Cocaine and crack cocaine are both extremely addictive substances that change the way that the brain functions. The euphoria felt when cocaine or crack enters the body is actually increased amounts of dopamine building up in the brain. Cocaine and crack are street drugs and are very dangerous because they can contain different substances and/or chemicals that can cause adverse reactions in the body. Even in their pure form they can produce such effects as heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrest. These types of health hazards can occur at any time and are not based on the amount or the number of times a person uses the drug. Shorter-term health hazards include dilated pupils, changes in bodily functions including heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature as well as changes in a person’s eating and sleeping patterns. Many times people who use cocaine or crack are also consuming alcohol, a habit that may cause sudden death without warning. The chemical mixture of these substances can have unexpected consequences. One of the most extreme consequences of cocaine and crack use is addiction. Once addiction has taken over a person’s life, it is almost impossible to stop using without help. Addiction can be characterized by increased tolerance, physical dependence, obsession and cravings, in addition to other life consequences. People who become addicted to these drugs often have a difficult time living if they are not under the influence. Cocaine abuse can lead to addiction, insanity and even death, with many other penalties along the way. Cocaine use can lead to respiratory disease, hallucinations, as well as excessive financial burden and debt. While not all people become criminal when involved with these drugs, many people are forced to sustain their habit with criminal behavior such as lying, cheating and stealing to get the drugs they need.