I have read that the physiological effect of cocaine on the brain is similar to the physiological effect of eating or having sex.  Is this true and how does it work?
126707
Cocaine produces a wide range of physiological effects in humans, including the stimulation of a plethora of emotional experiences. When people take cocaine, they become euphoric, highly active (locomotion, tremors, and tics), and more talkative than normal. They experience feelings of extreme power and alertness. This initial high is followed by bouts of severe anxiety, paranoia, and depression, which often lead to addiction. Those who become addicted to the drug often turn the habit into an obsession, so that they devote more, and more of their time and money to acquiring and using the drug. \n\nWithdrawal from cocaine can cause a drastic fall in the level of extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (Rosetti 1992). This decrease is thought to be caused by an increased secretion of dynorphin, one of the endogenous opioids.\n\nmore information in\nhttp://www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/UBNRP/Dopamine/cocaine.html\n\n \n(AP) Chronic cocaine use harms brain circuits that help produce the sense of pleasure, which may help explain why cocaine addicts have a higher rate of depression, a study suggests \nhttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/01/health/main534934.shtml
399673
Cocaine will at first give a sense of heightened arousal.  However, this effect is fleeting once an individual is hooked.  Once that happens a man's penis will not become erect, even if he is aroused.  Cocaine does a number on all of the systems in the body, especially the reproductive system.
126411
OK, you are either really young or really naive or both.  YES, cocaine, pot and drinking can cause this problem, they desensitize the experience for some people, or at least keep them from focusing on the sex and not the drug.  Yes they get nervous, and it probably isn't being unattracted.  Could be anything from stress, to performance anxiety, to the damn condom being to tight.  Nevertheless, drugs are definitely a problem.....
193552
Those are anti-HIV medications aren't they?\n\nI'm not sure about the drug interactions - but I know that Meth makes HIV replicate at a higher rate than when you're not using meth.  Essentially, you're getting more infectious and making yourself sicker everytime you use meth.\n\nMeth also affects the same neurotransmitters in the brain that HIV does.  Many meth users with AIDS progress to dementia much sooner than non-meth using AIDS patients.\n\nIf you're not concerned about your own health, that's your own perrogitive.  I really hope you're protecting your partners though by wearing a condom, or making them wear one.
616584
Well, as a social worker, yes it is very sad the amount of people addicted to "something".  Yes, in all fairness to addicts, our bodies have chemicals called dopamine & serotonin (which you may have heard of) that are our pleasure centers in our brain that relase "good" vibes when we have something we like, whether it be food, drugs, or porno's.   It is natural for ALL people to have a tendency (not addiction) to like something, some people like playing sports, or on the computer, but are not addicted per se, that is a tendancy.  What happens when someone forms an addiction, is the dopamine chemical in our brain is released & says "that is awesome" & people can become addicted on the first time, or build up a tolerance over time & needs more & more.  There are not current drugs to stop this process in the brain, therefore, we continue to have drug/alcohol/food/sex/internet addictions & so on.   We have evolved as humans, & that has changed us, but addictions have been around for thousands & thousands of years.   There are medinces like Antibuse, Suboxin, & Bupropen (not sure on spelling) that help curb these addictions, but NOT a cure yet.  There are many good sites to check out & talking to a substance abuse counselor or a psychiatrist is always helpful, especially if you're concerned about a friend.   Hope this helps.
159888
Yes it is used in hospitals... see below!\n\nGENERIC NAME: COCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE - TOPICAL (KOE-kane)\nMedication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage\n\nUSES: Cocaine is used as a local anesthetic to temporarily numb areas of the mouth, nose, and throat (mucous membranes).\n\nHOW TO USE: This medication is applied directly to the inside of the mouth, nose, or throat. The dosage depends on your condition and response to the drug. Do not use by vein (IV) or in the eye. Follow all instructions for proper use. Consult your pharmacist for details. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult the doctor if the medication is not working well. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not stop using this drug without your doctor's approval.\n\nSIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, nervousness, and restlessness may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, loss of smell or taste. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, chills, fever, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, vision problems (e.g., blurred vision, hallucinations, sensitivity to light). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.\n\nPRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroid), seizures, infections, sores or trauma in the area of the application site (e.g., mouth, nose, throat), any allergies. This medication should be used with caution in children because they may be more sensitive to side effects (e.g., mental/ mood changes). This medication should be used with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects (e.g., mental/ mood changes). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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Effects on the Brain\n\nScientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.\n\nIn the brain, THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement4.\n\nThe short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana abuse indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system5 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine6. Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.\n\n\nEffects on the Heart\n\nOne study has indicated that an abuser's risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana7. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.\n\n\nEffects on the Lungs\n\nA study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers8. Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses.\n\nEven infrequent abuse can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, often accompanied by a heavy cough. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency to obstructed airways9. Smoking marijuana possibly increases the likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck. A study comparing 173 cancer patients and 176 healthy individuals produced evidence that marijuana smoking doubled or tripled the risk of these cancers10.\n\nMarijuana abuse also has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because it contains irritants and carcinogens9,11. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke12. It also induces high levels of an enzyme that converts certain hydrocarbons into their carcinogenic form—levels that may accelerate the changes that ultimately produce malignant cells13. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. These facts suggest that, puff for puff, smoking marijuana may be more harmful to the lungs than smoking tobacco.\n\n\nOther Health Effects\n\nSome of marijuana's adverse health effects may occur because THC impairs the immune system's ability to fight disease. In laboratory experiments that exposed animal and human cells to THC or other marijuana ingredients, the normal disease-preventing reactions of many of the key types of immune cells were inhibited14. In other studies, mice exposed to THC or related substances were more likely than unexposed mice to develop bacterial infections and tumors15,16.\n\n\nEffects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior\n\nResearch clearly demonstrate
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I think you would do well to look a while at this excellent - but - simpliefied source on neuroscience:\n\nhttp://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/introb.html
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ecstasy, is a synthetic entactogen of the phenethylamine family whose primary effect is to stimulate the secretion of and inhibit the re-uptake of large amounts of serotonin as well as dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, causing a general sense of openness, empathy, energy, euphoria, and well-being. Tactile sensations are enhanced for some users, making general physical contact with others more pleasurable; but, contrary to popular mythology it generally does not have aphrodisiac effects.\n\nshort-term effects\n\nApart from the dangers from impurities, the primary acute risks of taking MDMA are allergic reaction, which is extremely rare, and dehydration. Like amphetamine, MDMA can mask the body's normal thirst and exhaustion responses, particularly if a user is dancing or is otherwise physically active for long periods of time without hydration. MDMA can temporarily reduce the body's ability to regulate its core temperature, and in high-temperature surroundings (e.g. clubs) combined with physical exertion this may lead to hyperpyrexia if precautions are not taken to remain cool. While dehydration is undesirable, there also have been a very small number of users overly concerned about hydration drinking excessive water and suffering from water intoxication and associated hyponatremia (dilution of the blood that can cause swelling of the brain). This is what caused the death of British teen Leah Betts, which may be the world's most widely publicised MDMA-related fatality.\n\nSome users also report decreased libido or impotence; however, studies have had conflicting results\n\nSystemic effects\n\nOther effects include:\n\n    * Pupil dilation with attendant photosensitivity and color perception\n    * Jaw clenching or bruxism ("gurning" or "grinding")\n    * Shutter vision (nystagmus)\n    * General restlessness\n    * Loss of appetite/taste sensation changes\n    * Lack of focus / concentration\n    * Tingling\n    * Sweaty palms\n    * Increased heart rate\n\nVisit the link below to see the slide which displays how ecstacy affects your brain
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No. They stay in you system approx 3 days. The high from smoking vs. snorting is dramatically different. Cocaine itself is very addictive, it is an expensive high and last quite a while. While crack is cheaper, but its' affect goes away in minutes rather than hours. I say no to drugs- sober about 8 yrs.  Shooting and smoking are more addictive than snorting.
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Amphetamines stimulate the nervous system- they "speed" it up, hence the nickname.  They cause your body to release more adrenaline than needed, so at the time, you feel like you can do anything, and you'll have the energy to do it.  You'll be very thirsty, and not want to eat anything.\n\nThe next day...... well, you don't feel so great when you start to come down.  Your muscles feel more tired than your brain, even though your 'mile a minute' thoughts are all jumbled.  It's diffucult to concentrate, and you might feel dizzy, have heart palpitations, and you sort of feel confused or in a vibrating haze.  You'll have a terrible headache and you'll be very, very irritable towards others.  Because you haven't eaten all night (or whatever), your body is lacking the energy and proper nutrients, so that also plays a part in your mood and how you feel.  It feels like it sucks the life out of you- like you've lived a few months in that one night- people who are addicted to speed age much quicker, and it shows.
428805
Hi Tawnee S,\nSounds good to me (hamster & fish get high too) shouldn't have any effect except to be stoned-2 tokes for the road!! \nIgnore all the ones that say this is bad! Unless you smoke marijuana & know the difference.  If you are one of those few that believes everything the damn government says then you really don't have the clue.  And should read for your yourselves & get some knowledge while at it!  The effects of pot- on MS patients, glaucoma, Cancer patients, AIDS patients, radiation patients.  People that have other mind blowing sicknesses & medical problems will know the difference. Yes my doctor knows so for all those others GO READ & GET SOME KNOWLEGEMENT DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THE GOVERNMENT SAYS!    Have a good day :0)
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I have a copy of the book mentioned by Jenny K. Although most of th e book reads like an informercial ("if you want to hear more about this, please visit my website...") it does raise some interesting questions on food additives&#92;food addictions.\n\nTo answer your question: IN my personal experience, diet colas, caffeineated or not, will likely lead to a poor food choice. Whether it is the sweetner, insulin reaction theory, or just the simple fact that I am habituated to eat these things in tandem with diet colas, it really doesn;t matter to me, I screw up, that's what counts.
365253
Warning: Sex is a most strange, addictive drug without ingredients, in the name of love; Sex overdosing is an extremely destructive self-destruction, but unfortunately you will die for it (you become addictive to sex)!!!!!  When you have sex overdosed, your brain's acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin and GABA nervous systems are burned out, your hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and testicular (ovarian) axis are partially or fully disabled,  your blood chemistry is changed with a chronic elevation of epinephrine, prolactin and prostaglandin E-2 for sexual exhaustion symptoms and sympathetic nervous fires (anxiety, stress, mood swing, sleeping disorders, inflammatory pains, vision disorders, ear ringing, fatigue, brain disorders and so on) with a lack of healing and restoration forces, even if you are female,  and your excessive "love" ingredient becomes a poison to your health!  Realistically, your organs are bathed in the "bad" blood very day!!!  It is expected that the cellular DNA/genes in the organs will be gradually changed for worse, accordingly. Your 20-year old body then become 60 years old!!!!\n\nVisit below Given web site\nhttp://www.actionlove.com/
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The thing is, sadly, coke is never easy on the body. Even if you are a super-fit athlete, coke constricts the blood vessels, so if you happen to have a narrow artery somewhere in the brain (which no-one knows about themselves until it's too late) where the vessels are by nature narrow, you can constrict one enough to prevent blood getting thru to that area of the brain, so that area dies - and that is a stroke or CVA. This is a permanent condition and can result in loss of use of one side of the body, ability to speak etc. This can happen in anyone, even the health conscious.\n\nMy second point is that the body needs rest periods between things to recover from stuff. Eating junk food is ok as long as it's not at every meal time for example. Having alcohol is ok, again, if the body can rest a few days a week without it.\n\nYour friend sounds mis-guided and addicted. Addiction makes people believe all sorts of things that allow them to top-up their habit....it's called denial. Try www.talktofrank.com for more info. about drugs.
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The way marijuana gets you high is relatively simple. When you smoke or eat the plant, it releases a chemical called THC (TetraHydraCannabinol) which travels to your brain. Once in your brain it goes and attaches itself to special cells called Cannabinoid Receptors. The THC tickles these receptors, which releases endorphins and other natural chemicals in your brain, making you high. Contrary to popular belief, no part of your brain is damaged or destroyed during all this.\n\n\nAlcohol, also contrary to popular belief, doesnt kill brain cells either. Rather, it impairs the way brain cells communicate by damaging dendrites (branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell). That damage is often reversible though, and the dendrites do grow back. Hope thats what you were looking for.\n\n\nPeace
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I'm only going to answer this because the person who said marijuana destroys brain cells is wrong. Marijuana in studies with ADULTS proved to cause minimum to NO damage in brain cells and or brain function. I'm friends with one of the most famous Pot doctors in the world and he has written a book that talks extensively about marijuana as a medicine for people EXACTLY like your friend.