Which of the following is a common psychological effect of cocaine use?

Which of the following is a common psychological effect of cocaine use?

• A. Increased empathy
• B. Heightened alertness
• C. Decreased motivation
• D. Improved sleep patterns

Answer: (B)

Heightened alertness is a recognized psychological effect of cocaine use due to its stimulant properties. When cocaine is consumed, it increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. This effect can make users feel more focused and energetic, often leading to overstimulation of the nervous system. The other potential effects, such as increased empathy, decreased motivation, and improved sleep patterns, do not align with the pharmacological action of cocaine. In fact, cocaine use typically results in decreased motivation over time, as prolonged use can lead to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood and motivation negatively. Additionally, cocaine is more likely to disrupt sleep rather than improve it, contributing to insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Heightened alertness is a recognized psychological effect of cocaine use due to its stimulant properties. When cocaine is consumed, it increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. This effect can make users feel more focused and energetic, often leading to overstimulation of the nervous system.

The other potential effects, such as increased empathy, decreased motivation, and improved sleep patterns, do not align with the pharmacological action of cocaine. In fact, cocaine use typically results in decreased motivation over time, as prolonged use can lead to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood and motivation negatively. Additionally, cocaine is more likely to disrupt sleep rather than improve it, contributing to insomnia and other sleep disorders.