What is Cocaine?

Over time, repeated use can rewire the brain’s reward system, making it harder to feel pleasure without the drug and fueling a cycle of cravings and withdrawal. So, let’s take a closer look. What should you know about cocaine? How is it made? What does it look like? Why was cocaine made in the first place?

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Cocaine: What Is It?

Cocaine¹ usually comes as a white, crystalline powder. It’s derived from the coca leaf, which is native to South America. 

Cocaine comes in two forms: 

1. Cocaine hydrochloride² (powder cocaine)
2. Cocaine base³ (freebase or crack cocaine).

Cocaine base, commonly known as crack, appears as small, irregular white rocks. It is made by mixing cocaine hydrochloride with ammonia or baking soda, then heating it with water to remove the hydrochloride⁴. This process creates a smokable form of cocaine that produces a crackling sound when heated. Crack can also be mixed with marijuana or tobacco for smoking. When inhaled, the high from this drug is immediate, but it only lasts about five to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cocaine powder is usually snorted through the nostrils. Via this route, it’s absorbed by the bloodstream through nasal tissue. However, some may also rub cocaine on their gums and have it absorbed this way. Snorting cocaine has a slower onset than smoking. Yet, the high may last slightly longer, about 15 to 30 minutes⁵.

Usually, cocaine is odorless, but it may have a slight chemical smell due to the way it’s made⁶. For instance, some people describe the smell as floral or sweet. Yet, smoking cocaine has a distinct smell—often resembling burnt rubber or plastic.

However, both types of cocaine are very powerful and give way to feelings of euphoria. Both can also become addictive. Additionally, no matter how you take it, there is a risk of potentially taking too much, which may lead to a heart attack, seizure, or stroke—and even death.

How Does Cocaine Impact the Body?

Cocaine creates a short-lived high by activating the reward system in the brain⁷. In particular, cocaine floods the brain with dopamine by preventing its reabsorption. This leads to increased energy and feelings of euphoria. 

With continued and repeated use, however, the body decreases its natural dopamine production. And this is where cocaine can become particularly problematic. The body and brain begin to rely on this potentially dangerous drug for alertness and overall happiness. This leads to dependency, as well as tolerance—where more of the drug is needed to experience the same effects.

Additionally, cocaine increases your heart rate due to the narrowing of the blood vessels—which can strain your cardiovascular system⁸. Snorting this drug can damage nasal tissue. Smoking cocaine can further negatively impact your lungs and respiratory system. 

Over time, cocaine can also create long-term changes in the brain. As mentioned above, it alters the reward system in the brain. But it may also impact stress pathways. Surprisingly, cocaine use and stress disorders frequently co-occur. In other words, individuals under excessive stress may turn to cocaine as a way to cope and continue to seek it out to reduce stress or numb these negative emotions.

Cocaine use is also typically followed by a “crash.” This involves physical and mental exhaustion, leading users to sleep more or feel depressed for many days afterward. This crash may further lead to continued cocaine use to alleviate these negative effects.

What Was Cocaine Originally Used For?

Cocaine can actually be linked back to ancient origins. The coca leaf has long been used by indigenous people, such as the Inca, in the Andes Mountains⁹. Coca leaves were chewed to help combat altitude sickness and enhance energy and endurance. It also had spiritual and medicinal uses and was involved in various Inca rituals.

When the Spanish colonized these areas, they noticed the value of the coca leaf. By the 1800s, scientists began trying to isolate the active portion of the coca leaf for medical uses. Medicinally, it served as a local anesthetic. Some also proposed its use for depression and other mental disorders, not yet understanding its adverse effects. In fact, Coca-Cola originally contained cocaine and was sold in pharmacies. However, since 1903, its potentially dangerous effects have become more well-known, and this ingredient has since been removed from this popular cola. 

With its widespread use, addiction and other problems with cocaine began to emerge. This led to regulations, restrictions, and bans on its use.

It wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s that cocaine made a comeback. While still illegal, this drug entered the party scene and further became a go-to for low-income populations. Recent years have seen this drug mixed with the highly potent fentanyl, leading to increasing overdose deaths and the current drug epidemic.

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Getting Help for a Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Struggling with a cocaine addiction can feel overwhelming, isolating, and difficult to overcome. However, with the right support and resources, recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team is here to help guide you every step of the way. Call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form. Our team is available to answer your call 24/7. Begin your journey toward recovery today!