Genetics: Individuals who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has an addiction to cocaine or other substances are at a higher risk for developing an addiction themselves. The causes and risk factors for cocaine abuse may include: Most researchers agree that addiction to any substance like cocaine is the result of a number of different factors working together that increase the likelihood a person will develop an addiction to cocaine. Learn About the Causes and Risk Factors for Cocaine Addiction With repeated use, cocaine changes the reward system of the brain, leading to tolerance, addiction, and dependence on cocaine. This causes excessive amounts of dopamine to build up in the synapses between neurons, resulting in the associated high.
Snorting cocaine crosses the blood-brain barrier more slowly, prolonging the high.Īs a central nervous system stimulant, cocaine increases the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain by preventing dopamine reuptake in the neurons. Smoking or injecting the cocaine causes a faster delivery into the bloodstream, allowing it to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier. The route of administration affects the duration and intensity of the pleasurable effects produced by coke.
CRACK ADDICTION SYMPTOMS BEHAVIOR CRACK
These two forms of cocaine can be abused in a variety of different ways crack cocaine is usually smoked, while powdered cocaine can be snorted or dissolved and injected. Crack cocaine is of lower purity and comes in a rock-like crystal, hence the name “crack rock.” The combination of heroin and cocaine is called a “speedball.” As powdered cocaine can be mixed with a number of things, it’s hard to assess the purity and strength of the dose, even those sold by the same dealer. Sometimes this powdered cocaine can be cut with other stimulants such as methamphetamines or narcotics such as heroin. In the most pure form, cocaine is a white powdered substance that is usually cut on the streets with fillers such as lactose, baking soda, or lidocaine. This illegal drug is distributed in two forms: powdered cocaine and crack cocaine.