Cocaine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It is one of the most dangerous drugs which has a major impact on brain. Cocaine is associated with many health related risks including heart attack, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal pain and nausea. In some cases, sudden death can occur on the first use of Cocaine. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Cocaine along with alcohol is a common cause of drug-related deaths.

Increasing number of people are getting addicted to Cocaine in US. According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 36.8 million Americans who were aged 12 and above tried Cocaine at least once in their lifetime. They constitute 14.7 percent of the population. According to a study by Monitoring the Future survey in 2008, 8.5 percent of college students and 14.7 percent of youngsters aged between 19 to 28 who were surveyed in 2007, reported lifetime use of Cocaine. Many people are getting addicted to Cocaine because of the some myths or beliefs prevailing among them. Some of the common myths about Cocaine abuse are:

Myth 1: Cocaine is not addictive
One of the major myths among people, particularly youngsters is that Cocaine is not addictive. Cocaine being a powerful neurostimulant is highly addictive. It just gives euphoria for 5 to 15 minutes and later it results in depression. This leads to craving for drug for euphoria. The dependence on Cocaine multiples quickly. It is true that Cocaine abuse gives them ‘high’ but also depresses them later. Cocaine abusers take larger and frequent doses to pleasure themselves as a result of drug tolerance.

Myth 2: Cocaine is clean and safe drug
Many believe that cocaine is clean and safe drug and can be used as it is a natural product. But the fact is that it is mixed with several other powders, which have many dangerous effects on health. Cocaine abuse results in increased heart rate and body temperature, hallucinations, sexual stimulation, an extreme feeling of well-being, alertness, energy, aggressive behavior and unpredictability. It causes many health related issues including respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, many blood borne diseases, risk of HIV as a result of injecting the drug with used syringes etc.

Myth 3: No hangover with Cocaine
The symptoms which result after the intake of drug from four or six hours is called hangover. After a heavy dose of Cocaine, impairment of manual quickness and brain power will result which may persist till one month. Sometimes, effects are short-lived that result in flu like hangover. After few hours of use of Cocaine, a person might have depression and suicidal thoughts.

Myth 4: Cocaine has no side effects
Many people perceive that Cocaine abuse has no side effects, but there are many side effects associated with cocaine abuse. There are long-term and short-term effects of Cocaine abuse. Long-term effects include addiction, paranoia, irritability, restlessness, disturbed mood and auditory hallucinations. The major short-term effects are loss of weight, appetite suppression, increased heart rate and body temperature, constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils etc.

Myth 5: Using Cocaine for few times is no big deal
Many people wrongly think that Cocaine use for few times does not affect health much. But it has many effects, both on physical and mental health. Even one time consumption of Cocaine can lead to addiction and drug craving. First time use of Cocaine increases heart beat which may result in heart attack and death. Remember, it is highly addictive drug. Even one or two times of usage may trigger addiction.

As there are many effects of Cocaine drug abuse on health, awareness on the myths and facts of Cocaine abuse should be spread in order to bring down Cocaine drug abuse. The Cocaine abusers should be detected and educated about the facts of Cocaine abuse.

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