Cocaine abusing women who become pregnant find that they
options: a) require more cocaine than they needed before becoming pregnant to achieve the same degree of euphoria. b) require about as much cocaine as before to achieve the same degree of euphoria. c) require less cocaine to achieve a certain degree of euphoria than they did before becoming pregnant. d) are able to achieve the same degree of euphoria as before only if they also abuse alcohol concurrently.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: c) require less cocaine to achieve a certain degree of euphoria than they did before becoming pregnant.
Explanation:
Pregnancy causes several physiological changes in a woman’s body that can affect how substances like cocaine are metabolized. These changes include alterations in hormone levels, changes in the cardiovascular system, and modifications in liver function, all of which can influence how the body processes drugs. Specifically, women who are pregnant may experience changes in brain chemistry, including increased sensitivity to the effects of drugs like cocaine. This can result in a decreased need for the same amount of cocaine to achieve a given effect or euphoria.
Additionally, the body’s increased blood volume and hormonal changes can lead to altered drug absorption and distribution. For example, elevated levels of progesterone during pregnancy can slow the metabolism of certain substances, meaning that the same amount of cocaine might have a stronger effect than before pregnancy. As a result, a woman might find that she needs less cocaine to feel the same euphoric effects she experienced before pregnancy.
It’s important to note that using cocaine during pregnancy is extremely harmful, both to the mother and to the developing fetus. Cocaine use can lead to a range of complications, including placental abruption, preterm birth, and low birth weight. It can also result in long-term developmental problems for the child. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to avoid substance abuse and seek appropriate care and support.