It is a naturally occuring alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the coca shrub (Erythroxylon Coca). Pure cocaine is an odourless white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Street cocaine is often adulterated with additives like sugar, talc, cornstarch etc. It develops more of psychological dependency and hence withdrawal symptoms are often mild or absent. It is usually snorted and sometimes chewed. It is mostly taken along with alcohol and sedatives like valium, ativan or heroin as upper or downer combination.

» EFFECTS ON ABUSE :-

Cocaine causes euphoria, restlessness, irritability, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, high BP , palpitation angina, abnormal heart rhythm, insomnia, impotence, poor appetite, shortness of breath, nasal obstruction, damage of nasal mucous membrane, weight loss etc.

These drugs are medically used for the treatment of narcolepsy, hyperactivity disorder and appetite control. But habitual and repeated use of these drugs develop tolerance and dependency, with mild withdrawal symptom ranging from depression, lethargy, confusion and memory loss to over eating and sleeping. Strong craving for the drug demands its repeated usage.

» EFFECTS ON ABUSE :-

Abuse of amphetamines lead to decreased appetite with weight loss, euphoria, mood swings, irritability, paranoia, sleep disorder muscle and stomach cramps, tremors, increased stress, hallucinations (visual, tactile and olfactory), increased breathing hyperthermia etc.