Cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine (pronounced: koh-KAYN) is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.
Etymology
The term "cocaine" originates from the plant "coca" from which it is extracted and the alkaloid suffix "-ine". The word "coca" is derived from the Quechua word "kuka", which is the name for the plant in the Andean region.
Description
Cocaine is a white crystalline powder that is often mixed with substances such as cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. It can also be mixed with other drugs such as the stimulant amphetamine, or the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Use and Effects
Cocaine is most commonly snorted, but can also be smoked (in a form known as "crack" cocaine) or injected. The drug increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and movement, in the brain's reward circuit. This leads to intense feelings of energy and alertness, known as a "high".
Health Risks
Regular use of cocaine can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and severe mental disorders. It is also highly addictive, and withdrawal from the drug can cause depression, agitation, and intense cravings for the drug.
Related Terms
- Crack cocaine: A form of cocaine that has been processed to make a rock crystal that can be smoked.
- Coca: The plant from which cocaine is derived.
- Stimulant: A type of drug that increases levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
- Dopamine: A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and movement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cocaine
- Wikipedia's article - Cocaine
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski