Runny Nose and Drug Use: A Hidden Sign of Addiction? Blog

The nasal cavity is particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of cocaine due to the direct contact with the drug when it is snorted. While symptoms can overlap, damage from cocaine tends to be progressive and resistant to typical treatments like antihistamines or decongestants. If you have a history of cocaine use and experience persistent nosebleeds, whistling sounds when breathing, or worsening nasal discomfort, it’s likely drug-related. While this article focuses on snorting cocaine, it’s important to mention smoking cocaine (or using crack cocaine), which introduces its unique risks.

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Snorting, which involves sniffing cocaine powder through the nose, is the most preferred method as it delivers a long-lasting high. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. It is highly recommended that people who are addicted to cocaine go to a treatment center which offers behavioral therapy, counseling, and other Alcoholics Anonymous evidence-based treatments. The septum, nostrils, and surrounding tissue all need the blood vessels in order to survive because of the oxygen-rich blood that they carry.

Recognizing the Signs and Stages of Damage

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, chances are there’s some trauma behind it. You can also use resources such as the Amy Winehouse Foundation for support with treatment for cocaine addiction. Snorting cocaine damages the mucous membrane linings while inhibiting blood flow to the nose. If an individual’s lining is affected, they become more susceptible to inhaling irritating particles, leaving the lungs vulnerable. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion.

Early Symptoms of a Deviated Septum:

This kind of tissue damage can have far-reaching effects on a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to breathe, sleep, and speak properly. The critical part of treating this nasal damage is treating the stimulant addiction itself. Many who have had these forms of plastic surgery have experienced a significant boost to their confidence and mental health.

Cocaine is a highly potent stimulant drug that has been consumed globally for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Derived from the coca plant, Erythroxylon coca, cocaine has been used for thousands of years, originally in its natural leaf form, for its stimulant effects. Cocaine nose is a serious side effect of doing the stuff and is sometimes Twelve-step program irreversible. If the mucous membrane becomes damaged due to sniffing coke, it can impair the way that air is humidified before it reaches the lungs. All of these things are pretty permanent and can mess with the way you smell and breathe.

Address Underlying Conditions

Instead, focus on healthy activities and hobbies that can help distract from cravings and provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. It is also essential to avoid situations and environments that might trigger cravings, such as hanging out with friends who use drugs or going to places where drugs are readily available. The external appearance of a cocaine user’s nose can be quite different from the norm.

• This will gradually cause degeneration of tissue and the formation of a gap in the cartilage between the nostrils.
• This is because damage to the nose lining can obstruct sinus drainage and result in frequent sinus infections leading to facial pain, pressure and nasal discharge.
• This blood flow restriction can impact the nasal septum, the cartilage separating the nostrils.

He graduated from South College with his Master’s in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. His focus is on helping people who suffer from multiple issues, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Sahil enjoys taking time and listening to better understand what his patients are experiencing.

Treatment for cocaine nose often involves addressing the underlying addiction to cocaine. Treatment may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and support from friends and family. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is recreationally used for its euphoric effects. However, while it might offer immediate pleasurable sensations, few users are aware of the serious damage that can be caused to the nasal passages, especially when the drug is snorted. If you think you may have chronic sinus infections caused by cocaine use, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor and, if possible, begin treatment.

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• Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
• When these systems are affected, an individual’s blood flow will be irregular.
• The long-term effects of cocaine nose can be permanent if left untreated.
• This method of consumption allows for rapid cocaine absorption into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages.
• Our certified addiction specialists will also discuss how to help you avoid triggers that cause drug cravings as well as helping you learn how to find support groups when you leave our facility.

While the physical effects of cocaine use are undeniable, the psychological and social consequences are equally devastating 9. Cocaine addiction can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from relationships to employment and personal well-being. Contact us today for more information on what cocaine does to your nose and how to prevent long-term effects. While there are various ways to use cocaine, the most common method of use is snorting or “inhaling through the nose”.

Cartilage, already possessing limited blood supply compared to bone, rapidly deteriorates under oxygen deprivation. Over time, these factors can escalate into the condition commonly known as “coke nose,” characterized by structural deterioration of the nose and sinuses. Knowing what a cocaine nose looks like can help deter those that haven’t got to this stage and hopefully provide a wake-up call for those currently struggling.

• The drug constricts blood vessels in the nose, reducing the flow of oxygen‑rich blood to the soft tissues.
• Call today to talk with a treatment provider who can answer your rehab-related questions and help you determine which path to take on your journey to recovery.
• Your nose isn’t filled with skin, but rather with nasal mucosa, which is a different kind of tissue.
• Epistaxis, commonly known as nosebleeds, is one of the most common side effects of long-term cocaine use.
• Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that ruins lives and devastates families.
• Early, comprehensive treatment can help people avoid severe complications, including coke nose.

All I know is my nose issues are getting worse, and it’s freaking me out. I just want to learn if the damage can be reversed before it’s too late, or if I’ll end up like some of the guys I know who lost their nose entirely. As the blocking continues, dopamine builds up in the synapse and heightens the short-term positive effects that come from excess dopamine in the brain. Finally, cocaine can also be injected into the bloodstream using a needle. Again, this can result in quick effects but also increases the risk of serious and infectious diseases.

Levels of Care

Frequent cocaine use doesn’t just cause temporary irritation; it can lead to lasting damage like redness, dryness, frequent nosebleeds, and even structural deterioration of the nasal passages. This article will explain what “coke nose” is, how cocaine damages the nose, and what signs to look out for. Many people have heard the term “coke nose,” but few understand how cocaine can severely impact nasal health. Once a hole develops, it often leads to worsening symptoms and complications.