What Happens If You Eat Cocaine

An Examination of Routes and Impacts

What happens if you eat cocaine is a very good question. This drug is a potent, highly addictive drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Its use is illegal in many jurisdictions globally due to its severe impact on health, public safety, and social order. However, the its neurological and psychological effects continue to attract users seeking an intense high or enhanced performance.

Most commonly, it is snorted, smoked, or injected, but another less common method of administration is ingestion or eating. This essay aims to examine what happens when it is eaten and whether this method gets users as high as other routes of administration.

Understanding Ingestion

Oral ingestion typically involves consuming the substance directly, often mixed with food or drink. This method is less common due to the delayed onset of effects, which is caused by the drug’s slower absorption into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines compared to other methods.

When ingested, it must pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The alkaloids are absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine’s walls, then metabolized in the liver, where it is broken down into various metabolites. This process is relatively slower compared to direct absorption through nasal or lung tissue, resulting in a delayed onset of effects, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion.

Effects

The effects can vary based on the dose and individual’s tolerance, metabolism, and overall health. Although the onset is delayed, the high produced by ingestion lasts longer compared to snorting or smoking, potentially up to two hours or more. The individual may experience feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and hyper-alertness. However, the intensity of the high is generally less than what one would experience from other methods of administration due to the slower absorption rate and metabolism.

Physical and Psychological Risks

Ingesting it also presents several health risks, both psychological and physical. Acute risks include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bowel gangrene due to reduced blood flow to the intestines. Chronic use can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers and perforations.

Additionally, oral use can have severe neurological and psychological effects. It interacts with the brain’s reward pathway, significantly altering mood and behavior. Chronic use can lead to addiction, severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, and even psychotic symptoms.

Versus Other Methods

Compared to snorting, smoking, or injecting, the high from eating cocaine is less intense and takes longer to occur. The direct, rapid absorption of cocaine into the bloodstream through the nasal or lung tissue or via the bloodstream leads to a more immediate and intense high. However, these methods also come with their own set of health risks, including respiratory problems, infections, and overdose due to the difficulty in controlling dosage.

Moreover, while injection offers the most immediate and intense high, it carries the highest risk of overdose and blood-borne infections. Smoking crack also leads to a rapid, intense high but can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system.

Conclusion

Ingesting cocaine may lead to a less intense, delayed high compared to other methods, but it is no safer. Its use can result in a myriad of physical and psychological health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. It’s crucial to remember that use, regardless of the route of administration, carries significant risks, including dependency, severe mental health problems, and physical harm. Education and awareness regarding these harms are necessary to prevent cocaine use and help those struggling with addiction seek help.