What's the difference between a cocaine addiction and a caffeine addiction? Caffeine lasts longer. The "high" produced from cocaine only lasts from 5 to 30 minutes (depending on how it was administered), at which point another dose must be administered if the high is to be sustained. This makes cocaine one of the most addictive drugs. Generally, anything used to excess has negative side effects, and cocaine is no exception.
Physical
Cocaine has a direct effect on the heart and brain, sending them into overdrive for the duration of the high. If the reaction of the brain is too great, the person could end up with a heart attack or a stroke, respiratory arrest or a seizure--either ending in sudden death by overdose. Visible effects of cocaine use are restricted blood vessels resulting in pale appearance and dilated pupils.
Psychological
In the short term, the positive psychological short-term effects of cocaine abuse--clearer thinking, increased athleticism, increased energy--lead a person to using the drug. In higher doses and in the long run, taking doses results in psychosis with intolerable behavior.
Social
Addicts of all kinds experience the same kind of social effects with cocaine as with any other drugs. Loss of friends, work, and family life is all very common to cocaine abusers. Cocaine possession can result in jail time; it is considered a serious offense to carry even small quantities in many states.
