Cocaine impacts a person in many ways which are especially noticeable in terms of psychology. The person seems energetic and may be talkative, impulsive, and excessively confident. However, the physical symptoms of cocaine use are also significant.
Some of the physical symptoms of cocaine use are clear from the start. Sweating, a racing heart, nausea, and restlessness are all common. But certain physical effects of cocaine addiction only become apparent after an extended period of use.
One such symptom is so-called ‘Coke Jaw.’ This refers to the deterioration that occurs in and around the person’s mouth, including pain, ulcers, loose or worn-down teeth, and more.
What is coke jaw and why does it happen? This article will discuss these details, along with how to treat coke jaw.
What is Coke Jaw?
Coke jaw is a colloquial term used to describe the common phenomenon of mouth and jaw issues suffered by people addicted to cocaine. Since it happens to so many people and its effects are noticeable, it is often spoken of but misunderstood.
What are the Symptoms of Coke Jaw?
Coke jaw doesn’t just impact the jaw itself, but damages the entire oral area, including the gums and teeth. The most common symptoms of coke jaw are:
- Loose teeth
- Deteriorated enamel
- Tooth decay
- Bleeding gums
- Periodontal disease
- Mouth ulcers
- Perforation of the oral palate
- Infection of the jaw bone
These symptoms can be very harmful, both to one’s physical wellbeing and their self-esteem. However, you don’t have to wait for the damage to be done to recognize coke jaw. There are signs that a person may have coke jaw which will, eventually, lead to the above problems.
Signs to look out for include:
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw clenching
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Headaches
- Jaw joint pain
- Clicking or popping feeling or sound in jaw joint
- Facial pain or soreness
Why Does Coke Jaw Happen?
Coke jaw is an indirect consequence of the effects of cocaine use. A person using cocaine becomes ‘amped up’ both mentally and physically. This leads to more tension within their body, as well as unconscious fidgeting and movement.
Physical tension can present in bruxism, or tooth-grinding. While some people suffer from bruxism in their sleep or at points in their daily lives, people using cocaine experience it intensely when they are high. Not only does tooth-grinding wear down the person’s teeth and cause gum issues, but it also leads to jaw pain and spasms.
Cocaine’s stimulant effects also cause hyperactive muscle movements. This impacts the jaw, as the person may move their mouth from side to side, consciously or unconsciously. They may also experience twitches or spasms which impact the jaw.
When a person uses cocaine only on rare occasions, these side effects can be uncomfortable but do not usually cause long-term damage. However, since cocaine is a highly-addictive substance, many users of cocaine begin to ingest it frequently and the effects on the jaw build up.
Is Coke Mouth the Same Thing?
You may be wondering if the term ‘coke mouth’ refers to the same thing as ‘coke jaw’. After all, they are both connected to a similar part of the anatomy.
But coke mouth specifically refers to the dry mouth associated with cocaine use, caused by the decrease of saliva production. Changes in acid levels in the mouth consequently cause tooth and gum decay.
Coke jaw can also cause tooth and gum decay but does so through different mechanisms, mentioned above. Many people addicted to cocaine suffer from both coke jaw and coke mouth.
How Does Coke Jaw Affect Mental Health?
Coke jaw is physically painful and causes anatomical damage but its impact does not end there. Over time, the symptoms of coke jaw lead to changes in the person’s appearance. Spasms in the jaw area make it difficult to hold conversations without others noticing the person’s discomfort. Worn-down or lost teeth and gum disease can cause major distress to the person, due to anxiety over how they are perceived.
Some people with coke jaw stop speaking to others and avoid open-mouthed smiles, gradually becoming more isolated.
Can Coke Jaw be Treated?
The symptoms of coke jaw can be painful and distressing while leading to long-term damage. Can they be treated?
Although orthodontic and periodontal procedures and treatments can halt or reverse the physical damage already done, these problems will arise again unless the root cause is addressed. In order to recover from coke jaw, it is necessary to treat your addiction to cocaine.
Cocaine addiction can be treated in a number of ways. The most effective way to begin recovery from cocaine addiction is through medical detox, followed by inpatient or residential rehab. Alternatively, outpatient programs and support groups can also provide a route towards recovery.
What is Medical Detox?
When addicted to cocaine, your body becomes dependent on the substance to perform some of its basic functions. When you stop using cocaine, your body is shocked and reacts by attempting to adjust and compensate. This can cause painful and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detox is a supervised period during which you detoxify from the cocaine in your system. It is provided by Seasons in Malibu and ensures you are as comfortable as possible during the process. It is important to choose medical detox as trying to go cold turkey on your own can lead to major medical complications or even death.
What is Inpatient/Outpatient Addiction Rehab?
After medical detox, it is advised that one enters inpatient or outpatient rehab. Inpatient or residential addiction treatment refers to entering a program at a rehab center where you live for an extended period – usually four weeks or longer. During this time, you attend individual and group therapy, learn skills to manage addiction, and prepare for a life free from cocaine use.
Outpatient rehab is an alternative which provides a similar program. However, the person doesn’t live at the rehab facility during their recovery. This provides flexibility but can also be less effective as one is still exposed to triggers and may still have access to cocaine.
Conclusion
Coke jaw is just one of the negative consequences of cocaine abuse. It can have severe effects on physical and mental health.
Get in touch with Seasons in Malibu today to begin treatment for Coke Jaw.
