The Risks and Reasons People Have for Gumming Cocaine
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People who use cocaine consume the drug in many different ways. You might snort, smoke, or inject cocaine, but it is also possible to use the drug by rubbing it on your gums.
Sometimes, there are reasons people choose to use cocaine the way they do.
So, why do people put cocaine on their gums, and what are the risks of doing so?
This article will discuss the reasons and risks people have for gumming cocaine, as well as the importance of treatment and how Changes Healing Center can help.
Why do People Put Cocaine on Their Gums?
Rubbing cocaine on your gums is one way to get high from cocaine. If you use the drug this way personally, it could be for several reasons. The quick absorption that occurs when people rub cocaine on their gums–which can lead to an intense, fast cocaine high–can be appealing for some users.
Alternatively, you might assume that gumming cocaine will make it easier to hide cocaine use from your loved ones since other methods of using cocaine are more commonly talked about.
Some people also apply cocaine to their gums as a means of testing and tasting the drug, given that a higher purity cocaine will often absorb more quickly and fully into the gums than most cutting agents, and act to numb the gums and entire oral cavity in some cases (as heard in pop culture by performers such as the Weeknd, with the lyrics, “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you.”
You may also gum cocaine in an attempt to avoid the direct implications of using the drug in other ways. For example, loss of smell and upper nasal cavity erosion can occur when people snort cocaine powder. In this instance, it’s vital to remember that no method of cocaine use is safe or without potential consequences.
Risks of Rubbing Cocaine Powder on the Gums

Some effects, like heart attack, can occur in those who use cocaine at any point in time, no matter how they consume the drug. Others are more directly associated with rubbing cocaine powder on the gums. While the implications of gumming cocaine are talked about less often, they are very real.
Although rubbing cocaine on your gums does get you high quickly, it’s important to remember why that is the case. Rubbing cocaine on the gums reduces blood flow to the roots and gums of your teeth due to severe vasoconstriction.
If you rub cocaine on your gums repeatedly, it can lead to gum recession and inflammation, which increases your likelihood of problems like tooth loss and gum disease. Before you lose teeth, you may notice signs like weakness or erosion of tooth enamel.
Treating Oral Health Problems Caused by Cocaine
Tooth and gum problems caused by cocaine use can be painful and costly. Treatment facilities like Changes Healing Center can help you find dental health specialists who can address issues like tooth decay caused by cocaine use.
Can a Person Overdose When Gumming Cocaine?
Yes, a person can overdose when gumming cocaine. No matter how you ingest cocaine, you are at risk of cocaine overdose, which can be fatal. In fact, over 27,500 individuals in the United States died from cocaine-related overdoses in 2022 alone.
Identifying the Signs of Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine is a potent stimulant that speeds up the body systems (e.g., the cardiovascular system). Being able to identify the signs of a cocaine overdose is crucial for preventing mortality and permanent damage to the body and brain. Signs of cocaine overdose include but aren’t limited to the following.
- Convulsions (seizures).
- Breathing problems or rapid breathing.
- Loss of awareness of one’s surroundings.
- Bleeding in the brain.
- Loss of urine control.
- Very fast heart rate.
- High blood pressure.
- Fever and sweating.
- Muscle tremors.
Sometimes, cocaine can be “cut” with other drugs, and you will not be able to tell that this is the case by looking. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, mixing cocaine with other drugs can increase the risk of overdose.
Other Short and Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Adverse effects can occur in those using cocaine on a short or long-term basis. Cocaine’s effects can include but are not limited to the following.
- A higher risk of contracting infections like HIV and hepatitis C.
- Tears and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Constricted blood vessels.
- Violent behavior, anger, or irritability.
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
- High blood pressure.
- Seizures.
- Stroke.
- Dilated pupils.
- Loss of appetite
- Paranoia.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Psychosis.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Mood swings.
Long-term cocaine use is also linked to the development of movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
The Importance of Professional Help for Cocaine Abuse
Getting help for cocaine abuse can help you avoid new or worsened complications associated with drug use. For example, unfavorable mental and physical health effects, legal and financial issues, or cocaine overdose.
Everyone uses cocaine for different reasons–whether it is increased energy or something else, it is important to learn how to meet your needs in healthy ways and care for yourself. We are not here to judge.
Many of us here at Changes Healing Center have been through addiction, trauma, or a related concern ourselves. We’re here to help you build new patterns, care for your mind and body, and create a sustainable, enjoyable life free from the effects of gumming cocaine or using the drug in another way.
Our Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs

We offer sub-acute detox on-site, inpatient treatment at our beautiful location in Phoenix, and outpatient treatment programs for cocaine addiction.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) asserts that treatment for cocaine addiction can be effective in both inpatient and outpatient settings. When you contact us about treatment, we’ll help you decide on the right starting level of care for you.
In treatment for cocaine addiction at Changes Healing Center, you will participate in a combination of therapies and treatments tailored to meet your needs. These may include behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, and other treatments.
We work to address the underlying causes of cocaine abuse. If you have a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, we can help.
Call Changes Healing Center for Arizona Drug Abuse Treatment
Changes Healing Center is a trusted healing space for people overcoming all types of substance use disorders. Located in Phoenix, AZ, we accept most forms of AHCCCS as well as many other insurances, and are here to help you or your loved one heal from cocaine use.
To get in touch with Changes Healing Center, call our confidential admissions line. Our team is here to verify your insurance coverage, discuss payment options, answer your questions about treatment, or start the intake process today.
FAQs About Gumming Cocaine
How is cocaine absorbed in the gums?
All mucus membranes in the body can absorb cocaine. The gums are part of the oral mucosa, alongside the inner cheeks, lips, and floor of your mouth.
What are the signs of cocaine withdrawal?
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include but aren’t limited to fatigue, depressed mood, increased appetite, vivid and unpleasant dreams, and drug cravings. Our medical detox program can help you get through cocaine withdrawal symptoms successfully.