The Dangers of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine produces a severe dependence, leaving users needing to use more over time as their tolerance builds. At this stage, refraining from using cocaine will result in going through strenuous withdrawal symptoms. Part of why cocaine is so addicting is because it magnifies the brain’s level of dopamine and entirely reprograms the reward system.
Snorting cocaine typically causes effects for around half an hour, while injecting or smoking cocaine results in an intense 5-10 minute high. With constant use, injection has the greatest risk of overdosing. Among the top reasons why abusing cocaine is dangerous is due to its persistent taxing on one’s heart, which is why many cocaine users die of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Cocaine may also be called:
- Coke
- Blow
- Bump
- C
- Nose candy
- Snow
