Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug.  One use may be enough to cause a strong desire to get high again, in order to repeat the memories of euphoria from the first use.

The immediate effects are:

• Dilated pupils, itchy nose, dry throat
• Difficulty eating and increased thirst, loss of appetite and sleep
• Euphoria, confidence, energy
• Loquacity (talkativeness)
• Nervous tension, desire to move
• Loss of self-control (may incite conflict with those around the user)
• Anxiety

Its side effects include:

• Sleep disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Demotivation
• Swings in mood
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Repetitive behavior
• Personality changes
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Delusions

There are commonly severe social and vocational consequences to include; instability in job or employment, decrease in ability to perform previously mastered skills, isolation or exclusiveness to groups of fellow drug abusers, and increased likelihood to commit criminal