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How Does Cocaine Affect Society

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Cocaine use is not as prevalent today as it has been in the past, but it is still part of the drug problem in the United States today. Cocaine has many effects on the individual's body and brain, but also has effects on society and the people around them.
Cocaine has been shown to effect not only the function of the brain, but the structure of it as well. Researchers have found that the brain of cocaine users differs from the brain of a non-cocaine user; the difference lies in the white and grey matter in the brain. Researchers have looked at MRI scans of cocaine users and found that cocaine users have much higher brain activity in the pleasure center, known as the ventral striatum. The MRI scans also showed lower activity in the outside areas, like their frontal cortex. This means that their brains will focus more on the rewards rather than the consequences of their actions. Researchers also found that the grey matter in their brains revealed hypertrophy, which basically translates to "enlarged cells", in two parts of …show more content…
Cocaine use has been falling in the past years, which is good. Although, no cocaine use would be better. It could help society to have dealers off the street and have them go to jail. This would make it harder for users to get the drug. Dealers are focused on money and getting what they want. The do not care about the addicts and society. If someone is caught dealing cocaine, they should be prosecuted and sent to jail.
Sending addicts to jail will not help their addiction. If someone really wants to they can find cocaine in jail, just like they can on the streets. There is a good chances that if an addict goes to jail, as soon as they get out they will go right back to using cocaine. If someone is caught using cocaine and not distributing it, they should be sent to a rehab facility to help them. Cocaine addicts need not just punishment, but

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