Cocaine is a drug of the group of psychoactive substances, that is, it produces direct stimulating effects on the central nervous system, mainly on the brain. Among its distinguishing features is its high capacity to produce addiction, so even in small doses can generate a great dependence; another of its effects is a rapid tolerance to the dose, so it is required to consume more and more quantity to achieve the same results, without the individual being aware that this is the beginning of the toxicity cycle that accompanies the addiction to the cocaine
It is a drug especially harmful to health, both physical and mental, even in small doses, the worst effects being the longer consumed or how much more is used, and extending its consequences beyond the personal scope, affecting also to the couple, family and friends. As it is a stimulating substance it provokes in the consumer a quick and momentary euphoria, accompanied by a fictitious sensation of well-being and hypervigilance, which causes the subject to be more energetic and experience a decrease in appetite and the need to sleep, as a result of the chemical stimulation of the dopaminergic pathways of the pleasure centers of the brain, while inhibiting the centers of self-regulation, making it easier to present uninhibited behaviors, which can put at risk the consumer's own life, or that of others if, for example, you drive a vehicle under the influence of the drug.
Cocaine use causes an overexcitation of the organism, with an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature and, depending on the amount of drug, can also trigger anxiety, tremors, irritability, paranoia and violent behavior. After a short period of time, ranging from a few minutes to an hour after consumption of the substance, the opposite effect occurs, a strong fall of mood accompanied by apathy, which has been equated to drastically entering a state depressant.
Although the idea is not generalized in all consumers, young people often share the belief that it is a sexual drug, with effects similar to viagra, which encourages them to try it and start regular consumption, with the added aggravation Many people mix it with alcohol or other toxic substances, which makes treatment even more difficult.