What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. It produces an intense euphoric effect by increasing dopamine levels in the brain’s reward circuit. Powdered cocaine comes in a white powder form that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Its effects are short-lived, lasting from 15 to 30 minutes, leading users to engage in a binge pattern of use. Repeated cocaine use can lead to dependence and addiction, characterized by an overwhelming craving for the drug and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Crack cocaine is a freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It produces an intense but short-lived high, followed by an intense craving for more of the drug. Crack is considered one of the most addictive forms of cocaine due to its rapid onset and powerful effects on the brain’s reward system. Both powdered cocaine and crack cocaine can have severe physical and psychological consequences, including increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and mental health disorders.