Introduction
Though cocaine is no longer abused as commonly as it would be several decades before, it remains one of the most commonly misused substances. Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2023), in 2021, in people aged 12 and older, cocaine misuse instances reached 1.7% body (Roos et al., 2019). When ingested, cocaine produces a surge of euphoria and heightened energy levels, which can last for several minutes to hours, depending on the method of use. It can be snorted, smoked, injected, or rubbed onto the gums, and each method has different risks and effects.
Consciousness
Due to its nature, cocaine has a unique effect on consciousness. Specifically, the increased release of dopamine that cocaine encourages causes one’s conscience to become increasingly alert (Galan-Martin et al., 2020). In addition, due to the threat of brain bleeding that cocaine misuse may entail, the loss of consciousness may be observed in people consuming cocaine (Galan-Martin et al., 2020). Overall, the effects of the specified substance on consciousness are predominantly detrimental.
Neurotransmitters
Cocaine also produces a noticeably adverse effect on the performance of neurotransmitters in the human brain. Specifically, the functions of neurotransmitters are disrupted with the introduction of cocaine into the human body (Roos et al., 2019). The observed problem emerges due to the rise in extracellular levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (Roos et al., 2019). As a result, reward and craving occur in the human body, creating chemical dependency.
Sensation & Perception: Short-Term
Rapid increases in the levels of alertness and confidence can be regarded as core effects of cocaine misuse. Therefore, an increase in the extent and intensity of sensations and perceptions can be seen as the primary short-term effect of cocaine (Galan-Martin et al., 2020). The experience of euphoria and the reduced sense of pain represent two other common characteristics of short-term perception changes in people under the influence of cocaine (Galan-Martin et al., 2020). Therefore, a transition to a state of heightened emotions and intense alertness can be considered the core sign of cocaine use.
Sensation & Perception: Long-Term
In turn, the long-term effects of cocaine on perception and sensation are far more damaging and dangerous. For instance, while the overall level of alertness decreases with the constant use of cocaine, the state of alertness toward any of the stress facts becomes a widespread phenomenon (Kim et al., 2019). This, in turn, leads to the inability to identify the relevant factors correctly. As a result, the level of exposure to risk increases.
Physical Aspect
Additionally, the impact that cocaine produces on one’s body can be classified as either physical or psychological. The core physical effects of cocaine, which become particularly noticeable after a specific period, are constrictions in blood vessels, increased blood pressure, and muscle tightness (Roos et al., 2019). Though the specified changes might not seem particularly noticeable, they tend to minimize one’s quality of life.
Psychological Aspect
Similarly, the psychological effects of cocaine misuse become prominent after a specific period. For instance, the development of mood disorders is a widespread psychological effect of the drug (Roos et al., 2019). In addition, depression is widespread in people misusing cocaine (Roos et al., 2019). Thus, strategies for reducing drug consumption must be designed.
Conclusion
Due to the dire effects that cocaine misuse has on the physiological and psychological state of an individual, active measures must be introduced to prevent instances of cocaine misuse from taking place. Specifically, digital communication options such as social media must be integrated into the framework for building an awareness campaign and introducing crucial health resources to vulnerable populations. With a more rigid focus on the support of people with cocaine addiction, as well as the promotion of patient and public awareness, the stigma surrounding the problem will dissolve, and patients’ needs will be addressed adequately.
References
Galan-Martin, M. A., Montero-Cuadrado, F., Lluch-Girbes, E., Coca-López, M. C., Mayo-Iscar, A., & Cuesta-Vargas, A. (2020). Pain neuroscience education and physical therapeutic exercise for patients with chronic spinal pain in Spanish physiotherapy primary care: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(4), 1201. Web.
Kim, S. T., & Park, T. (2019). Acute and chronic effects of cocaine on cardiovascular health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(3), 584. Web.
National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2023). What is the scope of cocaine use in the United States? NIH.gov. Web.
Roos, C. R., Nich, C., Mun, C. J., Mendonca, J., Babuscio, T. A., Witkiewitz, K., Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2019). Patterns of cocaine use during treatment: Associations with baseline characteristics and follow-up functioning. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 80(4), 431-440. Web.