Understanding cocaine
Cocaine is a white powder, also known as benzoylmethylecgonine, coke, blow or powder. It acts on the body’s central nervous system, producing energy and euphoria. It is most commonly snorted, but can also be smoked (known as “freebasing”) or dissolved in water and injected.
Cocaine is highly addictive, but addiction can be hard to recognise. Craving cocaine and ignoring the consequences of using it are signs of addiction.
The psychological addiction is often the hardest part to overcome, although there are clear physical symptoms as well. Someone who uses cocaine frequently develops a dependence, meaning they need it to feel normal. Once dependence has developed, tolerance builds and withdrawal symptoms occur when use stops.
Once someone is addicted to cocaine, it can be very hard to stop. Cocaine abnormally increases the level of dopamine in the brain, eventually reprogramming the brain’s reward system.
Cocaine effects and abuse
Any use of cocaine is considered abuse because it is an illegal substance. Cocaine increases levels of happiness-inducing chemicals that the brain produces naturally, which is why people feel euphoric when they use it.
Other effects of using cocaine include:
- Talkativeness
- Excitement
- Alertness
- Anxiety
- Overconfidence
How a person uses cocaine changes the potency and duration of the effects. Snorting it produces short-lived effects, lasting about 30 minutes. Smoking or injecting cocaine is more intense but lasts an even shorter time, about 5 to 10 minutes. Most users dose frequently to maintain the effects. Injecting the drug carries a higher risk of overdose than snorting.
Progressive Diagnostics welcomes the opportunity to discuss your drug testing requirements. We offer a flexible and comprehensive onsite testing service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.