COCAINE

Cocaine and its Effects on Individuals and Families

Cocaine and its Effects on Individuals and Families

Introduction

The coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), which naturally contains cocaine is indigenous to the Andes region of South America and has been used by indigenous cultures in that area for thousands of years. Cocaine is a widely used alkaloid drug isolated from the leaves of the coca plant. Its salt form is cocaine hydrochloride, which is a white crystalline powder, and is sometimes referred to as cocaine powder to distinguish it from crack cocaine, a base form of the drug. Cocaine is used for its euphoric and stimulant effects (Hatsukami & Fischman, 1996).

Thesis Statement

The inclined trend of cocaine adoption in US has a significant impact on society.

Body

Why cocaine is so addictive

Cocaine powder, typically insufflate (snorted) into the nose, allowing the drug to be absorbed through mucosal membranes, or mixed with water to form an aqueous solution and injected intravenously “mainlining”. The psychoactive effects of cocaine result from its ability to block the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters. In particular, its blockade of dopamine reuptake in the meso-limbic area (often referred to as the “rewards center”) of the brain is responsible for its reinforcing and addictive effects. Cocaine alters human sensation and perception of the world, the addict loses interest in other areas of life. People do not solve their problems by facing them, and do not reach the goals set earlier, before they get "addicted" to cocaine. His attempts to stop using cocaine lead to depression so severe that he agrees to do anything to get drugs, and if it does not happen then that the state can make him committing suicide.

Short-term effects of Cocaine Usage

Cocaine can be absorbed rapidly from a variety of sites, including mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. The metabolites (breakdown products) of cocaine are water soluble and are excreted in urine; infants may be exposed to cocaine and its metabolites prenatally either via placental transfer or via accumulation in breast milk. Physiologically, cocaine can stress the cardiovascular and neurovascular systems and can lead to stroke and heart attack. Other potential toxicity includes seizures, oxygen deprivation of the heart, and heart arrhythmias. Chronic use can lead to a range of psychiatric conditions such as toxic paranoid psychosis and mood disorders.

Long-term effects of Cocaine Usage

According to several studies, cocaine intake among women of childbearing age has increased greatly. It ...