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Cocaine

Essay by   •  October 29, 2010  •  385 Words (2 Pages)  •  1,392 Views

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Cocaine

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of a coca plant. It is an influential brain stimulant and one of the most powerfully addictive drugs in the world. Cocaine has been around for many years and still exists today but is usually known as the drug of the 1980s and 90s. Cocaine has become more popular during these time periods because it is cheap, easily available and simple to use. Cocaine is a very harmful drug that comes in a white crystalline powder; it can be snorted, smoked or injected with a needle. Some may know cocaine as blow, sherbet, coke, snow, or lady. Cocaine harms the brain by depleting certain brain chemicals. It also harms the lining of you nose, and the membrane between the two nostrils if it is snorted.

When cocaine is used in small amounts it can produce feelings of deep psychological happiness, increased confidence and awareness. This high is produced through the neurotransmitters Dopamine; this drug is a chemical that sends messages between neurons. When the brain becomes flooded with dopamine is produces pleasurable sensations; for example increased confidence, mood elevation and alertness. Other side effects may be decreased appetite, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and transient drowsiness.

However Cocaine is a physically and psychologically addictive drug, people that become addicted to this drug usually binge use. During binge use people can risk overdosing and if that happens they can be left with horrible consequences to pay. Consequences like elevated blood pressure, increased body temperature face picking, suspiciousness, bizarre and repetitious behavior, vivid hallucinations, convulsions and the worst of all death. Cocaine also has a great effect on ones consciousness. Cocaine users are able to go on for hours without sleep. It affects their mental state in a way where you don't feel the need for sleep.

Overall cocaine can produce an altered

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