Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the oldest and most dangerous of the addictive drugs
illicitly manufactured and sold in the world today. Cocaine is an
alkaloid substance found in the leaves of a South American shrub
scientifically known as Erythroxylon Coca, or more famously as the Coca
plant. In it’s powdered form it is usually ingested by snorting, as it
is easily absorbed through the mucous membrane. The crystalline form of
cocaine known as “rock” or “crack” is ingested by heating the cocaine
and inhaling the vapors. Both forms of cocaine provide feelings of
euphoria, hyperstimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness in
their users. The amount used and method of administration determine the
duration and intensity of these effects.

Cocaine is a strong stimulant that effects the central nervous system by
blocking Dopamine, a chemical believed to be associated with the
pleasure system of the brain. This buildup of dopamine causes increased
and continuous stimulation of the receiving neurons creating the
euphoric “high” experienced by it’s users. The increased sense of well
being and intense state of euphoria are short lived and require frequent
ingestion to maintain. Physical symptoms of cocaine use include dilated
pupils, constricted blood vessels, and increases in body temperature,
heart rate, and blood pressure. Additionally, when mixed with alcohol,
the resulting chemical reaction creates a third substance, cocaethylene
in the human liver. This chemical combination intensifies cocaine’s
euphoric effects as well as increasing the risk of sudden death.

The abuse or heavy use of cocaine, as well as method of ingestion, can
lead to other serious health issues as well. Snorting cocaine can over
time lead to nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, loss of
the sense of smell, and a chronically runny nose. The injection of
cocaine directly into the vein can lead to severe allergic reactions,
collapsed veins, and the risk of HIV or Hepatitis-C. Bowel gangrene as a
result of poor blood flow may also result.

The longstanding abuse of cocaine, and the related epidemic of “crack”
has spurred renewed efforts to develop newer, more effective treatment
methods for cocaine abuse. NIDA, or the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, specifically has researchers working to find a medication to
prevent or reduce the effects of cocaine, and a medication to help
alleviate craving that people in treatment for cocaine addiction
experience during withdrawal. Researchers are also studying new methods
of behavioral treatment and therapy that can be effective in reducing
drug use by patients in treatment for cocaine abuse as well. It is their
hope that one day the beast that is cocaine addiction can be tamed.

This entry is filed under Drug Addiction, Addiction Treatment, Drug Abuse, Addiction Recovery.