Cocaine

Cocaine

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is made from leaves of the coca plant native to South America. It is either in the form of powder or crack. Cocaine enters the body with different methods including through the nose by snorting, directly into the bloodstream through injection, or by rubbing it into gums above the teeth.

The Brain and Cocaine 

All drugs have the potential to change the way that your brain works by modifying the way that nerve cells communicate. Stimulants like cocaine affect the neurotransmitter dopamine. The release of dopamine makes individuals feel good when they do something they enjoy. During the normal process, dopamine will get recycled back into the cell that it was released from and then the signal becomes shut off. Cocaine prevents dopamine from being recycled. When this occurs there is an excess of dopamine in your brain, causing the brain to repeat this behavior because of the feeling of pleasure and energy.

Regular use of stimulants such as cocaine disrupt the brain's dopamine system. Individuals will notice that they aren't able to feel pleasure from typical day-to-day activities. People develop tolerance and can later become addicted. The “high” cocaine is not permanent.  After it wears off, people experience a crash and feel tired or sad for days. 

The Body and Cocaine

As a stimulant, cocaine gives the body a feeling of stimulation and alertness which may provide temporary satisfaction. Cocaine's short term effects are immediate but only last a few minutes to an hour. How long and intense effects are depends on the method of use as well as your own unique body composition.

Short-term effects: 

  • Extreme happiness and energy

  • Mental alertness

  • Sensitivity to sight, sound, and touch

  • Irritability

  • Paranoia

  • Constricted blood vessels and dilated pupils

  • Higher body temperature

  • Higher blood pressure and faster heartbeat, leading to higher risk of heart attack or stroke

  • Feeling sick to the stomach

  • Restlessness

  • Decreased appetite and, over time, a loss of weight

  • Inability to sleep

Long-term effects, depending on method of use:

  • Snorting: Loss of smell, nose bleeds, nasal damage, and trouble swallowing

  • Smoking: Cough, asthma, and lung damage

  • Mouth: Damage to intestines

  • Needle injection: Higher risk for HIV and hepatitis through shared needles

  • Seen in all methods: Poor nutrition and weight loss

Can you overdose or die if you use cocaine?

Yes. The risks are higher when taken in large doses or when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Cocaine-related deaths often happen because the heart stops and then breathing stops. 

Is cocaine addictive?

Yes, like other drugs frequent use leads to addiction. 

The cocaine high usually doesn't last very long, people have to take this drug again and again to try to get the same feeling. Once addicted, people who are trying to quit taking cocaine might experience withdrawal symptoms.