Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug, one that is both widely used and highly addictive. Cocaine is a strong central nervous system psychostimulant extracted from cocoa leaves. Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II chemical substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning its derivatives can be administered by a licensed professional for legitimate medical reasons, but also has a high potential for abuse. There are three methods of ingesting cocaine, which include: insufflating, smoking or free basing, and injection with a needle. Cocaine use disrupts the normal cycle of dopamine, causing a buildup between nerve cells that stops normal communication and decreases endogenous dopamine production. The flooding of dopaminergic neurons strongly reinforces risky behaviors by making the user want more and more in order to feel any pleasure. This is why cocaine can be so addictive and dangerous.