Human Development
Modes of awareness associated with use of cocaine
Description:
As a mood-elevating substance, cocaine produces very rapidly an intense euphoria which also dissipates very fast. There is a feeling of enormous muscular strength and mental clarity so that the person may overestimate his or her physical abilities. This combines with paranoid delusions. There may be auditory, visual or tactile hallucinations. The user is thus liable to act in a violent and anti-social manner. Intoxication may develop into delirium. The "crash" following the elevation of mood may include; dysphoria; craving for more cocaine; anxiety; irritability; depression; fatigue. These may continue long enough to be considered withdrawal symptoms. In this case there may be paranoid or suicidal feelings. Delusions may last over a year. Heavy use may lead to paranoia, psychosis and violence. The use of [crack] cocaine has even swifter effect than cocaine itself. The crack high reinforces feelings of power and aggression. It lasts a short time, and the high/crash cycle is typically only one hour, when the user may well be again desperate for more drug. Brain, heart, lungs and nervous system are damaged as well as the production of psychological ill effects. Related:
Formication