Extremely addictive and dangerous, cocaine is an increasingly widespread and consumed drug in France. At the heart of the scandal, comedian Pierre Palmade admitted to being under the influence of this narcotic when he caused a serious traffic accident a week ago.
A scourge of immeasurable danger. Cocaine is an extremely harsh drug, boasting stimulant effects, which makes its user more alert and energetic. It takes the form of a white crystalline powder, which can be snorted or injected into the body.
It works by blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters linked to well-being. An action that thus leads to an accumulation of these feelings and delays their end.
As reminded by Center for Addiction and Mental Health, this drug has multiple effects on its user. It can cause feelings of euphoria and energy, as well as increased urges. Cocaine also has the effect of reducing the feeling of hunger and the need for sleep.
Too much of this drug can trigger panic attacks. The consumer thus risks being seized with psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and even adopting violent behavior. Cocaine can also cause your breathing and heart to beat faster, causing your blood pressure to rise.
The sensations experienced by cocaine depend on the dose taken. Also according to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, snorting this drug produces an effect within minutes that can last between 15 and 30 minutes. Injecting it produces a rush of euphoria in 30 to 45 seconds, which can last between 10 and 20 minutes.
Lifelong complications
Highly addictive drug, it can be extremely difficult to wean off. Indeed, by stopping taking cocaine, a consumer may have the impression that his life is collapsing. A permanent craving can set in, triggering depression, suicidal thoughts and a real risk of relapse.
Its use can also cause blood vessels to thicken and constrict, reducing the oxygen supply to the heart. This drug makes the muscles of the heart work harder, which only increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Another adverse effect, snorting cocaine can lead to sinus infection and loss of sense of smell. The tissues of the nose may even be severely damaged, while the cartilage of the nostrils may be completely pierced.
High consumption in France
France is one of the main consumers of cocaine. According to the figures revealed by the journalist Frédéric Ploquin, in his book entitled “French narcos break the omerta”, more than a quarter of cocaine users in Europe are in France. That is regarding 600,000 out of 2.3 million in total.
Cocaine has thus become the most widely used drug following cannabis. A growing increase that the authorities are trying to stop.
On his site, the interministerial mission for the fight once morest drugs and addictive behavior (Mildeca) noted “the evolution of cocaine seizures in France” from 2015. In 2021, “the never-reached threshold of 20 tonnes was even largely exceeded “. This year, the “seizures on French territory” made it possible to intercept “26.5 tonnes of cocaine”, or “double the year 2020”.
Today, a consumer in possession of drugs is exposed to one year in prison and a fine of 3,750 euros.
