Man left with permanent 'cocaine nose' after doing £35,000 worth of drug
A dad-to-be who used to spend £1,500 a week on cocaine says his nose is 'ruined' and will never go back to the way it was.
Bradley Robinson, from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, became hooked on the class A drug after trying it at a house party as a teenager.
By 21, he was snorting coke on a daily basis to feel more 'confident' and 'block out all my feelings'.
The resin driveway worker, now 30, says he's sniffed so much of the drug that his nose has collapsed after over a decade of abuse.
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"Honestly my nose is ruined - it will never get back to how it was," Bradley admitted
"My nose is dinted in and that's through excessive cocaine using - it's horrendous.
"It's got to the point now that I'm clean and sober where I'm scared to blow my nose around people because I'm scared people might still think that I'm on it."
Coke nose is a term 'used to describe the adverse effects on the nose resulting from the habitual use of cocaine', according to UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT).
"Cocaine is an extremely potent drug and its frequent snorting can have dire consequences on the nasal passages and surrounding structures. This can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications," UKAT explain.
'My mum and dad bailed me out of £35,000 debt'
"The amount of money I've spent on cocaine, I could have easily owned a house. I've rinsed all my money and it's upsetting sometimes," Bradley said.
"It's what I've put my family through as well - they worked hard for their money and they've had to pay people off for me, it's so sad."
Following two failed attempts at rehab, he 'decided enough was enough' in September 2025.
"I took myself to a meeting and I got myself a sponsor. I've not looked back since and I've done everything my sponsor has suggested for me to do," Bradley explained.
The soon-to-be dad, who's expecting his first child in November 2026, now uses his social media accounts to raise awareness about addiction.
"I think my purpose in life now is to share my message and get it out. You don't have to be alone; you don't have to go through the pain I went through," he said.
"Drugs are not good whatsoever - it started off as one key of cocaine and all this happened.
"Get up and grab recovery with both hands.
"The hardest bit for me was walking through the doors at that meeting. Once you walk through those doors, you're okay."
What causes coke nose?
Coke nose happens from using cocaine regularly over a long period of time and is caused by:
- Reduced blood flow: Cocaine narrows blood vessels, which means less blood reaches the tissues inside the nose. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, the tissue can start to die.
- Constant irritation and swelling: Snorting cocaine repeatedly irritates the lining of the nose. Over time, this causes ongoing inflammation and damage to the soft tissue and cartilage.
- Toxic effects of cocaine: Cocaine itself is harmful to cells. Direct contact with nasal tissue can damage and kill cells inside the nose.
- Harmful substances mixed with cocaine: Street cocaine is often mixed with other substances, such as powders or other drugs. These additives can make the damage to the nose even worse.
Symptoms of coke nose
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Pain or burning in the nose
- Loss of smell
- Crusting and scabbing
- Hole in the nasal septum
- Collapsed nose
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week
Topics: Drugs
Anish Vij