Drug Index

Cocaine And Crack
Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, creating a quick, intense euphoria, accompanied by a decrease in hunger, indifference to pain and fatigue, and illusions of great physical strength and mental capacity. Crack is an extremely addicting form of cocaine that is smoked. Cocaine causes dramatic changes in the way brain cells operate. As a powerful stimulant, it causes the activity of the brain to speed up. The result can make the brain inoperative, unable to send its life supporting messages to the heart and lungs. A violent seizure and death will follow. Cocaine can also kill through heart attacks brought on by the extra strain forced on the heart. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels of the user placing a tremendous stress on the heart and circulatory system. Death can also occur by severe irregular heartbeat, a stroke or a brain seizure. Cocaine is a profound producer of mental depression. Cocaine causes other psychological problems including:
• Anxiety Attacks
• Intense Irritability
• Acute Paranoia
• Violent Behavior
• Suicide

Other deaths are caused by suffocation brought on by an unnaturally deep sleep or unconsciousness resulting from a cocaine binge. The anesthetized tissues in the back of the throat may block breathing. Cocaine is often mixed with other drugs, particularly alcohol, which increases the user's risks dramatically.