The Physical and Psychological Toll of Addiction: A Chicago Woman's Struggle for Recovery

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can lead to a range of health issues, both mental and physical. When snorted, it can cause significant damage to the nasal mucosa, leading to chronic inflammation and, in severe cases, necrosis of the tissue. This condition can result in a hole forming in the nasal cavity, a phenomenon that is not uncommon among long-term users. For the woman in Chicago, this damage manifested as a gaping hole in her nose, a physical representation of the struggles she faced in her battle against addiction.