Drug use is one of the biggest concerns in terms of public health and social well-being. Today, the harmful effects that these substances have on people’s bodies and the number of problems they can trigger on both a physical and psychological level are widely known.
Throughout this article we will focus on one of them: cocaine. We will see what it is and what its mechanism of action is in order to understand how cocaine addiction works. In addition, we will see aspects such as possible symptoms and effects of substance consumption that serve as warning indicators to take into account.
Cocaine is one of the most consumed drugs worldwide. It is generated from coca leaves that typically grow in the Andes area. Traditionally the leaf of the bush was used by the ancient Incas as a stimulant and anesthetic. In the mid-19th century, the active ingredient (cocaine) was isolated and spread for recreational use
Initially it was considered not to be an addictive substance and was even used in medical settings. Since the end of the 20th century, cocaine use has become a real health problem since it is one of the most consumed drugs.
Cocaine is characterized as a fine white powder that is usually snorted through the nose or rubbed on the gums. It is currently known that it has a very high addictive power since it acts on the brain system related to reward and motivation, but also with memory. It has stimulating effects that initially generate euphoria.
How cocaine addiction works
In the short term, cocaine use manifests itself as an activation of the central nervous system. They usually feel an increase in energy, euphoria and mental alertness. It is common for them to feel more eager to talk and perceive an improvement in their skills and abilities. In addition, the feeling of tiredness is reduced, as well as less desire to eat or sleep.
The effects mentioned are those that are initially obtained with consumption. As we have mentioned previously, cocaine is a substance with a very high level of addiction. In this sense, the evidence indicates that an addiction disorder begins with the occasional consumption of the substance.
Many people start using it occasionally as an experiment in festive or leisure contexts. Sometimes it is consumed by curiosity, in search of experiencing new sensations and, sometimes, by peer pressure. At this point, consumption is usually sporadic and you usually have the feeling that you can stop at any time.
However, there are people who, for various reasons, begin to use the substance more regularly and this ends up becoming frequent. Some people use as a way to escape their emotions or problems and others report that they do it to improve their performance or mood.
Consumption may increase more and more and control may be lost. In this phase of substance abuse, the person usually prioritizes consumption over other pleasurable activities or even responsibilities in their daily life (work, studies, interpersonal relationships, hobbies, etc.).
Since tolerance has developed to the substance, the person needs to consume more and more amounts to obtain the desired effects. This leads us to a state, both physical and psychological, of dependence on the substance: addiction. At this point the person suffers the withdrawal symptom when he does not consume.
Symptoms of consumption and addiction
While it is true that each person may manifest different symptoms, below are some of the most frequently observed:
Effects of cocaine abuse
In the medium and long term, cocaine use can trigger various health problems. We cannot ignore that an overdose can lead anyone directly to death. On the one hand, on a physical level, the increase in the appearance of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological pathologies can be highlighted. In addition, there may be additional difficulties such as insomnia or circulation problems.
On a psychological level, it is easy to observe behavioral changes, with a greater presence of aggressive and emotional behaviors. Due to alterations in certain areas of the brain, abilities such as decision making and impulse control may be altered. Furthermore, it is not strange that psychotic and paranoid symptoms can occur.
