Cocaine is a drug that is introduced into the body by smoking or snorting or by direct injection into the blood stream. The chemicals present in cocaine travel at a very fast rate and enter the brain. Here, they block several important neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed by neurons. Though this gives the user a feeling of extreme euphoria, the chemicals that are not allowed to function as they normally would can lead to serious physiological effects. The use of cocaine can lead to heart attacks and strokes even in healthy users. Cocaine use can also lead to damage to the lungs, digestive system and kidneys.

In the long term the user slowly gets addicted to the drug and is forced to increase dosage to have the same pleasurable feelings. The higher dose increases the probability of the health effects described earlier.

Cocaine is a drug that is relatively easy to give up with no serious withdrawal symptoms. It only requires the drug user to be committed to giving up on the drug.