Effects of cocaine on the brain and body that you should know: function, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Drug abuse (Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) is a big problem for the whole world, including Indonesia. One of the most widely consumed types of drugs besides marijuana is cocaine. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is highly addictive. Like most stimulants, this one substance can directly affect the user's brain function. Long-term addiction can cause a variety of severe physical and psychological problems. In fact, this one substance can also cause death.

The origins of cocaine

Cocaine is a strong stimulant that is extracted from the leaves Erythroxylon coca or better known as coca leaves. This leaf grows in many South American states, such as Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. For centuries, coca leaf has been used to treat altitude sickness and to increase energy levels in many of the native tribes of South America. In some remote areas of South America, coca leaves are also frequently used in religious ceremonies.

Not only in South American countries, the United States also used cocaine as a tonic and potion to treat various diseases in the early 1900s. Because of these properties, cocaine has become a very popular compound and is often used in drugs, such as throat lozenges and tonics. In fact, this substance also used to be the main ingredient for one of the most well-known brands of soda drinks — although now the cocaine content is finally completely eliminated from the drink.

Unfortunately, the properties of cocaine are often abused. Some people sell this substance illegally as a refined white powder that is refined and mixed with other substances such as cornstarch, talcum powder, or sugar. Some people also mix it with heroin or amphetamine, known as speedball. As a result, cases of addiction, psychotic behavior, seizures, and death have increased. Finally, in 1914, the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of the United States prohibited the use of this substance in over-the-counter products and made it available only by prescription.

As a refined drug, cocaine has been assigned to one of the most frequently abused substances for more than 100 years.

Types of cocaine

There are two types of cocaine, including:

• Hydrochloride salt.This type of drug is added with acid to neutralize and form a salt substance. That is why this type of drug is a white crystalline powder, is water soluble, and tastes a little bit bitter. How to use it can be inhaled or aspirated through the nose, injected into a vein, taken directly, or rubbed into the gums. Compared withfreebase, this type of drug takes longer for the user to feel a sensation of euphoria, "Fly", or overly happy. The street name for this type of drug is blow, coke, flake, C, and snow.
• Freebase.When the powdered hydrochloride salt is processed into a sableable substance, it is named freebase, or in terms of the street is referred to as crack.Called crack because when heated, the cocaine crystals make a crackling sound like 'crack'. It only takes about 10 seconds for the wearer to feel the sensation "Fly" after inhaling freebase. This is what makes freebase very dangerous.

The effects of cocaine can be felt immediately even if only a small amount is consumed

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects brain function. This is why cocaine can change the mood, feelings, ways of thinking, consciousness and behavior of the user. The effects of cocaine usually appear as soon as someone uses it. Even a small dose (less than 100 milligrams) can leave the wearer feeling refreshed, excited, excited, talkative, and confident in no time. Some people who use this substance also claim to feel that their senses are more sensitive to stimuli.

This one substance can be used in various ways, from injection, inhaled, inhaled, and oral (taken directly). How intense the effect will be on the body and how long it actually lasts depends on the method the user uses. For example, the effect of inhaled cocaine is not as intense as smoked. However, inhaled cocaine can last longer than smoked cocaine. Smoked cocaine lasts 15 to 30 minutes, while smoked cocaine lasts only 5 to 10 minutes.

The faster the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, the more intense the effect, and the shorter it will last. Now, because of this, many people want to continue using this substance in order to feel its effects continuously.

The effect of this substance on the body of the user

Cocaine is the most dangerous narcotics because of its very high addictive power. In the United States, cocaine or cocaine are classified as Schedule II drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse, but can also be administered for legitimate medical purposes, such as local anesthetics.

Meanwhile in Indonesia, this substance is included in the drug compound (Narcotics, Psychotropic, and other addictive substances) Group I. Drugs that are included in narcotics class I are only used for research and scientific purposes.

Even the slightest use of this substance can mess up the levels of a natural chemical in the brain called dopamine. Overproduction of dopamine can lead to exuberant feelings of excitement and a sensation of hovering (high). Usually the sensation is followed by the following symptoms.

• Shortness of breath or gasping for breath
• Insomnia, can't stay still, and restless
• Lost appetite
• Heart rate faster
• Blood pressure goes up
• Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
• Outstanding sensitivity to touch, sound and sight

If consumed in excessive amounts, it can lead to addiction. The more you use this substance, the more your brain will adapt to it. As a result, you will need a stronger dose to experience the same effect. Well, this is what is dangerous because it can cause an overdose.

Stronger, more frequent doses can also cause long-term changes in the chemical compounds in your brain. Your body and mind begin to depend on this substance. Gradually, this substance can make it difficult for you to think clearly, sleep, and or simply remember things. Some of the health problems that may be experienced by addicts to this substance are:

• Severe headache
• Mental problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, hallucinations, etc.
• Seizures
• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• Moods that fluctuate for no apparent reason
• Sexual problems
• Lung damage
• HIV or hepatitis if used by injection
• Intestinal putrefaction if taken orally
• Smell, nosebleed, runny nose and difficulty swallowing, if used by inhalation

In severe cases, sudden death can also occur from heart attacks, seizures, and stopping breathing. This risk is generally more susceptible to experience if a person uses cocaine at the same time as alcohol.

If you, your family, or friends are addicted to this substance, don't hesitate to take it to your doctor. If necessary, you can also visit a special hospital that has drug dependence rehabilitation facilities. The sooner people who are addicted to this substance are treated, the higher the chances of a person being cured.