Question

In a 3-5 page paper, research and discuss where cocaine comes from that enters the US and include the answers to the following questions in your paper.

How is cocaine harvested and processed for consumption?

In what ways can cocaine enter the body?

Why do people prefer one method of delivery over another?

What is the function of dopamine in the brain and how does cocaine use affect it?

When is the brain “high-jacked” by cocaine?

How are the neurotransmitters affected?

Why do doctors prescribe stimulants?  

What was Hilter's use of stimulants?

Answer 1

Answer-1 - Cocaine is a powerful drug which has a great impact on brain functioning. The abuse of cocaine has become a major problem in U.S. It is found that cocaine is transported from Mexico and Central America. Cocaine trafficking in U.S. is increasing day by day.

Answer- 2- Cocaine is obtained from coca plant. These coca plants are developed in highly cooler climates. The leaves of the coca plant consist cocaine which is harvested through them. The cocaine which is obtained from the coca plants is processed into a paste. This coca paste is extracted in the form of solvent and acid. After the extraction, it is further processed to purify the paste. With the reactions of chemicals, cocaine turns into white colour. Finally it is converted to cocaine hydrochloride which is used by drug addicts. Another form of cocaine is crack. When cocaine hydrochloride is turned into a solid form, it is known as crack.This is the combination of cocaine hydrochloride and ammonia.

Answer-3- Cocaine is entered in the body through snorting. People inhale the powder and absorb it through nassal tissues. Some people take it in the form of injection while dissolve with water. People also consume the drug orally. The consumption of cocaine changes the chemical process of brain and the addict have many feelings like happiness, excitement, confidence etc.

Answer-4- People generally prefer one method over other because they get more satisfaction by adopting several techniques to consume cocaine. Some people like to take it through snorting while some like smoking. People prefer those methods which give them more pleasure and motivation.

Answer-5- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which sends signals to other neurotransmitters. This is affected by different stimuli and also greatly affected by drug abuse. The use of drug can disturb the normal procedure of the dopamine. The use of cocaine block the recycling process of the neurotransmitters which results in the feelings of immense pleasure and excitement.

Answer-6- A drug addict's mind is different from a person who does not use cocaine. The brain makes it difficult to leave the habit of drug abuse. The use of cocaine highjack the brain's neurotransmitters, the prefrontal cortex which help an individual in decision making. Cocaine abuse highjack the learning capacity of the brain which prohibit the sense of right and wrong.

Answer-7- The use of cocaine can change people's thinking and behaviour because it disturbs the neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are involved in a process of communication where different nerve cells send messages to one another. Drug abuse interrupt the functions of neurotransmitters, especially the functions of dopamine which regulate different feelings, emotions,motivation, happiness etc. Dopamine is greatly influenced with the use of cocaine which is not good for proper brain functioning.

Answer-8- Doctors prescribe stimulants to cocaine addicts in order to maintain the level of dopamine in brain which is similar to the natural production of dopamine.Drug abuse disturbs the neurotransmitters. These stimulants are used to make them work properly.

Answer-9- In order to make soldiers more attentive, to fight longer, Hitler ordered German soldiers to take methamphetamine pills and cocaine stimulants. These drugs were used to increase self awareness, concentration and confidence. But surveys found that soldiers who consumed these pills became drug addicts and were of no use for military.