Cocaine positive effects

Kevin and his friends are learning that cocaine use can be costly. Some first-time cocaine users feel a rush of energy, confidence, and euphoria while others, like Kevin, have violent reactions. People vary in their ability to tolerate cocaine, and for some, even small amounts can prove harmful or even fatal. Experiencing the positive effects of cocaine once does not guarantee a similar experience in the future since tolerance to the drug can change over time. 

The prevalence of negative images of cocaine and crack use in the media, such as this picture of police raiding a crack house in Washington, D.C., have done little to affect the overall trends of cocaine use among teens. Peer influence and reinforcement from the positive effects of the drug itself seem to overshadow scare tactics and education. 

A single-dose study in 8 cocaine addicts found that there was a dose-de-pendent rise in cocaine levels of 6%, 49% and 67% after clozapine was given in doses of 12.5,25 or 50 mg, respectively, with intranasal cocaine 2 mg/kg. Subjective questioning revealed a reduction in the positive effects of cocaine. One subject also experienced a near-syncopal attack which required medical attention.- ... 

Toluene, volatile nitrites, and anesthetics, like other substances of abuse such as cocaine, nicotine, and heroin, are characterized by rapid absorption, rapid entry into the brain, high bioavailability, a short half-life, and a rapid rate of metabolism and clearance (Gerasimov et al. 2002 Pontieri et al. 1996, 1998). Because these pharmacokinetic parameters are associated with the ability of addictive substances to induce positive reinforcing effects, it appears that the pharmacokinetic features of inhalants contribute to their high abuse liability among susceptible individuals. 

The psychomotor stimulants, cocaine and D-amphetamine, are considered together because they share a similar psychopharmacological profile.19 20 Low to moderate doses of both drugs given acutely to nontolerant, nonanxious subjects produce increases in positive mood (euphoria), energy, and alertness. Experienced cocaine users were unable to distinguish between intravenous (IV) cocaine and D-amphetamine,21 and cross-tolerance between cocaine and D-amphetamine with respect to their anorectic effect has been demonstrated.22 Additionally, the toxic psychosis observed after days or weeks of continued use of both psychostimulants is very similar. The fully developed toxic syndrome, characterized by vivid auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and... 

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