COCAINE

Members:
Lucelle Zuniga Celine Briones Zarah Abu Eunice Ho Razel Bugayong

WHAT IS COCAINE?

Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) (INN) is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.The name comes from "coca" and the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine.

It is a stimulant, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Biologically, cocaine acts as a serotoninnorepinephrinedopamine reuptake inhibitor, also known as a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI). It is addictive because of its effect on the mesolimbic reward pathway. cocaine has pockets with both high hydrophilic and lipophilic efficiency, violating the rule of hydrophiliclipophilic balance. This causes it to cross the bloodbrain barrier far better than other psychoactive chemicals.

COCAINE INTOXICATION

It refers to the immediate effects of cocaine on the body. Although cocaine intoxication and cocaine dependence can be present in the same individual, they present with different sets of symptoms. Cocaine's primary acute effect on brain chemistry is to raise the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens (the pleasure center in the brain); this effect ceases, due to metabolism of cocaine to inactive compounds and particularly due to the depletion of the transmitter resources (tachyphylaxis). This can be experienced acutely as feelings of depression, as a "crash" after the initial high. Studies have shown that cocaine usage during pregnancy triggers premature labor and may lead to abruptio placentae

HOW DOES COCAINE AFFECT THE BRAIN?

Cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that increases levels of dopamine, a brain chemical (or neurotransmitter) associated with pleasure and movement, in the brains reward circuit. Certain brain cells, or neurons, use dopamine to communicate. Normally, dopamine is released by a neuron in response to a pleasurable signal (e.g., the smell of good food), and then recycled back into the cell that released it, thus shutting off the signal between neurons.

Cocaine acts by preventing the dopamine from being recycled, causing excessive amounts of the neurotransmitter to build up, amplifying the message to and response of the receiving neuron, and ultimately disrupting normal communication. It is this excess of dopamine that is responsible for cocaines euphoric effects. With repeated use, cocaine can cause long-term changes in the brains reward system and in other brain systems as well, which may eventually lead to addiction.

Cocaine in the brain: In the normal communication process, dopamine is released by a neuron into the synapse, where it can bind to dopamine receptors on neighboring neurons. Normally, dopamine is then recycled back into the transmitting neuron by a specialized protein called the dopamine transporter. If cocaine is present, it attaches to the dopamine transporter and blocks the normal recycling process, resulting in a buildup of dopamine in the synapse, which contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.

MEDICAL EFFECTS

Cocaine is a powerful nervous system stimulant. Its effects can last from 1530 minutes to an hour, depending on the route of administration. Cocaine increases alertness, feelings of well-being and euphoria, energy and motor activity, feelings of competence and sexuality. Athletic performance may be enhanced in sports where sustained attention and endurance is required. Anxiety, paranoia and restlessness are also frequent. With excessive dosage, tremors, convulsions and increased body temperature are observed. Occasional cocaine use does not typically lead to severe or even minor physical or social problems.

BENEFITS OF COCAINE
gives users more energy (the drink that relieves exhaustion)

it makes them feel confident and even euphoric, meaning they are extremely elated or happy, usually for no reason. This feeling of elation and power makes users believe they can do anything, yet when this high wears off, they usually feel upset, depressed, tired, and even paranoid
You don't eat after you do it (possibly lose weight) You feel motivated to be productive (good in working situations) You are more sociable and talkative

DISADVANTAGES OF COCAINE
Extremely addictive (bc it lasts such a short time, then you feel down after you lose your high) the user experiences fatigue and depression when he or she stops, there is little reason to want to quit Severe and heavy overuse can make the abuser suffer dizziness, headache, anxiety, insomnia, depression, hallucinations, and have problems moving about Increase in blood pressure can cause bleeding in the brain as well as breathing problems, both of which have killed many a user cocaine also has legal consequences, and besides the disorder and dysfunction it brings to a person's life, it can also land them in jail creates a profound psychological dependence in which the mind craves the ecstasy that comes with the drug.

Symptoms of Cocaine
loss of appetite weight loss Increased heart rate Irritability Restlessness Frequently Change in mood Dilated pupils When the drug is injected: There will be track marks where the cocaine is injected. When the drug is snorted: The cocaine user may often have nose bleeds or often touch their nose because of discomfort.

DISEASES THAT COCAINE CAN CAUSE

Physical side effects from chronic smoking of cocaine include

hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pruritus, fever, diffuse alveolar infiltrates without effusions, pulmonary and systemic eosinophilia, chest pain, lung trauma, sore throat, asthma, hoarse voice, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and an aching, flu-like syndrome., parkinsons diseases. Gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain and nausea. A common but untrue belief is that the smoking of cocaine chemically breaks down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. However, cocaine does often cause involuntary tooth grinding, known as bruxism, which can deteriorate tooth enamel and lead to gingivitis.

Chronic intranasal usage can degrade the cartilage separating the nostrils (the septum nasi), leading eventually to its complete disappearance. Cocaine may also greatly increase this risk of developing rare autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as lupus, Goodpasture's disease, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, StevensJohnson syndrome and other diseases. It can also cause a wide array of kidney diseases and renal failure. Cocaine misuse doubles both the risks of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, as well as increases the risk of other infarctions, such as myocardial infarction.

TREATMENT FOR ADDICTIVE USING OF

COCAINE Behavioral Treatment it encompasses a variety of treatment methods, all of which work on the patient to help modify their attitudes and behaviors so that they become less inclined towards drug abuse Use of Medication - There are no drugs currently available that can provide an all-in-one solution to cocaine addiction, but for certain steps in the treatment process, medications can be of great value. In the detox stage, for example, patients will experience severe withdrawal symptoms as their body rids itself of cocaine, and medications can be prescribed to help with these symptoms.

TREATMENT FOR ADDICTIVE USING OF

COCAINE Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Counseling

REFERENCES
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/co caine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/cocaine http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/UnNews:Crack_c ocaine_cures_cancer http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15310599/ns/healthaddictions/t/unproven-meth-cocaine-remedy-hitsmarket/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_intoxication