There are many risks associated with the use of cocaine. A person’s heat rate will increase, putting them at risk for a heart attack. They may become agitated, anxious and paranoid. They are also at risk for kidney failure, stroke and seizure. The dangers of cocaine use are present in both the short term and long term. Understanding what these are and when a person might be in danger may be the difference between life and death. It only takes one person to recognize the signs and understand the potential dangers to save one's life by getting them help as soon as they notice something amiss.

Short term dangers: Heart attack and stroke are amongst the two most serious short term dangers of cocaine use. Users are at risk of suffering from either one of these because cocaine puts a great amount of stress on the cardiovascular system.

Long term dangers: Structural damage in the nose, respiratory failure, heart disease, heart attack, gastrointestinal problems, seizure and strokes are all potential long term dangers. 

There are a number of cocaine related dangers that users assume when they take the drug. While the initial effects of the drugs, increased sense of power, increased energy and alertness may seem like fun, there are other short term effects which have the potential to ruin the above in an instant. Cocaine puts a lot of strain on the cardiovascular system which can lead to heart attack even without a significant amount of use.  Long term affects of cocaine use are just as dangerous and damaging. Individuals may suffer from heart problems, stroke and even seizures.

The dangers associated with cocaine use far outweigh any benefit a person might get from it. The possibility of becoming psychologically addicted to the drug is also very real. Not only might a person die from using the drug, if they do not, they face the risk of being unable to control their use of the drug. Cocaine addicts face an uphill battle. Not, only are they putting their life on the line every time they use the drug but they are also at risk of having their life decimated by a psychological addiction to cocaine.