Cocaine and Nausea: What Cocaine Does to the Stomach

“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.” – Edgar Allan Poe

Sometimes life gets to be too much to handle on your own. When that happens, you find yourself looking for relief wherever you can get it. For a while, cocaine can provide that. But over time, it causes problems of its own, including health problems.

You’re not alone in your experience with cocaine. An estimated 326,000 people in Florida used cocaine in 2021. At Real Recovery Solutions, we know that recovering from a cocaine use disorder is a long-term commitment. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you from inpatient treatment all the way through a year of sober living.

Now, let’s get into the relationship between cocaine and nausea.

Why Does Cocaine Cause Nausea?

Cocaine is derived from the coca plant. The plant, which is native to South America, is actually used by indigenous people to treat mild stomach problems, such as indigestion. So how does it go from something that helps your stomach to something that hurts it? The chemicals used to produce illicit cocaine are the biggest factor.

Kerosene, which is typically used as fuel for lamps and engines, is used to extract cocaine alkaloids from the coca plant. The substance is combined with acetone, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid in a laboratory setting. Through this process, any medicinal qualities are removed, and the stimulant we would recognize as cocaine is produced.

The chemicals used in the production process irritate the stomach lining when consumed. Nausea as a side effect is most common when cocaine is taken orally, as opposed to being snorted, smoked, or injected. You’re also more likely to feel nauseous if you don’t regularly take cocaine.

How Cocaine Affects the Digestive System

When you take cocaine, your blood vessels narrow as part of a process known as vasoconstriction. This makes it extremely difficult for blood to make its way through the body as it normally would, which is why your heart rate and blood pressure go up. As a result, blood cannot reach vital organs, including the stomach and intestines.

An average person’s digestive tract is about 26 feet long in total and requires adequate blood flow to function properly. When blood flow to the digestive system is limited due to cocaine, you’ll experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

When cocaine is consumed orally, its acidity can cause other problems. When the acid from cocaine mixes with the acid from the stomach, it can create ulcers. These sores appear in the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. Ulcers are treatable when caught early but can worsen to the point of requiring surgery if they aren’t treated.

Long-Term Digestive System Damage From Cocaine Use

In the long term, poor blood flow has a severe effect on organs throughout the body, including those in the digestive system. The primary concern is tissue damage. As the tissue in the stomach, intestines, and bowels becomes more and more damaged, it eventually will die. Tissue death due to a lack of blood flow, also known as gangrene, is irreversible.

After tissue dies due to lack of blood flow, if it is not removed, perforation (a tear or rip) of the intestines occurs next and is a life-threatening medical emergency. The contents of the bowel are toxic to the body and cause infection and damage to other vital organs. At this point, you risk becoming septic. Sepsis occurs when the body responds improperly to an infection, and the immune system attacks the body instead. Sepsis is fatal if not treated quickly.

Treating Stomach & Digestive System Issues Caused by Cocaine

As noted above, gangrene and sepsis are severe medical conditions and need immediate medical care. If you’re experiencing intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and a constant urge to use the restroom, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They will consider your medical history and symptoms. If they believe you could be at risk for tissue death, they will use a combination of blood tests, imaging, and physical exams to determine your diagnosis.

Once you’re diagnosed, your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. In some cases, antibiotics may be an effective means of treating an infection associated with sepsis and gangrene. In many cases, surgery to remove the affected tissue will be necessary. In the best-case scenario, the intestines and bowls can be rebuilt so that they’re still functional. If this is not possible, you will need a colostomy bag, feeding tubes, or other medical interventions.

Does Cocaine Overdose Cause Nausea?

A cocaine overdose occurs when you consume more cocaine than your body can handle. Overdoses can happen to you any time you consume cocaine. But overdose is especially common when you return to use after not having cocaine for a long time. If you go back to the amount you were used to, you could overdose because your tolerance has lessened.

Cocaine overdose can cause nausea and vomiting. When your body is overwhelmed by a substance, it’ll try to expel the substance as quickly as possible. However, vomiting does not reduce the amount of cocaine in your system.

Other symptoms of cocaine overdose include:

• Tremors and seizures
• Psychosis
• Overheating
• Chest pain
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Overheating
• Severe sweating

If you or someone you know is experiencing a cocaine overdose, you need to seek medical help immediately. An overdose can be deadly without treatment.

How to Stop Cocaine-Related Nausea

The best way to stop nausea caused by cocaine is to stop all cocaine use. Unfortunately, this is not always an option, especially if you’re living with cocaine use disorder. In this case, getting treatment for your cocaine use disorder will ultimately end your nausea. It’s also important not to mix cocaine with other illicit substances, as this could make your stomach pain worse.

If you experience severe abdominal pain or see blood in your vomit, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. These could be caused by an ulcer or damaged tissue in the stomach.

Getting Help for Cocaine Use Disorder in Tampa, FL

Long-term cocaine use can be destructive mentally, emotionally, and physically. Even when it causes issues like nausea, stopping your use can still feel next to impossible. When you’re caught in a cycle of taking cocaine to avoid negative feelings, it can seem like it’s worth putting up with the harsh side effects.

You’re worth the effort it takes to make a real recovery. The right cocaine addiction treatment can be life-changing. Healing is always possible, and it’s never too late to take the first step.

In a strong treatment program, you’ll work with a therapist to address your emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Group therapy is also an effective treatment method for people managing cocaine use disorder. In a group setting, you’ll meet other people who have similar life experiences and are putting in the work to recover. You’ll support each other through difficult moments and celebrate wins together.

If you’re committed to recovery, sober living is also a good fit for you. In a sober living facility, you’ll build a community of people working together to live their best lives without substance use. Sober living will give you a safe, structured environment, so you have the support you need through your first year of recovery.

Real Recovery Solutions offers a 12-step focused program to empower you to recover and reclaim your life for the long term. We want to see you succeed. If you’re serious about recovery from cocaine use disorder, we’re serious about doing everything we can to set you up for success on that journey. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Call us at 813-373-6762 to learn more about how we can help today. 

Real people. Real solutions. Real results.