What is cocaine and why is it so dangerous? A clear explanation of the risks and consequences

Cocaine - ever heard of it, right? This drug is extracted from the leaves of the South American coca bush and is anything but harmless. Back then, the Incas used the leaves of the plant to suppress hunger and fatigue. However, the modern cocaine we know today is much more dangerous. The active ingredient was first isolated at the end of the 19th century and was even used as an anaesthetic in medicine - until the dark side was discovered.

Why is cocaine so explosive? Quite simply, it has a direct effect on the central nervous system and provides a boost of energy. But this kick comes at a price. The drug quickly becomes addictive and causes physical and psychological damage. Whether snorted, smoked or injected - a trip on cocaine can be life-threatening. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know: from the effects and risks to the question of why cocaine is so dangerous.

Historical background of cocaine

Cocaine has a long history dating back to the Incas in South America. The natives chewed coca leaves to suppress hunger and fatigue - a tradition that still exists in some regions today. But don't worry: the mere act of chewing hardly releases any psychoactive substances.

Things only got exciting in 1859, when the active ingredient cocaine was isolated for the first time. At that time, people still thought they had discovered a miracle cure! It was used in medicine, for example as a local anaesthetic for eye operations. Even the famous drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola mixed real cocaine extract into its lemonade until 1903 - hard to believe, isn't it? It was only later that the dangerous addictive nature of the substance was recognized and it was gradually banned worldwide.

In the 1920s, cocaine became a fashionable drug for the upper classes - especially in the USA and Europe. Demand fell in the 1930s when other drugs such as amphetamines emerged. But in the 1970s and 1980s, cocaine made a comeback and became a status symbol of the party scene. Since then, it has remained one of the most dangerous and at the same time most sought-after drugs, especially among young adults.

How does cocaine work in the body?

Cocaine acts like a high-speed train on the central nervous system. As soon as it enters the body, it causes a veritable dopamine surplus in the brain. This "happiness hormone" gives you an intense feeling of euphoria, increased energy and enhanced performance. Sounds exciting at first, doesn't it? But this is exactly where the danger lurks.

The effect occurs at different speeds depending on the form of consumption: snorting takes a few minutes, while smoking or injecting takes effect within seconds. Although the effect itself is powerful, it is unfortunately short-lived. This explains why consumers want to keep going back for more - and this is exactly what leads to addiction.

But it doesn't stop at the short "high": consuming cocaine also makes your heart beat faster, raises your blood pressure and suppresses the feeling of hunger. In the long term, this can lead to serious physical and psychological damage. The short kick therefore comes with considerable risks and health consequences.

Physical consequences of cocaine use

The physical damage caused by cocaine should not be underestimated. The short-term "kick" has long-term consequences that affect the whole body. Here are the most common physical consequences:

• Cardiovascular damage: cocaine increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which puts enormous strain on the heart. In the long term, this can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, heart attacks and strokes. Particularly dangerous: These risks also exist in young, healthy people.
• Damage to organs: Consumption not only damages the heart, but also organs such as the liver and kidneys. These organs have to process the toxic breakdown products of cocaine, which can lead to permanent damage. The lungs are also damaged, especially when smoking cocaine.
• Weight loss and malnutrition: As cocaine suppresses the feeling of hunger, users often suffer from severe weight loss and malnutrition. This weakens the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to infections.
• Damage to the nasal mucosa: If cocaine is snorted, it attacks the sensitive nasal mucosa. This can lead to inflammation, nosebleeds and even destruction of the nasal septum.
• Increased risk of infection: Especially when injecting cocaine, there is an increased risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis or HIV. This risk is particularly high when syringes are shared between users.

The physical damage should not be underestimated. The "short high" can lead to lasting health problems and affect the body on all levels.

Psychological consequences of cocaine use

Cocaine not only affects the body, but also leaves clear traces in the mind. The psychological consequences can be devastating, ranging from mood swings to serious mental illness. Let's take a look at what consumption can do to the psyche:

• Rapid addiction: cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, which triggers an intense feeling of happiness. But this is exactly what leads to a rapid addiction, because the body demands more and more to achieve the same effect.
• Depression and anxiety: The "high" is followed by a deep "crash feeling". The mood changes and many users experience severe depression, anxiety and irritability. The constant rollercoaster ride of emotions can severely impair mental well-being in the long term.
• Hallucinations and psychoses: Hallucinations and delusions can occur with regular use. Users report "cocaine psychoses" in which they see or hear things that are not real. These psychoses can be permanent and have a major impact on life.
• Changed personality: Cocaine use also changes the personality. Many of those affected become increasingly irritable, suspicious and antisocial. Empathy and consideration for others diminish, which often leads to conflicts in the social environment.
• Sleep disorders and exhaustion: As cocaine suppresses the need for sleep, users often struggle with sleep disorders. In the long term, this leads to constant exhaustion and can further worsen the mental state.

The psychological consequences make it clear that cocaine use goes far beyond a brief high. The drug influences thoughts, mood and personality - often with long-term consequences.

Dependence and addiction to cocaine

One of the greatest dangers of cocaine is the rapid addiction that develops both physically and psychologically. Cocaine has a direct effect on the reward system in the brain and provides an intense dopamine rush. However, this high is precisely the reason why consumption leads so quickly to addiction. After just a few uses, the need for more can arise - and this has far-reaching consequences:

• Increasing need to consume: in order to experience the same "kick", consumers need higher and higher doses over time. This phenomenon is called tolerance development, and it quickly drives cocaine consumption to dangerous levels.
• Cocaine craving: A strong craving for the drug occurs between "highs". This urge to bring about the next use can be so powerful that it dominates the everyday life of those affected.
• Loss of control: Many users lose control over their consumption after a short time. Hobbies, work and social contacts are neglected and their entire life revolves around the drug.

  Withdrawal symptoms: If use is stopped, severe withdrawal symptoms occur. These include severe fatigue, sleep disorders, depression and a deep emotional "hole". These symptoms make it extremely difficult to get off the drug.

  Cocaine addiction is therefore not just a "bad habit", but a serious addiction that can completely change and destroy your life.

  Dangerous extenders and risks of contaminated cocaine

  What makes cocaine even more dangerous are the countless extenders that dealers mix in to increase their profits. Sounds bad, doesn't it? And the worst thing is that you never know what you are actually consuming. As a rule, cocaine on the black market is laced with all kinds of substances - some of which are absolutely harmful.

  Levamisole, for example, is a common diluent. Sounds like something from veterinary medicine? Right, it is actually used for deworming! For humans, however, it's a whole different ball game: levamisole can cause nausea, vomiting and even weaken the immune system. The blood vessels can also be seriously affected. Not exactly what you'd expect from a "party kick", is it?

  Other substances such as lactose, starch or cellulose sound harmless at first glance, but they are not without their side effects. They irritate the nasal mucosa when you have a cold and can cause considerable damage in the long term. And then there is phenacetin, a painkiller that is now even banned because it damages the kidneys. Nevertheless, it finds its way into the mix to give the dealers' tills an extra boost.

  The problem with these extenders is that you have no idea what's in your "white powder". This uncertainty makes consumption even riskier. The risk of poisoning or allergic reactions increases enormously. And if you combine cocaine with other drugs, you are really playing with fire - the risk of a life-threatening overdose is huge.

  Cocaine and road traffic: a deadly combination

  Cocaine and road traffic - they go together about as well as fire and gasoline. Many users feel alert and full of energy after taking cocaine and believe that they are fully capable of performing. A dangerous fallacy! Because in reality, the drug has exactly the opposite effect.

  Cocaine significantly affects your ability to concentrate and react. Your attention becomes unpredictable and you lose your sense of speed. The drug also dilates the pupils, which makes it difficult to see in bright light and can easily blind you. In addition, consumption leads to increased irritability and disinhibition, which leads to risky driving behavior. And the crash afterwards? It's not long in coming: When the effects wear off, tiredness and exhaustion set in - another reason why consumption and driving are such a fatal mix.

  It becomes particularly dangerous when cocaine is combined with other drugs such as alcohol. The risks increase and the effects are completely unpredictable. In short: anyone who takes cocaine behind the wheel is putting themselves and others in extreme danger.