This results in significantly higher blood alcohol levels following alcohol ingestion by women. This may contribute to the enhanced vulnerability of women to the acute and chronic effects of alcohol. Alcohol has positive reinforcing properties , which may be a reflection of anti-anxiety effects. Signs of intoxication appear at different blood levels, depending on individual differences in tolerance and the rate of consumption. Barbiturates and other sedative-hypnotic drugs , phenothiazines and benzodiazepines show additive or potentiating effects when combined with alcohol.
Cocaine is a psychomotor stimulant.
In its salt form, cocaine is water soluble and can be taken intranasally or intravenously. Its addictive potential is in part the result of its effects on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Recently, a receptor for cocaine has been identified in the brain on dopaminergic nerve terminals. There is both clinical and experimental evidence suggesting that irreversible morphological and behavioral toxicity may result from the chronic administration of high doses of cocaine and amphetamines. Peak plasma levels of amphetamines after oral use are achieved in 1-3 hours.