Cocaine

: It begins with coca leaves, which have been used by Andean civilizations for thousands of years to combat altitude sickness and cold.

: A rock-like form created by processing the powder with baking soda or ammonia and water. It is typically smoked, leading to a faster, more intense, but shorter high. Impact on the Brain and Body Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, native to South America. While it has limited medical use as a topical anesthetic, it is primarily known as a major illicit substance with significant global health and social impacts. Chemical Composition and Production The production of cocaine is a toxic chemical process: : It begins with coca leaves, which have

: To create the refined drug, leaves are mixed with substances like gasoline, ammonia, cement, and sulfuric acid to extract the psychoactive alkaloids. Street Variants : Impact on the Brain and Body Cocaine is

: Typically snorted or injected. It is often "cut" (diluted) with fillers like cornstarch, talcum powder, or even other drugs to increase dealer profits.

Cocaine fundamentally alters the brain’s reward system by interfering with neurotransmitters: