cocaine
Why Cocaine Makes People Speak About Themselves
Have you ever found yourself stuck talking to a coke-fueled ego maniac at a party? Or, let’s be even more honest here, have you ever realized after a night out that you were in fact that same coke-fueled ego maniac? Well, regardless of whether it’s you or someone else, the truth is that cocaine – for all of its ‘helpful’ confidence boosting – can definitely make people speak a lot more about themselves.
Cocaine, a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, has long been associated with heightened self-confidence, euphoria, and talkativeness. For decades, it has been a party drug of choice, often noted for its ability to make users speak at length about themselves and their experiences. But why is this? We’re going to delve into this question, understanding where this ego boost comes from, and why no one seems to acknowledge that it’s happening to them.
What is Cocaine?
Before we talk about the egotistical tendencies that coke can cause, let’s have a quick reminder of what cocaine actually is. Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant drug that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. It is a highly addictive substance that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in the Andes for its stimulant effects.
When it was first discovered, the substance was seen as one sent from the gods due to its medical benefits and ability to reduce the feeling of hunger. Nowadays, cocaine is one of the most common party drugs used around the world. Coke is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, and it typically comes in the form of a white powder and can be ingested in various ways, including snorting, injecting, or smoking. The effects of the substance include:
- Euphoria: Cocaine use can induce intense feelings of pleasure and well-being.
- Increased energy and alertness: Users often experience increased energy levels, heightened alertness, and a decreased need for sleep.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can lead to elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with heart conditions.
- Increased confidence and talkativeness: Users may feel more confident and talkative when under the influence of cocaine.
The last effect listed is what is significant for this article. The reason why cocaine does make people so confident and able to talk about themselves – with often very little filter – is sometimes mind boggling. In fact, a whole group of people being on the drug, can often make it impossible for you to be the only one not on it. Unless, of course, you want the most boring night of your life, with no one having any interest in what you’re up to or who you are.
Cocaine Confidence – The Ego Boost
Before diving into the psychology behind cocaine-induced self-expression, it’s important to understand the drug’s effects. Cocaine primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, energy, and a sense of invincibility. Users often report feeling more self-assured and charismatic, which can lead to an overwhelming desire to share their thoughts and experiences with others. One of the most significant effects of cocaine is the surge in self-confidence.
If you’ve ever taken the substance, or have seen someone that has, you’ll notice this sudden belief that you can do anything, talk about anything, be anything. It’s like you’ve just been given a pep talk by the greatest life coach ever. You feel, in a lot of ways, invincible. Cocaine temporarily increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
This dopamine rush can lead users to feel more confident, outgoing, and self-assured than they do in their sober state. This newfound confidence can be a driving force behind the desire to talk about oneself. Imagine, you’re filling up with dopamine, feeling incredible, and the only way to release all of this new-found happiness is to let it out… perhaps verbally. Vice News writes:
“Of course, not everyone turns into a big sentient clenched jaw after half a gram—lots of us can do cocaine without becoming self-obsessed or arrogant or devoid of all self-awareness. But some of us can’t, which is where the “cocaine dickhead” archetype comes from: the girl who won’t stop banging on about her screenplay; the guy who wouldn’t be able to gauge the vibe of the room (extremely anti-him) if it was written out in spray paint on the wall.”
These archetypes, whilst comical, are unfortunately completely accurate. There seriously isn’t much worse than being stuck being talked at by someone who’s taken a copious amount of this specific substance. “Yeah I work in recruitment, mate. It’s alright but I’ve actually been thinking about doing something else. You know? Or maybe travelling. I feel like I need to see the world and get out of this suffocating suit. You know?” As Vice reports, not everyone turns into an egotist when consuming cocaine, but it certainly is not uncommon.
Why?
So it seems the only question to really ask is: why? Why does cocaine cause people to feel like they need, without any censorship, to talk about themselves. In addition, why do they also not realise how much they’re doing it. Well, festival welfare worker Katy Mcleod (director of Chill Welfare), says in Vice:
“Cocaine tends to make people go into themselves, so they can either become introverted or be very sociable but a bit dominant or self-involved… One big issue with coke is how it makes you feel in yourself and how you come across to others when under the influence. The two don’t always match up. You might think you’re being really witty and outgoing, when other people just think you’re a twat.”
So, as you can see, there’s a dichotomy here. There’s how you feel about yourself, and there’s how the world perceives you. To be fair, this probably exists most of the time anyway but, when cocaine is consumed, the difference is a lot more extreme. This comes from the dopamine hit that coke gives.
Euphoria and Ego Inflation
Cocaine’s primary mechanism of action involves blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. This results in an accumulation of dopamine in the synapses, leading to intensified feelings of pleasure and reward. The increased dopamine levels reinforce behaviour associated with the drug’s effects, including self-expression. Cocaine also induces euphoria, a state of intense happiness and well-being. This elevated mood can lead users to believe they are more interesting, intelligent, and captivating than usual. As a result, they may feel compelled to share their thoughts, stories, and opinions, convinced that they are the centre of attention. Essentially, you not only feel great, but you also think you are great. Hired Power writes:
“It boost’s a user’s ego and self-confidence, making the user believe that he is the most powerful person in the room.”
Cocaine gives you license to have social confidence, as well as confidence in yourself, which can be quite extreme. This doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Well it wouldn’t if you didn’t then spend an entire evening thinking that your voice deserves to be heard by everyone all night. The danger in an ego boost is that it can make you blind. Make you believe that you are the boss. Again, there’s nothing wrong with self-belief, but too much can become arrogant and hugely irritating.
Final Thoughts on Cocaine Ego Boosts
Scientifically the ego-boost phenomenon of cocaine makes sense. A boost of dopamine, energy and confidence, makes users believe that they are the bees knees and they want people to know it. For some, with social anxiety, this can be a great moment – finally able to speak to people like they want to. For others, this can be an enhancement in ego they simply do not need. These sorts of people are the ones you want to avoid at parties, unless of course you want to hear (for hours on end) about their very interesting ideas on modern politics.
It’s important to say, of course, that cocaine is a highly dangerous substance and is incredibly addictive. This ego-boosting effect of cocaine is perhaps one of the most addictive parts of it and, worst of all, it can make it very hard to have any self-confidence without the substance. The effects of cocaine may be harnessed for that initial boost of confidence before an event, but those effects can very easily create an ego-tistical monster if you’re not careful.
Hello readers. We’re happy to have you with us at Cannadelics.com; a news source here to bring you the best in independent reporting for the growing cannabis and hallucinogen fields. Join us frequently to stay on top of everything, and subscribe to our Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for updates straight to your email. Check out some awesome promos for cannabis buds, smoking devices and equipment like vapes, edibles, cannabinoid compounds, amanita mushroom products, and a whole bunch more. Let’s all get stoned together!
Related
Have you ever wondered which drug, which addictive habit, which substance is the most expensive?
There’s obviously the initial cost of the product, gram for gram, but then there’s also the quantity at which you are likely to have it. There’s a lot of factors involved. The world of recreational drugs comes with a staggering financial cost. Addiction, a complex and often misunderstood condition, can lead to a lifetime of expenses that extend far beyond the immediate price of the substance itself. We’re going to delve into the realm of the most expensive recreational drugs in the world. Let’s do this.
Addiction vs Enjoyment
As we navigate through this list, it’s important to remember that the cost of drug addiction is multifaceted. It’s not just about the money spent on acquiring the drugs; it’s also about the long-term financial drain due to health complications, loss of productivity, and the potential for legal consequences. The true cost of these drugs is more than just a number – it’s a reflection of the broader societal and economic implications of drug abuse. However, of course, for many, these drugs offer an escape from their problems or stresses. Whether that be a glass of wine on a Friday, a hard-earned joint, or even a sniff of cocaine – all of these substances have their appeals. But are these appeals worth the costs? The Executive Rehab Guide writes:
“Whether it is the rush of adrenaline that comes from using stimulants like cocaine or the sense of calm and relaxation that comes from using opioids like heroin, drugs have the power to make people feel good.”
It’s very easy to write about the dangers and horrors of addiction, but it’s also important to acknowledge the euphoria that recreational drugs can give people. Without this knowledge, it would be impossible to understand why anyone would ever spend so much money, each year, on these substances. But which substances are on the list?
Most Expensive Drugs
1 – Tobacco & Alcohol
Did you think we weren’t going to count alcohol and tobacco? Well, you thought wrong. Both these substances, despite being legal and accepted into society, most definitely count as recreational substances. However, we’ve put them together because these are all depressing facts that we probably know already. The financial cost of alcohol and tobacco are nothing short of unsettling, and yet many of us feel they still require an important place in our lives.
Tobacco
Tobacco, one of the most widely used addictive substances globally, carries a significant financial burden. Despite its legal status, the cost of tobacco use extends far beyond the price of cigarettes or other tobacco products. The long-term health consequences of tobacco use, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions, lead to substantial healthcare costs for both individuals and public health systems. In fact, in 2022 ASH released a study claiming that smoking costs the UK tax payer around 17 billion pounds per year. But beyond that, let’s think about it at a micro level. Based on an average 2021 UK price of £11.46 for a pack of 20. If an individual smokes 10 a day, they will be paying up to around £2000 a year. If we double that, for those smoking 20 a day, suddenly that cost goes up to around £4000 a year. That’s two very nice holidays for the price of 20 cigs a day. Is it worth it, who knows?
Alcohol
Alcohol, while socially accepted and widely consumed, presents a significant economic burden that is often underestimated. Around 2.3 billion people worldwide are current alcohol drinkers. But how much does this habit cost? Well, this depends on what kind of drinker you are. Delamere have worked out a 5-year cost for beer and wine, depending on what kind of relationship you have with the substance:
Casual Drinker
Wine: £10,842
Beer: £4,285
Binge Drinker
Wine: £16,263
Beer: £10,712
Abuser
Wine: £75,894
Beer: £37,492
Again, these numbers look quite alarming. Although, perhaps seemingly cheaper than a smoking habit? But then alcohol leaves us with an intense hangover.
2 – Heroin
Now we move on to the hard hitting substances. Heroin, derived from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of various opium poppy plants, stands as one of the most addictive and destructive drugs in the world. Its reputation for high addiction potential is matched by the significant financial burden it places on its users. Again, the cost goes beyond the price of the drug itself. According to Drug Free:
“The average five-year cost for using heroin 10 times a day is $318,500.”
We’re using the dollars currency now but, regardless, this is a much larger number than alcohol and tobacco. The street price of heroin varies based on geographic location, purity, and availability. However, it consistently remains high due to its demand and the risks associated with its illegal trade. In the USA, you can expect to pay around 15-20 dollars for a 0.1 gram of the substance. This makes it one of the more expensive substances, when you consider the amount you receive for the money you give. However, there is no doubt that heroin gives one of the most euphoric highs – which is why it’s so addictive.
3 – Cocaine
But what about cocaine? Well, this powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant has long been a drug associated with both luxury and high social cost. Its use spans various demographics and geographies, making it one of the most sought-after illicit substances in the world. However, the financial implications of cocaine use are as significant as its effects on the human body. Cocaine addiction carries with it a hefty price tag. The cost of maintaining a coke habit can be high, largely due to the drug’s high street value and the frequency of use required to sustain its effects. According to the previous data, the five-year cost for using 1 gram of cocaine once a day amounts to $112,840. This isn’t quite as expensive as a heroin addiction but it’s important to remember that cocaine addictions are more normalised than that of heroin. Priory Group writes:
“Taking cocaine often results in a brief but very intense high. You would normally start to feel the effects of cocaine after 5 to 30 minutes of snorting it, and these effects usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. Because the high is so intense… this can make the person want to take more cocaine to experience the pleasurable effects again, as soon as possible.”
The street price of cocaine can vary widely based on factors such as purity, supply, and geographic location. Prices have been known to range from $25 to $200 per gram in the United States, with an average cost hovering around $112 per gram. When it comes to one-off purchases of recreational drugs, cocaine can be one of the most expensive. Certainly more than ketamine, MDMA, cannabis or ecstacy.
4 – Oxycodone
This substance played a big part in the US opioid crisis. Oxycodone, a prescription opioid, is commonly used for pain management but has become notorious for its high potential for abuse and addiction. While it serves a legitimate medical purpose, the recreational use of oxycodone has led to significant financial, health, and social consequences. The mis-prescription of oxycodone over the last few decades has had a terrible effect on many users. The cost of this addiction can be substantial. For individuals who become addicted, the expense goes beyond the drug itself. Again, according to the previous research, the five-year cost for using oxycodone (80 milligrams once a day) is approximately $132,405.
Obviously it’s important to take into account that the cost varies depending on whether it is obtained through a prescription or not. However, whilst prescription costs can be partially offset by insurance, those who become dependent may turn to the black market as their tolerance grows and prescriptions become harder to obtain.
5 – Methamphetamine (Meth)
Finally we have methamphetamine, commonly known as meth. This is another highly addictive stimulant, which is why it’s included on the list. Usually the more addictive the substance, the higher the financial cost over time. Meth addiction can not only be detrimental to health but also to the financial well-being of users. The cost of purchasing meth can quickly accumulate. Whilst this substance can be significantly cheaper than cocaine – sometimes even 4 times cheaper – the high is reported to be much more intense. This means that those consuming it can get hooked quickly. The Addiction Center writes:
“Today, a single dose of Meth (sometimes called Crystal Meth, depending on its formation) costs about $5 and is almost 100% pure. Consequently, in much of rural America and the West, people are dying of Meth-related overdose at nearly twice the rates of Heroin-related overdose.”
Whilst meth might be the cheapest of these substances, when it comes to singular dosage, the addictive nature of it and its appeal in price means that maintaining an addiction can cost a lot.
Analysis
There’s little point in comparing these 5 expensive recreational drugs. Because, in a way, it doesn’t matter. An addiction is an addiction, and when you find yourself within it, it can be hard to deter yourself based on a financial burden. In addition, whilst some of these drugs are cheaper than others (meth or a glass of wine) they might be more addictive or more socially accepted. Whichever substance you might find yourself in a ‘relationship’ with, it’s important to acknowledge the financial costs they can have over time. What might be a tenner at one point, can become literally thousands over the years.
Conclusion
The true cost of drug addiction is multifaceted. It includes the direct expenses of acquiring the drugs, but then also the cost of maintaining the addiction or habit. There are also important other factors – including health bills and the cost of lower productivity – but going into that would take vast analysis (mostly based on assumptions). Nonetheless, here are 5 of the most expensive recreational drugs. Which do you think is really the most financially burdening?
Hello readers. We’re happy to have you with us at Cannadelics.com; a news source here to bring you the best in independent reporting for the growing cannabis and hallucinogen fields. Join us frequently to stay on top of everything, and subscribe to our Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for updates straight to your email. Check out some awesome promos for cannabis buds, smoking devices and equipment like vapes, edibles, cannabinoid compounds, amanita mushroom products, and a whole bunch more. Let’s all get stoned together!
Related
An East Boston man is facing a slew of drug charges after police found a stockpile of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms and thousands of dollars in his home, Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden announced Sunday.
“Fentanyl is a death drug, plain and simple,” Hayden said in a release. “The amount seized here — 240 grams of fentanyl, plus sizeable quantities of other drugs — represents a tremendous amount of potential human devastation.”
After months of investigating, police executed a search warrant for the apartment of Robert Ciampi, 63, on Orleans Street in East Boston on Nov. 1, according to the release.
What To Know Before Adding CBD To Your Tea
New York lawsuit settlements OK’d, but adult-use cannabis permits still on hold
Crucial Cannabis Hacks For Surviving The Holiday Season
Does CBD Oil Cause Withdrawals
Are Stoners More Empathetic and Understanding to Other People’s Struggles?
Demystifying the debate on differences and similarities among THC and HHC.
BEST Sunday Cocktails – The Fresh Toast
How AI Could Finally Solve the Cannabis Breathalyzer and DUI Impairment Testing Riddle
EMCDDA Report: What EU Drug Market Looks Like
Why You Get The Drunchies After Drinking
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
What you Need to Know
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
City Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
Your Go-To Source for Cannabis Logos and Designs
-
Cannabis News8 months agoDistressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders8 months agoUnited States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
Cannabis 1019 months agoWhat you Need to Know
-
Education9 months agoNCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Education8 months agoCity Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
-
Marijuana Business Daily7 months agoCannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
Education8 months agoUArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
-
Cannabis8 months agoIt has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax