COCAINE

Cocaine

Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It is both a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, giving rise to what has been described as a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy. It is most often used recreationally for this effect. Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. Its effects can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending upon the dosage of cocaine taken, purity, and method of administration. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The euphoria is sometimes followed by feelings of discomfort and depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Sexual interest and pleasure can be amplified. Side effects can include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increases with frequent usage.

The cocaine arrived and we agreed to use it at a time that translated to three and a half hours after I arrived. It cost $60 for what I was told was an eighth of a gram. This seemed rather expensive, but I was assured that it was ‘high quality product.’ I took the line up my left nostril. After about ninety seconds, I felt my heartbeat increase. It was definitely kicking in. I began to worry a bit, as I could feel my heart pounding and my pulse increasing. I finally felt as if it had reached a plateau. My heartbeat became level, albeit still very high. Many people say that one feels euphoria – being invincible and/or the desire to clean the house. I did not feel either of these (and I did remember to think about these things). For me, the positive effects of cocaine came directly from knowing that I had reached a plateau and I was going to be fine. I felt invigorated, yet also very comfortable.

Cocaine, also known as coke, is a strong stimulant mostly used as a recreational drug.^[9] It is commonly snorted, inhaled, or injected into the veins. Mental effects may include loss of contact with reality, an intense feeling of happiness, or agitation. Physical symptoms may include a fast heart rate, sweating, and large pupils.^[8] High doses can result in very high blood pressure or body temperature.^[10] Effects begin within seconds to minutes of use and last between five and ninety minutes.^[8] Cocaine has a small number of accepted medical uses such as numbing and decreasing bleeding during nasal surgery.^[11]

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 thatdependence will occur.^[9] Its use also increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, lung problems in those who smoke it, blood infections, and sudden cardiac death.^[9][12] Cocaine sold on the street is commonly mixed with local anesthetics, cornstarch, quinine, or sugar which can result in additional toxicity.^[13] Following repeated doses a person may have decreased ability to feel pleasureand be very physically tired.^[9]

Cocaine acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This results in greater concentrations of these three neurotransmitters in the brain.^[9] It can easily cross the blood–brain barrier and may lead to the breakdown of the barrier.^[14][15]Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant which are mostly grown in South America.^[8] In 2013, 419 kilograms were produced legally.^[16] It is estimated that the illegal market for cocaine is 100 to 500 billion USD each year. With further processingcrack cocaine can be produced from cocaine.^[9]

After cannabis, cocaine is the most frequently used illegal drug globally.^[17] Between 14 and 21 million people use the drug each year. Use is highest in North America followed by Europe and South America. Between one and three percent of people in thedeveloped world use cocaine at some point in their life.^[9] In 2013 cocaine use directly resulted in 4,300 deaths, up from 2,400 in 1990.^[18] The leaves of the coca plant have been used by Peruvians since ancient times.^[13] Cocaine was first isolated from the leaves in 1860.^[9] Since 1961 the international Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs has required countries to make recreational use of cocaine a crime.^[19]

One of the best treatment for drug addiction is to consult with cocaine rehab centers for recovery.