Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulating narcotic due to the brief euphoric state it induces when used in any form (inhaled, injected intravenously or smoked). The short duration of the high paired with the immense rush that comes seconds after use is the primary contributor to repeated binge use of the drug, increasing the potential for longer-term addiction. Cocaine is a psychologically addictive drug rather than a physiologically addictive drug, yet the addiction effects can be extreme.
Immediate Effects
The most notable immediate effect of cocaine is the sense of overwhelming pleasure derived from initial use: sudden feelings of euphoria and bursts of energy and sociability. During the immediate high, the user has an impaired appetite and increased levels of mental clarity and physical strength. With the sociability that comes from the immediate high, an individual is more talkative and often can be described as talkative, comedic and grandiose. With repeated use within a short time, eventual effects become emotional lability, irritability and paranoia. Not all cocaine users experience binge use, however, even one time use of cocaine can result in death due to heart attack, seizure and failure to breathe. Due to the stimulating effects, blood pressure increases yet the blood vessels become constricted, essentially causing overuse while increasing heart rate. This leads to an increase in body temperature and prevents the body from regulating the central nervous system efficiently in order to prevent potential block of blood flow to the heart.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term use of cocaine leads to tolerance of the drug, essentially requiring more of the drug to achieve the initial euphoria. As the body becomes over stimulated during repeated cocaine binges, the heart and brain become significantly impaired. The heart is constantly put in a state of flux that causes overall decreased blood supply and an increase in chest pains from blocked vessels. The ultimate result of this flux is cardiomyopathy, or heart disease, and weakening of the walls of the heart. The constant constriction of blood vessels leading to the brain overtime can cause permanent seizure disorder or even stroke. Additionally, neurotransmitters of the brain that regulate hormones, mood, hunger, memory, sense of safety and perceptions of reality become reduced and overloaded, which impairs psychological functioning.
Psychological Effects
The psychological effects of increased anxiety, paranoia, depression, cravings and psychosis often are reported as the most difficult consequences of cocaine.These effects lead to the eventual dependence on the drug. When a cocaine user tries to quit the drug, the immense cravings from depleted neurotransmitters typically leads to suicidal thoughts. If the user can allow detox from the drug to occur, the depression, anxiety, paranoia and lack of interest in life can subside. Unfortunately, the physical damage done to the body is not as repairable as the psychological damage.
