Cocaine: The Real Life Effects

Published May 23, 2010

When exploring the negative effects associated with cocaine abuse, it is important to know that this illegal substance possesses one of the most powerful central nervous system stimulants found in nature. The white, crystalline powder comes from the coca plant that often grows in climates such as the highlands in South America. While the coca leaves once served as a medicinal aid in the Andes, it has now turned into a chemical monster that is sold on the streets as one of the most notoriously addicting drugs.

While acting as a stimulant for the central nervous system, the heart begins to beat at a rapid pace when the drug is introduced into the body. Blood vessels constrict, which creates a greater supply of blood in the body. Since the blood vessels narrow, the increased volume of blood is unable to move, which increases the potential for a host of medical issues to arise. At first, the drug decreases the user’s appetite while at the same time increases alertness, energy levels, and self-confidence.

The longer cocaine is used, the more dependent the body becomes on the drug, creating an increased amount of negative effects. High doses of the drug cause delusions, paranoia, and even the threat of acute toxic psychosis. Blood pressure levels increase, which makes the user susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In some, these effects can take a quick turn for the worst, sometimes causing death. When the drug finally wears off, depression may take over, causing the user to feel jumpy, anxious, and tired.

Cocaine abuse eventually breaks down the body to the point that the consequences far outweigh the euphoria the drug once created. As the user becomes more dependant and addicted, the accompanying side effects are often ignored. It usually takes others to intervene and encourage one to seek help for their chemical dependency. Excessive cocaine use may cause neurological conditions, such as seizures, fungal brain infections, and hemorrhaging about surrounding brain tissue. The lungs may fill with fluid and asthma may become more difficult to handle. Respiratory failure may also occur.

Users also suffer from psychosis, paranoia, depression, anxiety disorders, as well as fits of delusion. The user may also increase their chances of suffering from traumatic injury that come from accidents, aggression, violence, or criminal activity. Additional negative effects associated with cocaine abuse include sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, premature labor, low-birth weight babies, nausea, and headaches.

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Cocaine: The Real Life Effects

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