What Is The Drug: Cocaine

Cocaine is a well-known stimulant drug that affects how the brain communicates and processes information. It’s commonly linked to increased energy, alertness and intense short-term euphoria. As one of the most talked-about substances in modern drug use, cocaine continues to raise questions about its effects, symptoms, and potential for addiction. This article takes a closer look at what cocaine is and how it influences the body and mind.

What does cocaine look like?

Cocaine typically appears as a fine, white, powdery substance. It may resemble baking soda or powdered sugar and is often packaged in small plastic bags or wraps. In its processed rock form, known as “crack cocaine,” it looks like small, off-white or yellowish crystals. While the appearance can vary slightly depending on purity and additives, cocaine is generally identifiable by its powder or crystal form.

How is cocaine made?

Cocaine is made by extracting and processing the active chemical from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. This process involves multiple steps using chemicals and refining agents in illicit laboratories, often under dangerous and unregulated conditions. The result is a concentrated form of the drug that is then distributed illegally in powder or crystal form. Because of the uncontrolled nature of its production, the final product may contain harmful additives or impurities.

The uses of cocaine.

Used for centuries by Indigenous South Americans, coca leaves were traditionally chewed to reduce hunger, boost stamina, and combat the effects of high altitude. In the late 1800s, scientists isolated cocaine from these leaves, leading to its early use in Western medicine as a local anaesthetic, particularly in eye, nose, and throat surgeries. It was also promoted as a remedy for fatigue and pain, and was famously included in early formulations of Coca-Cola. However, as the drug’s addictive nature and harmful effects became better understood, medical use declined sharply. Today, cocaine has very limited legal use in medicine and is classified as an illegal substance in most parts of the world.

The effects and symptoms of cocaine use.

Cocaine use can cause a wide range of physical and psychological effects, many of which appear quickly after use. These effects can vary depending on the amount taken, how it’s used, and how often. Some are short-lived, while others can have lasting impacts on the body and brain. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore what cocaine does to the body, the immediate effects after use, and the long-term symptoms that can develop over time.

What does cocaine do to your body?

What does cocaine do to your body? As a powerful stimulant drug, cocaine affects the central nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. This causes a surge of energy, alertness, and euphoria. However, these effects come with strain on the heart, brain, and other organs. The drug speeds up bodily functions, raises heart rate and blood pressure, and can disrupt normal patterns of sleep, appetite, and mood.

Short-term drug effects of cocaine.

Cocaine is a fast-acting stimulant drug, and its short-term effects can appear within minutes of use. These effects may vary in intensity depending on the amount taken and the method of use. Common short-term reactions to cocaine include:

Intense feelings of euphoria
Increased energy and alertness
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Dilated pupils
Reduced appetite
Increased body temperature

Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
Restlessness or anxiety
Irritability or aggressive behaviour
Short-lived confidence or talkativeness
Muscle twitches or tremors

These short-term effects may seem appealing at first, but they can quickly lead to risky behaviour, physical strain, and emotional crashes as the drug wears off. The intense high is often followed by a sudden drop in mood, leaving users feeling anxious, tired, or depressed.

Long-term drug effects of cocaine.

Using cocaine repeatedly over time can lead to serious and lasting effects on both the body and mind. As a powerful stimulant drug, its long-term use can damage vital systems and increase the risk of addiction and other health complications. Some common long-term effects of cocaine include:

Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and seizures
Persistent high blood pressure
Damage to the nose and sinuses
Lung damage
Weight loss and malnutrition

Ongoing anxiety, paranoia or depression
Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
Cognitive issues, including memory loss and poor decision-making
Mood swings or aggressive behaviour
Strong psychological dependence or addiction

The longer cocaine is used, the more severe these effects can become. What may start as occasional use can lead to lasting changes in brain function, physical health, and behaviour. This makes it harder to stop without support.

Cocaine overdose symptoms.

Taking too much cocaine at once, or combining it with other substances, can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. As a powerful stimulant drug, cocaine puts intense pressure on the heart and nervous system. Recognising the symptoms of a cocaine overdose is critical and may help save a life. Common symptoms include:

Extreme agitation or confusion
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Chest pain
High body temperature

Nausea or vomiting
Tremors or seizures
Difficulty breathing
Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness

An overdose is a medical emergency. If any of these symptoms appear, call 10177 for an ambulance or 112 from a mobile phone in South Africa. While waiting for help, try to keep the person awake and breathing, and do not leave them alone. Immediate medical attention can save a life.

How long does cocaine stay in your system?

Cocaine doesn’t stay in the body for long, but its presence can still be detected through various types of drug tests. How long it stays in your system depends on factors like how much was used, how often, and the person’s metabolism.

In general, this is how long the drug can be detected for:

Blood: Cocaine can be detected for up to 12 hours after use
Urine: Most common tests detect cocaine for 2 to 3 days, but heavy use may show up for up to a week
Saliva: Detectable for 1 to 2 days
Hair: Can show cocaine use for up to 90 days

Although the intense effects of cocaine wear off quickly, traces of the drug and its byproducts can linger in the body. This is important to know for anyone undergoing routine or workplace drug testing.

Cocaine addiction treatment and rehabilitation.

Cocaine addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. Effective rehabilitation typically involves a combination of medical care, counselling, and behavioural therapies designed to help individuals manage cravings, address underlying issues, and build healthy coping skills.

At The Way Recovery, we specialise in supporting those struggling with cocaine and other substance addictions. Our experienced team provides personalised treatment plans in a safe and confidential environment. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, we are here to guide you through every step of the recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is ready to break free from cocaine addiction, contact The Way Recovery today to learn more about our programmes and how we can help you find lasting recovery.

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