Adolescent cocaine use, immature brain, and health consequences

The use of psychoactive substances is a global public health problem that affects a great number of adolescents and young adults, also causing social, legal and economic consequences. Among the various psychoactive substances used in this age group, cocaine stands out, as it has a high potential for abuse and dependence and compromises the entire organism, mainly causing cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes. Adolescence is a phase of life in which physical, emotional, neurobiological and social changes are observed. It is a period of great plasticity of the brain and development of cognitive capacity, which makes adolescents vulnerable to the use/abuse of psychoactive substances and their harm. The use of cocaine during this period can cause interference in neural circuits, synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter systems, causing lasting behavioral and cognitive consequences. This article presents the main characteristics and clinical effects of cocaine on the human organism, highlighting its role in the general impairment of health and the serious possible acute and chronic repercussions on the immature and vulnerable nervous system of adolescents.