Cocaine Use Research Paper

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During the early 1900s, individuals used cocaine as an anesthetic, yet this practice has long been discontinued. In fact, this drug currently has no known use in medicine, yet many people turn to it as a recreational substance, one that can have long term lasting effects on them. With time, a person may become addicted to the drug and this can have dangerous consequences, thus everyone should be aware of the signs of cocaine use and addiction. The sooner a problem is detected, the sooner the individual can get the help they need to overcome their dependency.
Cocaine Use
Cocaine may be used in a variety of ways, and a person must use it a number of times before they become addicted. This makes it different from other drugs, such as heroin,
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First, the user will notice that they need more of the drug to obtain the pleasure they originally derived from smaller amounts, thus they being to increase their dosage. When their brain adjusts to the use of cocaine, the user tends to become depressed and moody when they don't have it in their system. Many report they become fatigued at this stage and some use sleeping medications following heavy use of the drug. This dependence comes as the result of changes to the neurological pathways in the brain. Normal neurotransmitter levels in the brain are no longer enough to provide the user with the normal feelings of pleasure. Addiction is the final step in the process and is characterized by strong cravings for the drug. The user is willing to do anything to obtain more of the substance, regardless of the …show more content…
This isn't the only way that use of this drug can lead to fatal consequences though. Individuals may engage in dangerous behaviors, such as unprotected sex, and these behaviors may result in permanent illness or injury or even death. The stress that is placed on the body and brain as a result of using this drug is severe, and this impacts the person's ability to overcome the addiction and lead a full life one again.
Signs Of A Cocaine Overdose
One problem with cocaine is it is not regulated. As a result, users cannot know the quality of the drug before they use it. They may use the normal amount, but the drug is more potent, leading to an overdose. Anyone who is suspected of cocaine should be monitored for signs of a drug overdose until professional help can be sought to overcome the addiction. Signs of a cocaine overdose include:
⦁ The sensation that the head is ready to explode
⦁ Hallucinations
⦁ A feeling of being overheated

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