The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that cocaine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Cocaine is commonly used in three different forms: snorting, injecting or smoking. The powder form is inhaled through the nose or dissolved in water for injection. Crack is a crystallized version of cocaine processed through mixing the powder with fillers such as baking soda and cooking the mixture. The drug enters the blood stream rapidly through injection and smoking. No matter which form the drug is used in, the results can lead to addiction, health problems or death.
Alters Brain Chemistry
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine causes an increase in the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is important in regulating the brain's reward and pleasure pathway. Use of cocaine leads to excessive dopamine, which initially causes feelings of euphoria in the user. However, continued use of cocaine alters how the brain responds to reward, and the user tends to use excess amounts of cocaine to achieve the euphoric effect yet never fully accomplishing the same high again.
Physical Health Damage
Over time, the use of cocaine in any form puts the heart in a state of flux, causing impairment in the regular flow of blood to the rest of the body. As a result, the heart walls weaken, which is a precursor to heart disease. Cleveland Clinic notes that sudden heart attack, irregular heart beat and damage to the brain are possible from use of cocaine. The constriction of blood to the brain also contributes to brain seizures, stroke or sudden death.
Addiction
The Center for Substance Abuse Research indicates that repeated cocaine use leads to increased tolerance to the drug. Tolerance refers to the need for more of the drug to achieve the desired intoxicating effects. In the event of increased tolerance, users tend to take excessive doses of the drug to prolong the pleasurable feelings. Inadvertently the cocaine user becomes addicted to the drug and continues a process of seeking and using the drug despite the negative consequences of use. Treatment is often necessary to stop the cycle of addiction for the cocaine user.
Psychological Changes
The American Council for Drug Education indicates that psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia and depression are likely to result from cocaine and crack use. Cocaine induced psychosis includes symptoms of hallucinations, paranoia and bizarre behavior. Acute cocaine use is associated with increased anxiety and depressive mood. The risk of injury from accidents, aggressive or violent acts and criminal activity is also associated with psychological changes from cocaine use.
Overdose and Risky Behavior
The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains the danger of overdose from cocaine use is high when the drug is used in conjunction with alcohol. Cocaethylene is the combination of alcohol and cocaine. This mixture enhances the euphoric effects of cocaine but also increases vulnerability to sudden death. High-risk behaviors are also associated with cocaine intoxication. This includes engaging in unprotected sex, sharing syringes and driving while intoxicated.
