Cocaine is a, illegal substance produced from coca plant (Erythroxylum Coca) leaves, which pure form is represented by the chemical formula C17H21NO4. It can be smoked, consumed orally, snorted or administered through injections.
- Cocaine these days is already in many forms; however, its pure form is white pearly powder.
- It can exist as a crack, a freebase style of the drug containing alternative impurities.
- The amount of pure material in its many types vary from one manufacturer to another.
How Can Cocaine Alter Physical Processes?
Cocaine is first and foremost a stimulant. Generally, it produces an uncontrolled stimulation within the body, which to most of us is referred to as “high”. While there are a number of untoward effects that cocaine can bring forth, the most common effects include:
- Rapid heart rate;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Spikes in brain activity
Cocaine crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain region through stimulating the neurochemical dopamine. In fact, cocaine has been known for its capability of over stimulating the receptors on the presynaptic brain nerve. Either by increasing the quantity of dopamine within the junction through the excessive presynaptic unleash or through inhibiting dopamine pattern, the effects are then manifested. The user experiences less fatigue, elevated moods, more energy and strength, and at times restlessness.
What Are The Adverse Effects Of Cocaine Use?
The main drawback is that it can cause constriction of the individual’s blood vessels within the body, which can progress to a reduced blood supply to important organs just like the liver, kidneys, brain and heart. Cocaine stays in your system for quite some time and can half a half life.
Cocaine, without a doubt, will cause organ injury or stroke. Additionally, high amounts of it in a single session will produce intense stimulation of brain cells that can instantly cause brain over activity. When this happens, critical seizures may happen. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of cocaine overdose:
- Coldness of the extremities and body core;
- Breathing difficulties; gasping breath, or irregular breathing;
- Irregularities in heart rates, which is either too fast, weak or out of rhythm;
- Incontinence;
- Heart failure;
- High blood pressure;
- Loss of consciousness and passing out;
- Seizures
Cocaine dependents may experience any of these regardless of the dose. The health threat that cocaine is bringing is multiplying in many folds through the years, so much more than what the more recent pills and alcohol abuse can cause.
With cocaine use, every user is considered critical; needing immediate medical assistance as soon as possible. Someone overdosed with cocaine may die from shock, coronary diseases, or organ failure.
If you happen to know someone with these signs and symptoms, call 911 immediately. You can also reach out to trustworthy rehabilitation centers because they know how to address the addicted person’s needs better than most of us.
