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.
From: What Is Cocaine? WebMD Medical Reference
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.”
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.