Cocaine

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What is cocaine's mode of action?
Cocaine binds to dopamine re-uptake transporters to inhibit the removal of dopamine from the synaptic cleft. Dopamine then remains in the synaptic cleft and produces further nerve impulses, leading to feelings of euphoria
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What are the short term effects of cocaine?
Body temperature and blood pressure rises. Heart and breathing rate increases. Pupils dilate and the addict becomes hyper-stimulated; being increasingly sensitive to sight, sound and touch. An intense, short lived bout of euphoria is experienced
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What are the long term consequences effects of cocaine?
Disturbances in heart rhythm and heart attacks. Severe tooth decay. Destruction of tissues in the nose if it is sniffed. Severe depression and sometimes paranoid psychosis
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How does tolerance build in regards to cocaine?
Tolerance to cocaine develops rapidly and many users fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their initial experience on the drug. As tolerance builds, it takes more and more cocaine to squeeze out less and less dopamine
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What are physical dependencies on cocaine?
The user's body adapts to cocaine and gets used to functioning with a high amount of dopamine present. Without the cocaine, they have a deficit of dopamine
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What are psychological dependencies on cocaine?
Urges to use cocaine when the user is in specific surroundings or socialising with friends. Cocaine becomes the top priority and the user becomes obsessed with ensuring they always have enough cocaine
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What are withdrawal symptoms of cocaine?
Symptoms can last for weeks. If discontinued immediately, the user experiences a crash - paranoia, depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and insomnia. The user experiences aches, pains, tremors and chills, as well as agitation and restlessness
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Card 2

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What are the short term effects of cocaine?

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Body temperature and blood pressure rises. Heart and breathing rate increases. Pupils dilate and the addict becomes hyper-stimulated; being increasingly sensitive to sight, sound and touch. An intense, short lived bout of euphoria is experienced

Card 3

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What are the long term consequences effects of cocaine?

Back

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Card 4

Front

How does tolerance build in regards to cocaine?

Back

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Card 5

Front

What are physical dependencies on cocaine?

Back

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