Cocaine damages and recovery

[Syntak7783]

I have been a long time user of cocaine..i feel like theres a huge hole in my nose and my throat has been wrecked...everytime i blow my nose i feel like a piece of skin always come out with it..i was wondering if theres any users out there with these type of problems. If i stop use for awhile will my nose and throat ever heal...will the inside tissue of my nose and throat ever get back to normal.....

 

[evo4ever]

Any damage that you might of done to your nose is permanent I'm afraid. You need to go and see your doctor so he can take a good look up there. You'll need a steroid nasal spray to shrink any Polyps that might of grown up there to improve airflow.

 

[Keif' Richards]

Hey @Syntak7783

Cocaine has a tendency to constrict blood vessels locally (in areas it comes into contact with). It's crazy, but Cocaine's first and foremost benefit to humankind was undoubedly in the field of anesthesia as it was one of the first truly effective mediums for "numbing". With experiments upon the skin and eye came more brazen stuff like injecting it into the spine to produce a full nerve block. Its properties as a stimulant were also very important historically, obviously.

When Cocaine constricts the blood vessels, tissue becomes starved of oxygen and dies. This is a very common side-effect associated with Cocaine usage and you are experiencing said symptoms in your sinuses, as these were the medium for the absorption of your Cocaine. They can't be rebuilt easily man, but it can be done through surgery and diligence. Otherwise, you will just need to adjust to the fact that your anatomy has changed. If, it ends up causing drainange issues, infections or anything like that, you can probably get the reconstructive surgery covered by insurance.

So yes, definitely common. Not the end of the world, but it is a scarlet letter of sorts in regard to Cocaine... even though a scarlet letter would technically need to be on dislplay to everyone right? You get my point. I would recommend rinsing the area with saline at least once a day pretty much indefinitely just to flush out dead tissue and other nasty shit that could otherwise hinder your healing process. We'll help you with any questions.

 

[Syntak7783]

thanks everyone for your kind advice....i see the damage ...i feel the damage...but i still can't stop using it...because it seems to heal and go away...but i can't see the inside of my nose or throat...i feel theres denitely something going on inside there....i don't have any insurance to go get a check up....thats the scary part...

 

[Xorkoth]

Sadly, long term cocaine usage does cause deviated septum and other damage to the nose and sinuses, so it is most likely that is what is happening. This can be a serious medical condition. Sucks about the insurance, sadly we live in a country where people are afraid to get health care because of the cost. But you really should consider it, it's your health, your life can become a whole lot less easy if you don't take care of yourself. It goes without saying you should consider quitting too, and consider it good. Of course, you already have. But it really is worth it.

 

[Syntak7783]

I honestly could care less about the high nowadayz....i feel something is defintely going on inside my brain with my mental health...all i want to do is hurt myself and make things hard for myself...i hardly even feel the high anymore....it seems all i want to do is get my heart racing til it hurts and just lay on my bed waiting for the high to go away ...i do this almost every other day...i love the pain and causing my nose to bleed but i don't know why....im still trying to figure that out...when everything is heal ...i want to hit it again to feel the pain it cause....then when im on the drug i just want it go away...

 

[partyflakes]

I honestly could care less about the high nowadayz....i feel something is defintely going on inside my brain with my mental health...all i want to do is hurt myself and make things hard for myself...i hardly even feel the high anymore....it seems all i want to do is get my heart racing til it hurts and just lay on my bed waiting for the high to go away ...i do this almost every other day...i love the pain and causing my nose to bleed but i don't know why....im still trying to figure that out...when everything is heal ...i want to hit it again to feel the pain it cause....then when im on the drug i just want it go away...

There are a lot of organisations out there that can help with mental health issues, don't ever be afraid to ask for help. I'm assuming you're from the US, so I have found some contact information that you can contact to find out about treatments in your local area. I've also included a link to get help with substance abuse issues. I know life can feel tough and unfair at times but even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise. Be safe buddy.

Contact Information

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)​

Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Find help for mental health | USAGov

Call 988 if you are in crisis. Find other help for mental health including counseling, treatment, health centers, and mental health services for veterans.

www.usa.gov

 

[Syntak7783]

Thanks guys.....

 

[Keif' Richards]

Thanks guys.....

I don't want to get flamed for this. I know there are a lot of different opinions out there. I had all of these feelings too @Syntak7783. That's what addiction feels like in a nutshell. You're powerless. I went through rehabs, detoxes, a weird church thing for a few months, therapists, a guy who was basically a "mystic" and everything in between. Nothing every really put me any closer to normalcy than 12-step programs did. There are a lot of folks out there who really do not like AA, just like there are different opinions for every person, but I believe it's just a program preaching honesty, kindness and self-reflection and these are all qualities I really had none of.

A lot of people know me as a guy who answers questions here on a volunteer basis and I know there are many people who think I must have always been a really helpful, caring person. I always wanted to be. I wanted to think of myself in that way, but the truth is that I didn't care for anyone in my life who cared about me. I thought I did, but I really didn't. My life got a lot better when I started trying to be honest and treat people with kindness.

The steps are something worth trying if you're feeling hopeless. You can always come talk to me or anyone else. We're happy to help you.

 

[wiscogolfer]

Came here for nasal suggestions, leaving with more serious considerations to quit. I've had a (I think) small but consistent habit for a few years now. Probably .25-1g a day when I have it...which is 90% of the time. Subtle nose issues all the time (go through a lot of kleenex), and very annoying short term nose issues while using (non stop nose blowing, a lot of "less liquidy" stuff coming out every morning. tough to sleep in certain positions). During some heavy sessions it's really bad and I can never find much advice online. Tilt head back? Swallow (even though it feels like stuffs going back UP when I do)? Hock loogies? Blow it out (seems to cause non-stop runny nose for the next hour or two)? Saline spray/neti pot (not sure what it does...it's not that I can't breathe, just annoying stuff in/up there)? Sudafed pills? Benadryl? Pick scabs? Leave them?

Anyways, I got here by searching about polyps. I use a flashlight and look up there a lot, and there's always white "bumps" high up on the inside. I try not to pick at them too much but always wondered what it even is. Sounds like polyps. And, sounds like that means I'm further down the...idk, "hole" than I thought. I also shine the flashlight from one nostril to the other and see if my septum's getting thinner. Idk, seems okay (but still fairly bright coming through).

I CANNOT convince myself to just always have some, do a little whenever, but mainly have it ready for big weekends and/or occasions, but NOT do it all day every day just cuz I have it. So embarrassing.

Alright, sorry for the rambling rant that didn't really ask specific questions or say anything relevant. Just needed to write it out. And I'm sure no ones reading this anyways. But don't hesitate to comment about anything or reach out. Nasal issues, or habit issues in general. Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk

 

[helpingout]

Nasal issues.

Saline rinse before session.
Saline rinse after session.
Forcing breaks when nasal damage is apparent.

White dots. I thought they were infection or the cartilage showing. They seemed to resolve by stopping use and allowing healing.

A lot of you are describing problems associated with cocaine abuse that can only be mitigated by cessation of use of cocaine.

I mean cocaine is an ugly drug. It’s soft because the consequences are like trying to get out from
Under a one ton football sized pillow that gains a ton every day. Then one day you blow nose out of your nose.

Some of you need professional help and should seek it.

But as for nasal care while using cocaine saline rinses are ideal to moisten tissue and to remoisten and restore normalcy after sessioning.

But the injuries described aren’t from sessioning. These are long term problems with one solution.

 

[wiscogolfer]

Thanks HO. I just don't wanna (honestly...won't) tell myself I can't EVER do any cocaine ever again. I definitely have an issue and need to cut back, but I will not go the rest of my life (Vegas once a year, a few day drinking weekends a year, etc.) never doing any. I'm just embarrassed I can't have some on me, and casually do it (or not at all). To the point where I'm having friends hold my portion when we pick up...and then I just go to them for it very soon after . I guess that's the psychological side of addiction. I have no physical dependency I don't think. Never get withdrawals. Very thankful for that. Also a heavy drinker and never get withdrawals. But also...and this is the embarrassing part...don't get a huge benefit out of either. Just feel a little "better"? Idk, everything's just more fun. AND...I don't have any trauma or anything I'm trying to suppress or forget. I'm starting to think a session or two with a therapist (never have) would be a good start. I'm just so frugal. Which reminds me of an awesome doctor I saw for a free physical A couple years ago. I'm complaining about nose issues and a "slight" cocaine habit, and then responding to her advice for therapy with "but it's expensive! it should be free once a year like physical's are!" And she was silent for a second then said "Please don't take offense to this but I think you'll understand...isn't cocaine quite expensive?" Got a good laugh out of me and, obviously zero comeback.

Here I go ranting again, to probably no one. But I don't journal or anything like that, and really don't talk about this with anyone, so I think it's good for me anyways. Alright, back to random YouTube videos and gaming.

 

[helpingout]

Thanks HO. I just don't wanna (honestly...won't) tell myself I can't EVER do any cocaine ever again. I definitely have an issue and need to cut back, but I will not go the rest of my life (Vegas once a year, a few day drinking weekends a year, etc.) never doing any. I'm just embarrassed I can't have some on me, and casually do it (or not at all). To the point where I'm having friends hold my portion when we pick up...and then I just go to them for it very soon after . I guess that's the psychological side of addiction. I have no physical dependency I don't think. Never get withdrawals. Very thankful for that. Also a heavy drinker and never get withdrawals. But also...and this is the embarrassing part...don't get a huge benefit out of either. Just feel a little "better"? Idk, everything's just more fun. AND...I don't have any trauma or anything I'm trying to suppress or forget. I'm starting to think a session or two with a therapist (never have) would be a good start. I'm just so frugal. Which reminds me of an awesome doctor I saw for a free physical A couple years ago. I'm complaining about nose issues and a "slight" cocaine habit, and then responding to her advice for therapy with "but it's expensive! it should be free once a year like physical's are!" And she was silent for a second then said "Please don't take offense to this but I think you'll understand...isn't cocaine quite expensive?" Got a good laugh out of me and, obviously zero comeback.

Here I go ranting again, to probably no one. But I don't journal or anything like that, and really don't talk about this with anyone, so I think it's good for me anyways. Alright, back to random YouTube videos and gaming.

If you want to moderate your cocaine use that’s a great idea. Intermittent use would allow your nose to heal. I used to do an rightbsll every year in new years and that was a blast. Also different suppliers had less caustic / better coke than others. I always emphasize buying good coke when advocating for a reduction of harm.

Cocaine withdrawal is fucking brutal. But it took a lot of cocaine to become dependent.

Best to use intermittently or not at all.

I love cocaine but I don’t really look forward to using it anymore.

It’s delightful but it’s very powerful and everything just pales compared to doing just cocaine rather than going out or gaming or whatever.

The dopamine release competes with everything pleasurable in life.

Choosing to move forward without cocaine allows me the freedom to not be constrained to the activity of using cocaine. Which means I get to live a more full life.