Question

Why do sports persons often fall victim to cocaine addiction?

Answer 1

Derived from the leaves of two coca plant species such as Erythroxylum coca and Erythroxylum novogranatense, cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and a stimulant drug. It is used basically for recreational purposes and stimulation of euphoria.

Complete answer:
As a tropane alkaloid, cocaine ($C_{17}H_{21}NO_4$) has stimulant and local anaesthetic properties. It inhibits nervous initiation and conduction leading to loss of sensation, by stabilising neuronal membranes.
To prevent the release of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons, cocaine binds to the transport proteins that carry dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. In the synaptic cleft, the neurotransmitters accumulate, which may lead to an increase in postsynaptic receptor activity (PSR). A voltage-gated sodium channel in the neuronal cell membrane binds and blocks cocaine's local anaesthetic effects.
Cocaine's influence on the brain's reward system makes it addictive. Tolerance to the medication's effects can be built up with just one dosage of the medicine. When cocaine is used, it raises the chance of mortality in general and in particular the danger of trauma and infectious illnesses, such as blood infections and AIDS, which are the most common. It also raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, lung damage (when smoked), and sudden cardiac death when combined with alcohol consumption.
Thus, due to its property as a stimulant, some athletes make use of cocaine to improve their performance as this substance produces pleasure and enhanced energy levels by activating the central nervous system (CNS).

Note:
Cocaine can be snorted, warmed until sublimated and then breathed, or dissolved and injected into a vein after being extracted from coca leaves. A strong sensation of happiness, libido, loss of connection with reality, or anxiety are all possible mental consequences of cocaine. A rapid heart rate, sweating, and dilated pupils are all possible physical signs. High doses might cause high blood pressure or a rise in body temperature.