Question

3. In which category of drugs does cocaine fall? What are side effects of cocaine use?

Answer 1

Drugs are defined as chemical substances, which are capable of altering a person's physical and psychological condition, when they are consumed. Cocaine has been defined as a recreational drug, which functions to prohibit the re-intake of 3 neurotransmitters namely, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby, increasing their levels in the brain. It is also known as coke. Cocaine hydrochloride is a schedule II controlled chemical substance. It is available as white powder or paste or in solidified and rock-like form. It is usually inhaled as smoke or dissolved and forced into a blood vessel. Research has found cocaine to be the second most recurrently used illegal drug, worldwide. It targets the 'reward areas' in the brain, thereby making a person addicted to it or dependent on it. The experience of pleasure or euphoria post cocaine consumption, causes one to abuse or misuse cocaine.

Drugs have several classifications. Drugs have been classified on the basis of their chemical activity, that is, their effects on the brain and the body. They usually fall under 7 classifications namely, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, dissociatives, opioids, inhalants and cannabis. Cocaine is a stimulant, which targets the central nervous system (CNS) of a human body, by increasing its activity. Therefore, the person who consumes it, often replies by saying that he or she is 'speeding up'. Cocaine, as a drug makes a person more alert, energetic and attentive. It is responsible for exhilarated mood and elevated self esteem. It increases a person's heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and glucose in the blood. Cocaine is utilized for legal therapeutic purposes as a pain reliever and vasoconstrictor. But it has side effects too.

Cocaine can make a person feel more infuriated, restless, irritable, anxious and paranoid. Cocaine consumption is associated with many risks, like risk of vertigo, tremors, lung problems, narrowed blood vessels, blood infections, myocardial infarction, dilated pupils, escalated body temperature and reduced sexual function. Overdose can cause cardiac arrest, stroke, respiratory arrest and sudden death.