Cocaine is a highly addictive, illegal stimulant drug made from the leaves of the native South American coca plant. It has the appearance of a fine white crystal powder. Also known as base, white, snow white, charly, white lady, farlopa, parakeet, sweet, mojo or horn.
The side effects of cocaine On a physical and psychological level, they make it one of the most addictive and powerful drugs that can be consumed. This article will explain the most important symptoms.
The consumption of cocaine, smoked or inhaled, produces several consequences for the functioning of the organism and for the well-being of the family and society. It is a widespread drug especially in countries with more purchasing power.
Cocaine is addictive due to its effect on the reward pathway in the brain. After a short period of use, there is a high risk of dependence developing..
Its use also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, lung problems, blood infections and sudden cardiac death..
Cocaine sold on the street is commonly mixed with local anesthetics, cornstarch, quinine, or sugar, which can result in additional toxicity. After repeated doses a person may have a decreased ability to feel pleasure and be physically very tired..
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We are going to clarify a series of questions about the consequences of cocaine use on the body. In the first place, it is convenient to mention that the greatest danger involved in smoking or snorting cocaine is its tremendous addictive property, which enhances the uncontrollable desire to consume it..
The properties that make up cocaine stimulate key points in the brain, creating a high feeling of euphoria, generating what are commonly called "trips", episodes of great hyperstimulation and extreme euphoria..
The increase of dopamine in the brain profiles affects the property of neuropsychological reinforcement, enhancing addiction.
The consumption of any type of drug, whatever its quantity, is very dangerous for the organism, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attacks or respiratory failure; their capacity to fall into addiction is very high, becoming the beginning of the end of life for many people.
Cocaine users snort it through their nose, dissolve it in water, and inject it into the bloodstream or inject it as a combination with heroin.
Another popular method is to smoke cocaine processed from a glass that is heated to produce vapors that are inhaled through the lungs. This type of cocaine is called Crack, which refers to the crunching sound of the rock when heated.
In addition to being injected and smoked, another way it is consumed is by turning it into a suppository that is inserted into the anus or vagina, where it is absorbed..
In addition, the effects of cocaine depend on several factors:
It is more than proven that cocaine causes loss of appetite; In many cases, cocaine is a food substitute, causing serious metabolic disorders, in addition to reducing the ability to generate body fat.
Hyperstimulation, the feeling of continuous frenzy, affecting the circulatory system; the heart rate gradually increases, unbalancing blood pressure and body temperature. The first serious malfunctions of the heart begin.
It is a very characteristic symptom, due to the gastrointestinal problems that its consumption entails; abdominal pain along with the feeling of nausea are very common sensations, being a first warning of digestive problems.
The hypersensitive effects of cocaine produce anxiety due to the need to use again. Hyperexcitability or irritability are the basis of hallucinations and paranoias, which come to build a parallel reality.
Depressive symptoms appear in a very short period of time, since the anxiety to consume, together with an erratic behavior drawn with psychotic profiles, turn the cocaine user into a confused and exhausted person.
If you have seen a cocaine user, you will be able to see perfectly how their pupils are enlarged. Also called bilateral mydriasis.
Under the consumption of this substance, the person can spend up to several days without being able to sleep, due to the increase in energy that its use provides.
It is very common in consumers to suffer strong episodes of paranoia, permanent hallucinations; tactile hallucinations are characteristic. The cocaine addict feels small animals under his skin, sometimes they are seriously injured to eliminate this sensation.
Cocaine directly affects the functionality of neurotransmitters, attacking the brain's gratification system; the cerebral cortex suffers serious damage associated with the cognitive process (movements, attention etc), becoming irreversible.
The abusive use of cocaine adversely affects the central nervous system, reduces the caliber of the arteries, reducing blood flow and the ability to erect in men. Likewise, depressive states inhibit sexual pleasure.
The habitual user of cocaine suffers from serious kidney and lung disorders, a serious organic disorder, which reduces the quality of life.
These are the most serious and last effects that an abusive cocaine user can suffer, as it causes death. They are usually the most common causes of death in cocaine users.
Cocaine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This results in higher concentrations of these three neurotransmitters in the brain. Cocaine can easily cross the blood brain barrier and lead to its breakdown.
The most studied effect of cocaine on the central nervous system is the blockade of the dopamine transporter protein.
In normalcy, a neuron releases dopamine into the synaptic space, and it binds to dopamine receptors on the nearby neuron to send a signal. When this signal has been sent, dopamine is reuptained by the transporters of the transmitting neuron..
However, with cocaine use, dopamine is not reuptained; it binds to the dopamine transporter and cannot perform its reabsorption function. Thus, dopamine accumulates in the synaptic cleft.
This is what causes the euphoria that the person who uses this drug feels.
Fighting and eradicating cocaine in the lives of consumers is a long and permanent process. There is no drug or medicine that eliminates the effects of addiction to this drug, although there are some that minimize the consequences of dependence. It is very important that the close environment of a cocaine addict fight with the addict side by side, to find the exit from the black tunnel in which he is.
There are treatment programs for drug addicts, where cognitive-behavioral therapies are a positive way to remove cocaine from the lives of these people.
Abstinence is a tough process that carries physical and psychological consequences that must be treated by professionals; constant communication, care and support for these people is essential. A recovered cocaine addict is a new life for him and his family.
Finally, recommend that if you know someone with problems with cocaine, do not remain passive and inert, act and make their closest nucleus know about these problems. The faster you catch the problem, the less harsh your recovery and detoxification will be..
“Drugs create fictional well-being for you. They are the best liars in the world ”-Lifeder.com
Have you experienced cocaine closely? Is it easy to access it? I am interested in your opinion. Thanks!
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