Cocaine Effects And Abuse

 

Understanding Cocaine

Cocaine is a white powdery substance that reacts with the body’s central nervous system, producing energy and euphoria. It is most commonly snorted, but can also be smoked (also known as “freebasing”) or dissolved in water and injected. Cocaine is also referred to as coke, blow, or powder.

Although most people today recognize that Cocaine is addictive, thousands are still drawn to it. As many as 1,800 Americans experiment with Cocaine for the first time each day.

Cocaine Effects And Abuse

Any use of Cocaine is considered abuse because it is an illegal substance. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the brain by stimulating high levels of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, Cocaine negatively effects every part of the body with potential for severe long-term effects. It can cause changes to genetics in brain cells, nerve cells and proteins, among other permanent effects.

Other effects of using Cocaine include:

  • Talkativeness
  • Excitement
  • Alertness
  • Anxiety
  • Overconfidence

How people use Cocaine also alters the potency and duration of the effects. The effects of snorting it are short-lived, lasting approximately 15-30 minutes. Smoking or injecting Cocaine is more intense but lasts for an even shorter period, about 5 to 10 minutes. Most Cocaine users will dose frequently in order to maintain the desired effects. Injecting the drug poses a higher risk of overdose than snorting.

Cocaine abuse is particularly dangerous because continued use can cause strain on the heart. The most common cause of death in frequent Cocaine users is stroke or cardiac arrest. If you or someone you know is abusing Cocaine, get help now.

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