Cocaine Addiction, Abuse and Consequences - Coursework Example

Cocaine Addiction, Abuse, and Consequences by Introduction Cocaine is a naturally existing alkaloid of the leaves of coca which is widespread in Latin America. By this word people usually mean two things: the powder and the cocaine containing products, one of the most popular of which is crack. The powder has a number of other names, such as coke, snow or blow which all refer to the same substance. It is a highly addictive drug that can be easily abused due to its interference into natural balance of dopamine. Cocaine is inhaled or consumed orally, it also can be administered with the help of injections. Crack is smoked as it is mixed with other substances such as ammonia. Cocaine is produced mostly in the countries of Latin America such as Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia and transported all over the world. Cocaine gives its users fast euphoria and energy but frequent consumption inevitably leads to psychological and physiological addiction (Drug Facts). Cocaine as a Substance Cocaine is a strong stimulator which affects primarily the work of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is responsible for mood control, motivation, sexuality, and endocrine functions. This neurotransmitter is also involved into brain “reward system” influencing the degree of satisfaction. Serotonin also influences mood, controls sleep, attention, and learning skills. Cocaine blocks dopamine neurotransmitters that are aimed to balance the level of dopamine and serotonin. As a result dopamine does not pool in the synapses of neurons and increases in quantity which gives a cocaine user a feeling of euphoria and vivacity. Logically the quantity of the blocked dopamine transporters corresponds to the intensity of the cocaine effect. Big doses and such ways of administration as inhaling and intravenous injections, give the brightest effects and powerful further cravings(Cocaine in the Brain). The Principle of Cocaine Work The brain area responsible for pleasure which is called vental tegmental area and it is stimulated by cocaine. Nucleus accumbens in this part are connected to VTA with the help of nerve fibers, and are directly responsible for reward mechanism. The mechanism by which reward stimulates the quantity of dopamine neurotransmitters increasing the activity of neuron fibers is well studied. Normal process presupposes that the neurotransmitter is released by the neuron into the synapse where it connects to dopamine receptors of the next neuron releasing a signal to that neuron. Further the neurotransmitter is extracted for recycling and utilization. Cocaine abuse violates this normal communication by blocking dopamine in the gaps and increasing its quantity (Cocaine, 2010). Since dopamine excess is interpreted as reward by the brain its constant increase stimulates VTA until the effect of the drug wears off. Short-Term Effects of Cocaine The effect of cocaine can be observed in body in ten- fifteen minutes after consumption and lasts for several hours. However, the route of administration influence the duration of the effect of the drug. Smoking grants the fastest euphoria but it is not durable while snorting gives fast high but the effect disappears rapidly as well. Cocaine gives a feeling of euphoria not distinguishable from natural euphoria. The consumer also becomes more energetic, active, talkative, and eagerly goes on the contact. The sensations sharpen as well so that the person notices minor details, feels more smells. The person can perform physical and mental activity with more vitality and less exhaustion. Cocaine provokes blood vessels constriction, pupils dilation, and increase of physiological indexes of the body (Cocaine, 2010). However, bigger doses of the substance can intensify user`s sensations but can also provoke unpleasant state, weird, extravagant, and even aggressive behavior. The side effects of overdose are anxiety, irritation, paranoia, unpleasant sexual argument. Physiological effects may include muscle twitches, heart attack and disruption of cardio rhythms, headaches, vertigo an others (Cocaine, 2010). Long –Term Effects of Cocaine If cocaine is taken regularly it produces more serious alternations in the organism. The influence of cocaine on the individual`s organism is hardly predictable. Much depends on psychological abilities and physiological peculiarities of the person. Some people can become hooked up by the drug almost immediately while others have resistance. When a person starts consuming cocaine regularly, the reward pathway becomes less sensitive to natural reinforces and to the substance as well. Tolerance develops in all the cocaine consumers: they have to increase the doses and the frequency of consumption in order to reach the same level of reinforcement zone stimulation thus to achieve the same effect. Moreover, consumers are prone to have more adverse effects with repeated and increased administration of cocaine. Anxiety, headaches, irritability become normal in a life of a cocaine user. Most often people take substances during “binge-abstinences” cycles which can continue up to weeks until complete wearing out of the body. It often results in psychosis during which a patient cannot distinguish illusions from reality. 25%-50% of cocaine users experience symptoms of psychosis. Moreover, they can repeat for years, returning during flashbacks and even persisting after abstinence for more than several years (Ciccarone, 2011). Overdose and chronic consumption of cocaine during “binges” can provoke hallucinations or formications which make users perform repetitive actions such as touching skin or arranging small things in a bag. Chronic consumptions can also provoke irrevocable changes in brain structure decreasing frontal cortex volume and increasing the volume of basal ganglia. Obviously, the normal balance of neurotransmitters will lead to downregulation. The person has different adverse effects depending on the ways of consumption. Smoking crack results in chronic diseases of nasopharynx, such as sinusitis, loss of smell, problems with swallowing and sore throat. Injecting cocaine causes serious problems with blood flow and leave people with “tracks” in their forearms. Many cocaine users have problems with digestion, lose weight rapidly and can have constant loss of appetite as cocaine blocks sense of hunger (Cocaine, 2010). The tolerance appearance to cocaine can take several weeks or more depending on the way of administration, psychological state of the consumer. Withdrawal from the substance is difficult psychologically though it does not have visible physiological effects like heroin or alcohol withdrawal. It is characterized by powerful cravings for more cocaine, depressive mood, insomnia or hypersomnolence. A person may experience serious dysphoria during which he/she cannot stimulate any positive feelings and is constantly dissatisfied. Anxiety and irritation are also common for cocaine withdrawal (Ciccarone, 2011). According to the research conducted in Columbia University regular cocaine users have structural changes in brain such as abnormalities in frontal lobe zones. 120 individuals were enrolled to the study, half of which consumed cocaine regularly. Those addicted to the drug have significantly lost grey matter volume compared to those who did not abuse cocaine, moreover the degree of brain damage correlated significantly with the consumption duration (Ciccarone, 2011). Cocaine Abuse and Addiction Cocaine provokes serious psychological addiction when the consumer aims to repeat the effect of euphoria sensed for the first times. However, it requires more profound stimulation with a higher dose and more frequent consumption. Generally it is highly probable to become addicted using cocaine. According to APA classification substances abuse can be diagnosed if the following criteria are met: The person fails to fulfill general obligations at home, work, school, and college. He neglects his obligations or does not perform them properly. He is frequently late or may be often absent. Consumption does not cease even in physically hazardous situations such as driving a car. The person has problems with the law connected with violent behavior or related to substances consumption Substances consumption despite problems in family relationships It is possible to classify cocaine abuse as dependence if the following criteria are met: A person has tolerance toward a drug which means that he requires an increased dose of cocaine to have the same level of euphoria, and that effects diminishes with time despite frequent administration of the drug; Withdrawal symptoms and continuation of consumption to relieve these symptoms; Inability to plan consumption, overestimating the period and the degree of consumption; Inability to control consumption; failed attempts to quit (APA, 1994). Surveys suggest that 10 % -15% of cocaine and amphetamines users will become addicted. The probability of addiction depends on the way of administration and psychological and physiological peculiarities. Such factors as genetics and social and family environment can also predict cocaine abuse and dependence. Crack smokers and those using injections are more likely to become addicted due to pharmacokinetics. Medical Complications Connected with Regular Cocaine Consumption The most important pathophysiology caused by cocaine is brain pathology since normal biochemical reactions disrupt reward system in stimulants users which leads to addiction and further complications. Most of the impairments of different body systems overlap causing general immune system suppression. Cocaine usage is connected to nervous system excessive stimulation of the parts of brain regulating movement. It results in abnormal and incontrollable seizures, movement impairments, acute dystonic reactions and others. High blood pressure can be provoked by excessive stimulation of sympathetic nervous system. Despite the fact that cocaine is believed to act like aphrodisiac its overdose causes serious sexual dysfunction. Moreover, if stimulant is consumed by a pregnant woman it can cause abruption placenta, and substantial problems for an infant. Cocaine consumption in combination with other drugs, such as alcohol causes cardiovascular impairments which may lead to hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Stimulant usage inevitably leads to problems with gastrointestinal tract and digestion. Cocaine addicted, especially crack addicted, lead antisocial way of life which provokes constant malnutrition and even leads to anorexia. Regular stimulant consumption results in dental and periodontal decay due regular administration through nasal cavity and gums. Crack smoking results in pulmonary diseases some of which can be extremely serious, such as pulmonary edema. Risk of HIV for Cocaine Consumers Since cocaine is connected with marginal way of life for many of its users, research suggests that such way of life increases chances of transmissible diseases. Those abusing cocaine and administering it by injections have higher risks of contracting HIV with syringe/needle. Heavy users take drugs frequently and in a state of euphoria neglect general hygiene, and might share needles. Moreover, “cocaine” way of life is often connected to promiscuity, and large amounts of sexual partners. Cocaine Consumption in the World Cocaine is regarded as an elite drug unlike crack which is a typical “street drug”. Pure cocaine is often consumed by wealthy people due to its high price and image of a rare substance which has to be transported long way from Latin America. The situation with cocaine in European Union has deteriorated since 1990s. Cocaine is the second most consumed drug after marijuana despite its obviously high price. 3.6 % of all European population, around 12 million of EU citizens consumed the drug at least once. United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, and Ireland are the primary countries consuming cocaine. The research published by European Monitoring Center of Drug and Drug Addiction speaks about increasing demand for cocaine in Europe. Numerous surveys confirm the tendencies among young adults between 18 and 25 of cocaine use in recreational purposes in specific places such as night clubs and dance-music venues. Most consumers snort the drug (almost 55%) , 32 % smoke crack and the ret use injections as the way of substance administration. Cocaine is the most popular drug among adults between 15 and 34. 5.34% of population of this age have consumed cocaine recently, however figures vary dramatically between countries from 0.7% to 12 %. Men prevail women in cocaine consumption, female to male ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:12 depending on the country. Cocaine is connected to a certain lifestyle, thus research published by British Crime Survey suggests that around 13% of all frequent pubs and wine bars visitors from 16 to 29 used cocaine. Crack consumption, nevertheless, is very low among that group of people. School students were reported to use cocaine less often than cannabis due to its high price and traffic. Less than 2 % of all students between 15 and 16 reported consuming cocaine. The average data of a patient entering a drug treatment clinic is the following: me prevail women, and the average age of patients is 31. In the countries members of EU treatment from cocaine addiction exceeded even opioid treatment, and the demand for such kind of specialists and clinics increased dramatically. Moreover, heroin addicted seeking treatment usually report cocaine as a second drug which makes cocaine one of the most popular drugs exposed to treatment. Most EU countries also reported a declining trend in cocaine purity where the purity of the stimulant in general varies from 25 to 52 %. The prices for a gram of cocaine vary from 50 to 75 EUR throughout Europe with higher prices for Eastern European countries and Turkey. European cocaine users represent different social castes and ages ranging from the wealthiest and the most famous people to social outcasts (Annual Drug Report, 2011). Cocaine availability in the USA has decreased dramatically since 2007, however the level of marijuana consumption increased on the contrary. America is the primary destination of cocaine transportation from Latin America. More than 2 % of all American residents tried the drug at least once I a life time. In such big metropolitan areas as Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, there were several interruptions in the substance access for the users. In the countries of Latin and Southern America the consumers were divided into two groups. Thus, the biggest group consist of people between 18 and 24 while the second group is people from 25 to 34. According to the recent research more than 12 % of high school students in the USA tried cocaine at least once in their lives. However, consumption of cocaine among college students has increased since 2006. It is alarming though that the demand for cocaine among school students increased over last few years especially in the countries of Latin America. Even general popularity of cocaine in such countries as Chilie, Argentina has increased since 2007. Widespread of crack is one of the major problems of the United States since more than 600.00 have addiction to this dangerous substance. Many young Afro Americans have dependence from crack since school. Treatment of cocaine addiction is a popular business in the USA with more than 24% of addressing to the special establishment with the problem of dependence. Death from overdose is a serious problem for the Latin American countries since users often mix cocaine with other drugs. It results in 5000-6000 death from cocaine annually (Dependence Statistics, 2012). Treatment Treatment from cocaine addiction is long and requires serious motivation of addicts. There is no approved drug that could alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal but several other medications, such as vigabatril, modafiil, tigabine, are proved to have certain effect. Pharmacological treatment is most effective when it is combined with personal cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy. Conclusion To conclude it is important to mark that cocaine has become one of the most popular drugs worldwide due to its ability to bring instant high to consumers. This alkaloid is produced from Coca leaves in the countries of Latin America and transported all over the world.Cocaine evokes the sense of euphoria which is not distinguishable from natural, brings energy, and alertness which is connected to its ability to block reuptake of dopamine and serotonin. Cocaine is administered in different ways but snorting remains one of the most popular method of cocaine consumption. Crack, cocaine for smoke has gained enormous popularity as a street drug which attracts attention of the experts worldwide. Cocaine violates normal reward mechanism by affecting vental tegmental area which results in high probability of fast addiction. Addiction brings serious psychological dependence when the person has to increase dose and frequency of the drug to achieve the same level of euphoria. Withdrawal from cocaine is painful with feelings of dysphoria and depression. Long consumption of cocaine results in numerous pathologies ad affects negatively all body systems. Nevertheless cocaine remains one of the most popular drugs in Europe and America. Young adults from 18 to 34 are the primary consumers of cocaine. References American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington, DC. Annual Drug Report. The State of the Drugs Problem in Europe (2012). European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/admin/AppData/Local/Temp/EMCDDA_AR08_en.pdf Drug Facts (2010). Drug Free World. Retrieved from: http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/cocaine.html Dependance Statistics (2012). Rehab International. Retrieved from: http://rehab-international.org/cocaine-addiction/dependence-statistics/ Ciccarone, D. (2011) Stimulant Abuse: Pharmacology, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Treatment, Attempts at Pharmacotherapy. Primary Care, 38 (1). Cocaine. Short-term effects of cocaine (2010). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-short-term-effects-cocaine-use Cocaine in the Brain (2010). In the KnowZone. Retrieved from: http://www.intheknowzone.com/substance-abuse-topics/cocaine/cocaine-in-the-brain.html Read More