Cocaine Intoxication

Cocaine Intoxication "Cocaine intoxication occurs when you snort, smoke or inject too much cocaine. One becomes restless and overactive shortly after using cocaine, but with excessive use, cocaine intoxication can lead to death" (Adult Health Advisor, 2005). The four stages of cocaine intoxication are cocaine euphoria, cocaine disphoria, cocaine hallucinosis and cocaine psychosis. It has been noted that cocaine intoxication closely resembles a psychiatric disorder. In the movie, "The Boost", the main character Lenny Brown goes through each stage of cocaine psychosis and examples of his progression can be seen in the movie. The first stage of cocaine intoxication is cocaine euphoria which is described as being similar to a manic episode. Individuals in stage one of cocaine intoxication display restless types of behavior such as rapid movements, insomnia and rapid speech are present in this first stage. Behaviors of hyper-alertness, hyper-sexuality and loss of appetite are also commonly associated in cocaine euphoria. Along with these restless behaviors, reports indicate that users experience increased pleasure and do not feel like sleeping because they have increased energy. These two affects of cocaine euphoria are relatively seen as positive effects of the drug which leads to continued use. In "The Boost", Lenny first enters the cocaine euphoria stage while he is in Joel's office at the first party at Joel's house. Lenny is down about sales and disappointed in his performance. Because Lenny's personality and desire for people to have a favorable opinion of him, he is willing to try anything to do better. For this reason he does a line of cocaine with Joel and instantly is uplifted. Lenny's wife notices his boost in confidence and increased energy which was a vast contrast from earlier in the night. Lenny also speaks rapidly and stays up late with his wife after the party, which as mentioned earlier are two effects of cocaine euphoria. Stage two

References: Adult Health Advisor. (Last updated: 2005). Cocaine Intoxication. Retrieved: May 1, 2007 from http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_cocintox_bha.htm Kassin, S. (2004). Psychology (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson- Prentice Hall.