
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have several effects on the stomach and digestive system, including spurring bowel movements. However, it is important to note that pure cocaine does not immediately affect the digestive system, and there is no empirical evidence that it triggers extra bowel movements. The long-term effects of cocaine on the digestive system can cause irregular bowel movements, resulting in constipation or diarrhoea. The purity of cocaine and the amount of cutting agents used in its manufacturing can also affect how strongly it impacts bowel movements. These cutting agents, chosen to increase profits, can include substances such as caffeine and baking soda, which are known to have a laxative effect.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Short-term effects | Nausea, vomiting, constipation |
Long-term effects | Perforation, bleeding, bowel decay, intestinal perforations, abdominal bleeding and pain |
Factors affecting bowel movements | Purity of cocaine, amount of cutting agents, health conditions caused by cocaine use, long-term cocaine use, mental health issues created by cocaine use |
Cutting agents that can cause bowel movements | Baking soda, caffeine |
What You'll Learn
Cocaine cutting agents
The purity of cocaine and the amount of cutting agents used in the manufacturing process can affect how strongly it impacts bowel movements. Cutting agents are substances used to dilute or "cut" cocaine. Dealers use cutting agents to increase their profits by doubling their product, but some are also used to produce a more potent high.
Some of the most common cutting agents include:
- Heroin (the combination of cocaine and heroin is known as a speedball)
- Fentanyl
- Caffeine
- Methylphenidate
- Amphetamine
- Creatine
- Laundry detergent
- Boric acid
- Local anaesthetics (e.g. procaine and lidocaine)
- Levamisole
- Marijuana
- LSD
- PCP
- Baking soda (used to make crack cocaine)
- Phenacetin
- Imidazole
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Long-term cocaine use
The purity of cocaine and the presence of cutting agents also play a role in its impact on bowel movements. Street dealers often add cutting agents to maximise profits, and these substances can include common over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs, rare chemicals, or even household items. Some of these cutting agents are known to stimulate the digestive system. For example, baking soda, which is used to make crack cocaine, can have a laxative effect.
The method of cocaine ingestion also influences its long-term effects on the body. Oral ingestion of cocaine can lead to severe bowel decay, or ischemic colitis, and intestinal perforations due to reduced blood flow to the intestines. This can cause frequent and urgent bowel movements. Additionally, long-term cocaine users are at an increased risk of developing Hepatitis B, which affects liver function and can cause digestive symptoms such as grey or clay-coloured stool and prolonged diarrhoea.
The long-term effects of cocaine on the digestive system can be severe and even life-threatening. It is important to seek medical advice if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms.
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Mental health issues
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can produce a range of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. The mental health issues associated with cocaine use include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Violence
- Suicidal and homicidal thinking
- Anxiety and depressive disorders
- Anger
- Suspiciousness
- Impaired executive functioning (decision-making, judgment, attention/planning/mental flexibility)
- Psychosis
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Impaired judgment
- Anorexia
- Dysphoria
The intensity and frequency of cocaine use are significant factors influencing the occurrence and severity of mental health problems. Crack cocaine users, in particular, tend to experience a greater number of symptoms and higher levels of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychoticism. Gender also plays a role, with female users facing higher risks of mental health issues.
The psychiatric symptoms associated with cocaine use can be primary effects of the drug or secondary to the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health disorders. The compulsive nature of cocaine use often leads to chemical dependency, and the intense pleasure derived from the drug reinforces its repeated use.
Treatment for cocaine dependence typically involves outpatient care, behavioural interventions, psychotherapy, family therapy, and medication to normalise brain chemistry and treat co-occurring mental health disorders.
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Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person. The most common modes of transmission include sharing needles, syringes, or drug injection equipment, sexual contact with an infected person, direct contact with blood or open sores, and sharing personal items like toothbrushes, razors, or medical equipment.
The risk of contracting hepatitis B is higher for certain groups, including infants born to mothers with hepatitis B, people who inject drugs or share equipment, sex partners of infected individuals, men who have sex with men, people living with someone who has hepatitis B, healthcare and public safety workers, hemodialysis patients, and those with diabetes, hepatitis C, or HIV.
Symptoms of hepatitis B can include fatigue lasting for weeks or months, light-coloured stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However, many people with hepatitis B may not exhibit any symptoms, especially children under five and adults with immune suppression.
To diagnose hepatitis B, healthcare providers may take a medical history, perform blood tests, and conduct other laboratory tests to assess liver function. Treatment options for chronic hepatitis B include oral antiviral medications, interferon shots, and, in severe cases of liver damage, liver surgery or transplant.
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Gastrointestinal problems
Cocaine has several effects on the stomach and digestive system, including gastrointestinal problems. The purity of cocaine and the amount of cutting agents used in the manufacturing process can affect how strongly it impacts bowel movements.
The short-term effects of cocaine on the digestive system can include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. However, the long-term effects of cocaine use on the digestive system can be more severe and include:
- Perforation of the intestines and a small blood vessel in the abdomen
- Decay and rupture of soft bowel tissue
- Inflammation of parts of the gastrointestinal system (ischemic colitis)
- Abdominal bleeding and pain
- Poor blood supply to the small intestine (mesenteric ischemia)
The cutting agents used in cocaine can also contribute to gastrointestinal problems. Common cutting agents include baking soda, caffeine, lidocaine, imidazole, levamisole, and phenacetin. These substances can have undesirable side effects and interfere with cocaine's effects, including causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
In addition, cocaine use can increase the risk of developing Hepatitis B, which can lead to digestive symptoms such as grey or clay-colored stools and jaundice. Furthermore, the anxiety and paranoia caused by cocaine use can also lead to intestinal distress and bouts of diarrhea.
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Frequently asked questions
Cocaine is not a laxative. However, it may cause bowel movements due to other factors such as cutting agents, health conditions caused by cocaine use, long-term cocaine use, and mental health issues created by cocaine use.
Cutting agents in cocaine, such as laxatives and caffeine, can have a laxative effect.
Cocaine affects the central nervous system, which can disturb digestion and create bowel movements. It can also cause gastrointestinal problems and changes to metabolism.
Serious health complications associated with cocaine use include temporary loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, heart attack, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea.
Treatments for cocaine misuse include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational incentives for not using drugs, therapeutic communities, and community-based recovery groups.