason for coke bloat.
Coke bloat occurs most when you’re ingesting cocaine that is cut with other substances. A worrying statistic states that around 70 percent of cocaine is cut with levamisole, a deworming medication. Consuming this medication brings with it a host of problems.
These side effects include skin necrosis, joint pain, abdominal pain, seizures, and yes, even the face bloating known as coke bloat. This is due to a swelling of facial glands caused by ingesting medications like levamisole.
Another, more obvious cause of coke bloat is inflammation in the nasal passages. This is a likely side effect, given the favored method of consuming cocaine is through the nose. When these passages become blocked and irritated, a coke bloat-like appearance occurs.
How it Differs from Normal Bloating
It may be tricky to tell the difference between ordinary and coke-related bloating, given several factors can cause your face to bloat. These include a lack of sleep, allergies, nose surgery, or cellulitis, and aren’t necessarily cause for concern.
The obvious difference is the underlying cause of the puffiness. While reasonable factors can cause normal bloating, coke bloat is a direct result of substance use disorder. It indicates the possibility of worse side effects if cocaine addiction isn’t ceased or treated.
Treatment for Coke Bloat
There is only one way to permanently treat coke bloat, which is to stop cocaine use completely. If you struggle to stop using, you may need a drug rehab center to teach you recovery strategies and connect you with a 12-step community that can support your journey.
There are a few simple strategies for temporarily alleviating the stress of cocaine use disorder and its side effects. We encourage you to implement these while you seek addiction treatment from a drug treatment facility. However, these aren’t a permanent solution to coke bloat.
Coke bloat relief strategies
- A daily 10-minute circular face massage
- Cooling face masks that soothe inflammation
- A cold compress or cold show
- Derma roller on the affected areas
The only way to eliminate coke bloat is to quit cocaine use. This may be challenging for some who struggle with substance use disorder. If you or someone you know is in this situation, a drug treatment center may be able to help.
Find Recovery from Cocaine Use Disorder
Twin Town Treatment Centers offers a pathway to recovery supported by evidence-based strategies. We aim to deliver quality addiction treatment in Torrance, CA, using a personalized approach and holding our staff to the highest ethical standards.
We offer an intensive outpatient program that works with your schedule so you can get the care you need without financial strain. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, meth use disorder, or other substance use disorders, our experienced team can help.
Call Twin Town Treatment Centers at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule a free initial assessment.
