Cocaine Use And Its Dangers
Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a narcotic alkaloid, also known as a psychostimulant and stimulant, often taken primarily from the leaves of a single coca tree, Erythroxylum mesthistoire. It’s most commonly found in cocaine abusers, both young and old, although it can be found in other products like chocolate and baking soda. The effects of cocaine vary from person to person; a small amount will cause no side effects and a large amount will produce extreme feelings of pleasure or excitement. Because cocaine use alters the functions of the brain, users are at increased risk for common health problems like heart failure, respiratory arrest, stroke, or death.
Cocaine use can have harmful health effects for those who are not used to them. Common health effects of cocaine include excessive sweating, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, cramps, and vision problems. Long term use of cocaine may cause hypertension, high blood pressure, stroke, or even death. Cocaine has also been found to cause depression in some people, and may also affect the functioning of the pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, and the reproductive organs. It may also cause increased appetite, which can result in an increase in weight, and can eventually lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility.
The rapidity with which cocaine produces a peak in body temperature may result in severe body temperature fluctuations during use, and these highs and lows are extremely dangerous. Extreme cocaine use can cause hypothermia in a matter of minutes, sometimes hours, and extreme body temperature changes can occur frequently. When a person who has been using cocaine sits down to eat or sleep, the temperature of the body can rise dangerously because the heat from the body can dissipate into the air. This often results in death from heart failure or brain damage caused by the change in body temperature.
Cocaine Use And Its Dangers
The physical complications that can arise from cocaine use are quite serious. It is possible to suffer from insomnia, seizures, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms. Many people who have been addicted to cocaine develop severe physical illnesses as a result of their drug use, and death from these complications can be fatal. It should be noted that the most common side effects of cocaine use, such as headaches and anxiety, can be resolved quickly if the user begins to consume small amounts of the drug on a regular basis. For people who have developed complications as a result of their addiction, it is necessary to seek medical help from a trained medical professional.
As discussed above, cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant. It has the ability to raise the body temperature, as well as producing euphoric feelings. Like any other stimulants, cocaine use can produce both euphoria and physical dependency, and addiction to the drug may lead to symptoms of both. In some cases, the drug itself may reduce the amount of dopamine in the brain, resulting in feelings of depression and irritability.
Although cocaine use is extremely dangerous, it is not the only dangerous substance abused today. In recent years, street drugs such as methamphetamines, ecstasy, and marijuana have also been found in record amounts in North America. These substances are far more addictive than cocaine, and as a result they can cause all kinds of serious health complications. Although the medical complications of cocaine can cause are relatively minor, it is still worth mentioning. Anyone considering trying any of these drugs should first consult their primary care physicians for advice on whether or not they should even be taking them.