Affects Of Cocaine

Have you ever tried cocaine before? Do you know anyone thats does? Have you lost a family member to cocaine? Cocaine has so many affects on the body.

When cocaine is used it interferes with the reabsorption of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure and movement, producing a euphoric effect. Shortly after cocaine is ingested the user may experience the following symptoms:

* Constricted blood vessels.

* Dilated pupils.

* Increased body temperature.

* Increased heart rate.

* Higher blood pressure.

During the euphoric period after cocaine use, which can last up until 30 minutes, user will experience hyperstimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness. However, some users also experience restlessness, irritability, and anxiety.During a cocaine binge, when the drug is taken repeatedly, users may experience increasing restlessness, irritability and paranoia. For some users this can lead to a period of paranoid psychosis, with auditory hallucinations and a disconnection with reality.

Thus drug has long term and short term affects. Repeated cocaine use can cause the following health consequences:

* Irregular heart beat.

* Heart attack.

* Chest pain.

* Respiratory failure.

* Stroke.

* Seizures and headaches.

* Abdominal pain and nausea.

Chronic users of cocaine can become malnourished due to the drug's ability to decrease appetite. Each method of taking cocaine can produce specific health effects, including:

* Snorting: Chronically runny nose, nosebleeds, loss of smell, hoarseness, and problems swallowing.

* Ingesting: Severe bowel gangrene due to a reduction in the flow of blood to the intestines. 

* Injecting: Severe allergic reactions. Increased risk for contracting HIV, Hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases.

Overdoesing is possible on cociane;although cocaine overdose is not common, it can occur and can be fatal. Because cocaine affects the heart and respiratory system, an overdose can...