Cocaine use and its effects on the nervous system
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51247/st.v8i3.573Keywords:
Cocaine, central nervous system, neurotransmission, addiction, neurotoxicityAbstract
The present study aims to analyze the effects of cocaine consumption on the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on its impact on neurotransmission and brain structures. An exhaustive bibliographic review methodology was used, based on scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus and SciELO, prioritizing studies from the last five years. The main findings indicate that cocaine blocks the reuptake of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, generating neuronal hyperactivation associated with addiction, cognitive impairment and neurotoxicity. The results show that chronic consumption affects the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus and the limbic system, increasing the risk of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as cardiovascular complications. As applications, the study highlights the need for multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological approaches and cognitive rehabilitation. It is concluded that cocaine has a multisystemic impact that requires more effective prevention and treatment strategies, as well as greater investment in neuroscientific research to mitigate its effects on public health.
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