Cocaine is a addictive drug made from the leaves of Coca plant. it is not a common illicit drug in India because it Coca plant which is native to South America but it can be obtained expensively compare to other illicit drugs in major cities. Intake of cocaine increases the level of dopamine (a natural chemical messenger). A user will experience metal alertness and high level of energy under the influence of this drug.There is high risk of percentage that the user will become addictive to this drug due to its rewarding effects.
Cocaine is generally snorted but however there are other forms of this drug which can be taken in by other ways like smoking and injecting to veins.
Some people inject this drug mixed with Heroin, which is known as Speedball. Since due to no fixed quantities of the both drugs there is high risk of overdoes.
Also by further processing, Crack Cocaine which is free base form of cocaine is produced that can be smoked.
Signs of addiction
- Dilated pupils.
- Not sleeping for days in continuation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Overconfidence, over-excitement.
- Paranoia.
- Runny nose.
- White powder around nostrils.
- Mood swings.
- Depression.
Long term effects
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain.
- High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death.
- Liver, kidney and lung damage.
- HIV, Hepatitis c and other infections if injected.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Severe tooth decay.
- Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women).
- Mood swings.
- Increased frequency of risky behavior.
- Severe depression.
- Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use).