Do you know what the effects of cocaine on the brain are?It is one of the most used drugs in the world and, since the 1980s, is a real health problem in the field of addictions.
This substance, synthesized from the coca leaf plant, causes a sense of euphoria, energy and alertness in those who consume it, as well as influencing the reduction of appetite, as well as the need to sleep.
- In addition to these short-term effects.
- Cocaine use has strong long-term consequences.
- Such as behavioral or emotional changes.
- Next.
- We will describe the main effects of cocaine on the brain at the anatomical.
- Metabolic and functional level.
This substance influences the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems of the brain; specifically, its mechanism is to promote the release of norepinephrine, while inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in synapses.
Thus, in the space between two communicating neurotransmitters, also called synaptic cleft, the availability of these neurotransmitters is much higher.
This effect results in a number of long-term brain changes. In post-mortem observations, it was found that in the brains of people using cocaine, there was a lower amount of dopamine in the striatum, a lower density of monoamines and RNA. expression that encodes the dopamine transporter.
In addition, it increases microglia and macrophages, i. e. cocaine use is related to the loss of dopamine endings as well as complete neurons.
This cellular damage causes reward pathways, including the dopamine pathway, to alter its functionality, producing compulsive consumption; Similarly, decreased presence of dopamine naturally, or hypodopaminergy, causes symptoms of withdrawal, depression and envy.
On the other hand, it has been observed that the use of cocaine and other substances increases the presence of free radicals and oxidative stress. These cells, although necessary, are overrelated to aging and cell damage.
In addition, they interfere with the functioning of the blood brain barrier, essential to protect the brain from harmful external agents and maintain homeostasis.
Cocaine use was also directly related to the effects on the cerebral vascular system, increasing the likelihood of stroke, as well as an increase in tumor necrosis factor.
The changes and damages mentioned above have a number of consequences on the neuropsychological functioning of consumers, in general people who use cocaine get worse performance in neuropsychological tests, these effects have been observed mainly in aspects such as attention, memory, inhibition of response. executive functions.
Specifically, cocaine affects selective and continuous attention processes, working memory, visual memory and learning capacity; in fact, these effects become more apparent during withdrawal periods.
In terms of executive functions, cocaine users are more imperfect in terms of inhibitory, more impulsive and less decision-making responses, and there was less flexibility in the face of change, less ability to face mistakes and face unforeseen events. Events.
In short, cocaine use, probably one of the most addictive drugs, affects the consumer at various levels, in addition to the effects described here, there are also many emotional, behavioral and social consequences that have an impact on a person’s quality of life.