Symptoms Of Cocaine Usage

The coca plant, native to South America, can be prepared in a way that produces a powerful central nervous stimulant and topical anesthetic known as cocaine. The most popular methods of using cocaine are inhaling it into the nose (insufflating) and injecting it into the bloodstream. Another form of cocaine, called crack or freebase, is smoked. This creates a far more powerful high that only lasts a short while.

Effects of Cocaine in the Short Term

Psychologically, cocaine causes a myriad of effects, all of which are dependent on the user and the user's tolerance to the drug. Cocaine is often used as a party drug because it causes euphoria and extreme happiness. Other effects of the drug increase its popularity with party goers. One of these effects lowers fatigue and weariness, making cocaine perfect for dancing into all hours of the night. Like amphetamines, some use cocaine as a fuel for their work, helping them to concentrate and stay awake and therefore work more productively for much longer periods of time.

After large amounts of cocaine have been consumed, an individual's behavior may change in many different ways. People on cocaine, particularly high doses, are often irritable and irrational. Hallucinations can occur, as well as intense feelings of paranoia. These factors all lead to aggressive, violent, and antisocial behaviors. In addition to its adverse psychological effects, cocaine takes quite the toll on the human body, particularly the circulatory system. As cocaine is introduced to the body, pupils begin to dilate and perspiration may take place. A loss of appetite and decreased desire to sleep takes place. Heart rate increases, as well as blood pressure. When coupled with the rigorous physical activity that often goes hand in hand with cocaine usage, the risk of stroke, heart attack, and seizures increases. People who are sensitive to stimulants or have risk of any of these things happening should not under any circumstances use cocaine.

Compared to opiate withdrawal, withdrawal from cocaine is not nearly as dangerous to the user, although it is in no way a walk in the park. Cessation of cocaine abuse can lead to paranoid thoughts, loss of sexual drive, suicidal tendencies, and an overall sense of apathy. These symptoms are enough to tempt users to use cocaine just to get rid of them, and this self-medication often leads to a cycle of abuse, addiction, and eventually a dependency on the drug.

Regular Use of Cocaine and Effects

When using cocaine regularly over an extended period of time, more serious psychological changes occur within the brain. Cocaine's stimulating qualities combined with its propensity to induce paranoia can lead to further violent act and mood swings. Insomnia is normal among cocaine addicts, and combined with cocaine's tendency to suppress a user's appetite can lead to unhealthy weight loss. As with any insufflated substance, damage to the inside of the nose cartilage can take place, and will eventually tear a hole in the septum with repeated use.

Although cocaine may be seen as a drug that will make you feel like you're on cloud nine, the opposite is true in many cases. No fun can be had when you're constantly paranoid, and collapsing on the dance floor due to a cocaine induced heart attack is no picnic either. As a rule of thumb, it is profoundly unwise to abuse cocaine.

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