Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid derived from the coca plant and is illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess. Originally intended as a less addictive replacement to morphine, it is nearly four times as addictive. Cocaine is also a very powerful narcotic and thus habit forming. Cocaine can be swallowed or sniffed in powder form, injected intravenously or smoked. Cocaine is known on the street as:
Effects of Cocaine on the Human Body
Cocaine is an alkaloid that blocks dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein which binds to excess dopamine and stores it for future use (to a lesser extent, cocaine also inhibits serotonin transporter). This leaves large amounts of dopamine and lesser amounts of serotonin unbound, which cause feelings of euphoria and increased energy. Cocaine also interferes with the body's pain pathways and produces an anesthetic effect. Cocaine is frequently abused because of the feelings of euphoria and energy it creates.
Long Term Effects of Cocaine Use
As an individual continues to use cocaine, the body very quickly develops a tolerance to its effects and increasing amounts of cocaine must be taken to produce the same effects. Long term use of cocaine increases the addict's risk of heart attack by 700%, and may also cause hyperthermia, kidney failure, constant itching and hallucinations or paranoid delusions. Long time snorting of cocaine leads to the dissolving of the cartilage of the nose.
Cocaine Rehab and Detox Considerations
Due to its illegal nature, cocaine addiction is typically devastating for the user and his/her loved ones. Often times, the cocaine addict is compelled to enter treatment because of criminal proceedings. Cocaine is particularly addictive because it stimulates reward centers in the brain. Cocaine is metabolized and excreted quickly, and as a result, withdrawal symptoms are more moderate than opiate-based drugs. Symptoms may include psychological cravings, depression, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, muscle pain/spasms and insomnia; it is recommended that cocaine addicts undergo properly supervised drug detox to reduce the severity of these symptoms.
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