How does cocaine work?
ANSWER
The drug sends high levels of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger in your body, into the parts of your brain that control pleasure. This buildup causes intense feelings of energy and alertness.
Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar on September 11, 2019
SOURCES:
National Institute on Drug Abuse: “A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction,” “Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction,” “What Are Stimulants?” “What are the long-term effects of cocaine use?” “What is Cocaine?”
Foundation for a Drug-Free World: “Effects of Cocaine.”
Center for Substance Abuse Research: “Cocaine (Powder).”
SAMHSA/CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols: “Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.”
Narconon: “Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use.”
UpToDate: “Cocaine use disorder in adults: “Epidemiology, pharmacology, clinical manifestations, medical consequences, and diagnosis.”
The University of Arizona Methamphetamine and Other Illicit drug Education: “Cocaine Overdose.”
SOURCES:
National Institute on Drug Abuse: “A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction,” “Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction,” “What Are Stimulants?” “What are the long-term effects of cocaine use?” “What is Cocaine?”
Foundation for a Drug-Free World: “Effects of Cocaine.”
Center for Substance Abuse Research: “Cocaine (Powder).”
SAMHSA/CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols: “Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.”
Narconon: “Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use.”
UpToDate: “Cocaine use disorder in adults: “Epidemiology, pharmacology, clinical manifestations, medical consequences, and diagnosis.”
The University of Arizona Methamphetamine and Other Illicit drug Education: “Cocaine Overdose.”
From: What Is Cocaine?
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