Cocaine
Simple practical Information. No lecturing...
How cocaine works
Cocaine works in the brain by blocking the return of Dopamine (a brain neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure) and releasing the danger/excitement chemical adrenalin. Both these actions are responsible for the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of cocaine use.
Blocking the re-uptake
By blocking the return of Dopamine, it remains for longer on your receptors sites (giving you a ‘high’). Because Dopamine is being blocked and can’t get back, your levels of Dopamine get lower the more you use it (and so do you)
Releasing adrenalin:
Thinking about using can release adrenaline (the craving) and every time you use, it releases even more. At first adrenalin makes you feel excited, but the more you releases the more it can make you feel anxious, moody and paranoid.
The risks of cocaine use
Some cocaine risks
- Heart attacks
- Strokes (even in your 20s)
- Perforated stomach
- Problems with pregnancy
- Perforated septum
(no nose) - Nasal and Brain infection
- Liver and Kidney Problems
- Hepatitis B & C, MRSA
- Lower immune system
Mental Health
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Depression (suicidal thoughts)
- Severe anxiety
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Psychosis
- Excited delirium
- Confusion
- Complications with existing mental health problems
Other Risks
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Increased aggression
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Bad decision making
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Increased risk taking
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Risky sexual practice (STDs)
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Getting arrested
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Losing your job
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Relationship problems
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Higher chance of getting involved in violence and crime
Reducing the harm of cocaine
There is no safe way of taking cocaine, so the best way is to avoid the risk is not taking it at all. However if you do use cocaine, there are some simple precautions that you can use that will reduce some of the risks:
- Don't share straws if you snort cocaine, as it can lead to an increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B & C, MRSA and even streptococcus ‘A'.
- Try to alternate nostrils so that the damaged (perforated septum) doesn't build up to much in one nostril.
- Wash out you nostrils after use. as cocaine remaining on the septum can cause perforation to the septum( nose)
- Place the straw high up the nostril as this reduces the amount of cocaine that gets caught up in your nasal hair(see above)
- Always practice safe sex, no matter how nice the other person might seem. Stronger condoms should always be used.
- If using anal or vaginal routes to administer cocaine, reduce the amount as too much could lead to cocaine overdose.
Mixing
Alcohol & Cocaine
Mixing your drugs can increase the risk. Cocaine and alcohol actually produce a third chemical within your body called cocaethylene. This chemical increases your chance of heart attack by up to 24 times and is toxic, so try not to mix.
Other Combinations
- Cocaine and Ecstasy increase the chances of Hyperthermia
- Cocaine and Viagra increases the chance of Heart Attack
- Cocaine and Ketamine increase the chances of Heart Attack and raised anxiety
