2008 Woodie Awards
Did you know...? A Monthly Health & Science Tidbit
COCAINE
Kristin Burnstedt
Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
According to WebMD, a medical news archive, "it's been known for nearly 20 years that recreational cocaine use is linked to heart attacks." However, recent studies reveal that "regular cocaine use is tied to about one-quarter of all nonfatal heart attacks in American adults under 45." After a statistical study, Adnan I Querishi, MD concluded that, "the magnitude of the risk was astonishing. And even though the heart attacks weren't fatal, the damage they leave behind is never fully repaired."
In addition to the effects on the brain, "long-term cocaine use may cause permanent brain damage". Results from another study done by Karley Y. Little, MD, show that "with extended use of the drug, the brain resets the way it responds to dopamine signals." Using cocaine releases a increased amount of dopamine - a brain chemical responsible for a process that produces pleasurable feelings. "Soon, a person doesn't get nearly as much pleasure from cocaine. But without the drug, the person feels bad. It takes a hit of cocaine just to get back to normal." By viewing the brains of cocaine users, researchers found "that there likely was damage to the dopamine-making brain cells. They think these changes play a role in the mood disorders and lack of motivation seen in cocaine addicts."
In addition to the effects on the brain, "long-term cocaine use may cause permanent brain damage". Results from another study done by Karley Y. Little, MD, show that "with extended use of the drug, the brain resets the way it responds to dopamine signals." Using cocaine releases a increased amount of dopamine - a brain chemical responsible for a process that produces pleasurable feelings. "Soon, a person doesn't get nearly as much pleasure from cocaine. But without the drug, the person feels bad. It takes a hit of cocaine just to get back to normal." By viewing the brains of cocaine users, researchers found "that there likely was damage to the dopamine-making brain cells. They think these changes play a role in the mood disorders and lack of motivation seen in cocaine addicts."