Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. It is commonly used as a recreational drug and is known for its powerful effects on the central nervous system. Cocaine can be snorted, injected, or smoked, and it is often mixed with other substances such as cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda to increase its volume and weight, making it more profitable for drug traffickers to sell.

Cocaine has a long and complex history, with evidence of coca leaf use dating back thousands of years in South American cultures. It was first extracted from the coca leaf and turned into a purified form in the late 1800s and was initially marketed as a tonic for a variety of ailments and as a stimulant for fatigue. It was also included in several widely available consumer products, such as Coca-Cola, which originally contained small amounts of cocaine.

In the early 20th century, cocaine began to be restricted in many countries due to its harmful effects and potential for abuse. It is now a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse but can be administered by a doctor for a limited medical purpose, such as a local anesthetic for certain eye, ear, and throat surgeries.

Cocaine works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, which leads to an increase in dopamine levels and enhanced pleasure and energy. The effects of cocaine are usually felt within minutes of use and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the route of administration and the amount taken.

Short-term effects of cocaine use can include increased alertness, energy, and euphoria, as well as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. These effects can also lead to increased physical activity and decreased appetite. However, cocaine use can also lead to negative effects such as irritability, anxiety, and paranoia.

Long-term effects of cocaine use can include addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. Cocaine addiction is characterized by a strong craving for the drug and a need to use it in order to feel normal. Tolerance to cocaine develops when a person needs to use increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal from cocaine can lead to symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and increased appetite.

Cocaine use can also have serious physical consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizure, as well as damage to the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Cocaine use during pregnancy can also lead to a variety of negative outcomes for the fetus, including low birth weight, premature birth, and an increased risk of birth defects.

In addition to the risks associated with cocaine use, the production, distribution, and possession of the drug are also illegal in many countries and can lead to criminal charges. The illegal drug trade is a major contributor to violence, corruption, and political instability in many parts of the world, particularly in areas where coca plants are grown and cocaine is produced.

Despite the risks and legal consequences associated with cocaine, it remains a popular drug of abuse, particularly in party or club settings. It is often used in combination with other drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana, which can increase the risk of negative effects.

Treatment for cocaine addiction often involves a combination of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to drug use, and contingency management, which uses rewards to motivate individuals to engage in treatment and abstain from drug use. Medications may also be used to help with withdrawal and to prevent relapse.