The human brain releases dopamine as a way to create feelings of pleasure. That dopamine binds with receptors in the gaps between the individual neurons in the brain. Normally, the dopamine is released and reabsorbed by the brain. Cocaine prevents the dopamine from leaving the receptors, causing an intense feeling of pleasure. Unfortunately, over time the brain becomes accustomed to the elevated levels of dopamine, leading the user to crave cocaine and to need more and more to get high.
Short Term Effects
Along with causing a mental feeling of euphoria, cocaine also stimulates the body. Blood vessels constrict and blood pressure and heart rate increase. This greatly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cocaine also causes dilation of the pupils and can elevate body temperature.
Long Term Risks
Aside from the aforementioned addictiveness of the drug, long term use of cocaine has a number of other serious consequences. The risk of heart attacks and strokes increases with repeated uses. Snorting powder cocaine can cause nose bleeds and damage the sense of smell. Injecting cocaine from dirty needles can lead to infections with HIV, hepatitis and other diseases. Crack use can cause "crack lung" - permanent severe damage to the lungs. Cocaine can also cause moodiness, depression, hallucinations and even psychosis.
