Final answer:
Cocaine effects begin within seconds to minutes after use and peak shortly thereafter, lasting from five to ninety minutes. The drug's addictive nature is due to its action on the brain's dopamine neurotransmitter system. Health risks associated with cocaine use are significant and can include infectious diseases, cardiovascular problems, lung damage, and death.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects and Risks of Cocaine Usage
The effects of cocaine usage can begin within seconds to minutes after ingestion. When snorted, cocaine hydrochloride is absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes of the nose, while smoked crack cocaine reaches the brain in as little as 15 seconds due to its volatility. The high from cocaine is characterized by an intense feeling of happiness, increased heart rate, and other physical and mental effects. These effects usually peak within minutes and can last anywhere from five to ninety minutes. Cocaine acts as a stimulant by preventing the absorption of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter related to pleasure, by the nerve cells. This results in a high level of dopamine stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. Cocaine is highly addictive, and users may quickly develop tolerance, leading to increased use and potential addiction. Additionally, cocaine use is associated with significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of infectious diseases, stroke, heart attack, lung injury, and even death. The presence of adulterants in illicitly sold cocaine adds to its potential toxicity.
Repeated use of cocaine leads to a depletion of dopamine after the high wears off, resulting in a state where the user is unable to feel pleasure, often leading to further cravings for the drug. Cocaine's wide array of risks and its impact on the brain's reward pathway contribute to both its addictive properties and potential for harm.