Final answer:
True. Cocaine is used as a local anesthetic and is also a highly addictive stimulant drug, acting on the brain's dopamine system and carrying significant health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that cocaine is used both as a powerful stimulant and as a local anesthetic is True. Initially discovered for its anesthetic properties, cocaine, a tropane alkaloid extracted from coca leaves, was the first local anesthetic. It works on the nervous system by preventing nerve cells from taking up dopamine, which results in high levels of dopamine available to stimulate the pleasure centers in the brain. Despite its initial medical use, the substance is more commonly known for its abuse as a recreational drug, due to its stimulant and euphoriant effects.
When abused, cocaine can be consumed in several ways, including snorting, smoking as crack cocaine, or injection. Its potential for addiction is high, as it affects the brain's reward pathway, quickly leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Furthermore, its use significantly increases the risk of various health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.