Psychological Effects Of Cocaine

Register to read the introduction… Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain and the central nervous system. Many users are unaware of the psychological effects that cocaine has on the brain. The user is mainly worried about using the drug and getting “high” and not the effects that the drug has on their body and brain. Cocaine is a psychoactive drug affecting the central nervous system. Cocaine eats away chunks of the brain and increases blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, often for the rest of the user’s life. Cocaine users are far more likely to suffer from coronary aneurysms than non-cocaine users. The use of cocaine weakens the blood vessels in the heart and the brain, and this can cause aneurysms to form. The risks of cocaine use are multiplied because not only will the chemicals of cocaine continue to weaken the blood vessels, but the irritability and panic associated with cocaine use can also cause an aneurysm to bleed, which can then result in death. Cocaine has numerous effects on many important neurotransmitters in the brain. However, the most dramatic effect is on the increase as well as the release of dopamine into the brain. Excessive levels of dopamine have also been linked to and hypothesized with anger, aggressiveness, hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. Cocaine also initially increases levels of nor epinephrine and serotonin, 2 other essential neurotransmitters. Nor …show more content…
Cocaine users tend to have higher rates of antisocial personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and multi-substance abuse than the general population. Cocaine is considered to be the second most dependent and second most harmful of drugs of abuse. It is the most commonly abused illicit substance after marijuana in the United States (Brody, Slovis, & Wrenn, 1990). Cocaine dependence can occur in any individual, regardless of education level, occupation, or social class. The instant pleasure that is experienced in most people can lead anyone to a life of obsessive thoughts of this drug and its compulsive use. Mental health, physical health, family life, social activities, and occupation are usually adversely affected. Given unlimited availability and use of the drug, cocaine users literally self-destruct, carrying many people with them. My question is will drug officials ever be able to really permanently remove cocaine from the streets? I know I hope they