Cocaine is an illegal drug that is abused by millions of drug addicts all over the world. It is smoked, injected and even snorted by desperate people wanting to feel better about their lives and forget about their problems, even if its just for a couple of hours. Snorting cocaine causes rapid effects which is why it is the most popular way of ingesting the drug. Cocaine enters the bloodstream when ingested and travels very quickly to the brain.
Cocaine basically causes a chemical build-up in the brain, stopping other neuro signals from being transmitted, and creates a euphoric feeling. This is the reason people get addicted to it so quickly and are often killed by an overdose because they want the euphoria to last longer and longer every time they use the drug. It is easy to spot someone who is abusing cocaine. The symptoms include exited behaviour and excessive chatter, dilated pupils and red eyes as well as exuberance and high levels of activity.
Cocaine abuse has very negative effects on the heart. As soon as the drug is ingested, the arteries are constricted, cutting of the blood supply to the heart. Cocaine abuse has also been associated with irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmia. Much the same happens to the brain when cocaine is snorted or smoked. The blood vessels in the brain constrict and this can lead to seizures and even strokes. The saddest thing about cocaine abuse is that it is mainly young people that get caught up in the addiction and they are the ones who suffer these health risks.
The nose and sinuses are also badly affected by the continuous snorting of cocaine. Nasal perforation and lung damage are only some of the horrible side effects of snorting. Drug abusers who suffer from high blood pressure run the risk of kidney failure when they abuse cocaine over a long period of time. And contrary to popular belief, cocaine also causes sexual dysfunction. Overall, abusing cocaine is not beneficial on any level and drug addicts should seek professional help as soon as possible.
