Cocaine Information

Cocaine is a very powerfully addictive drug which acts on the central nervous system. It can be snorted, smoked or injected. The general effects of the drug are euphoria and energy. Basically, crack is a derivative of cocaine hydrochloride that has been formed into a rock crystal, while cocaine is found in powder form.

History of Cocaine

The coca leaves used to produce cocaine are grown in Bolivia, Peru and Columbia. 90 % of the cocaine that reaches the United States is produced in Columbia however, other countries in the Andrean Highland areas of South America are known to produce the drug and transport it into the U.S. For over a thousand years, people native to this region have chewed the leaves of the Erythroxylon cocoa plant. In 1609, Padre Blas Valera wrote of cocaine, “Coca protects the body from many ailments, and our doctors use it in powdered form to reduce the swelling of wounds, to strengthen broken bones, to expel cold from the body or prevent it from entering, and to cure rotten wounds or sores that are full of maggots. And if it does so much for outward ailments, will not its singular virtue have even greater effect in the entrails of those who eat it?” When claims that cocaine provided strength and energy were proven true, the South American government stepped in and legalized and taxed the leaf, taking 10% off the value of each crop. Until recently, cocaine was legally used in the U.S. as a topical local anesthetic for the upper respiratory tract and also to reduce bleeding of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and nasal cavities. This practice is now considered outdated because better and safer products have been developed for these purposes.

Cocaine Abuse

There are several methods of administration that cocaine can be taken and they are as follows:

  • Snorting or intranasal – This is the process of inhaling the powder through the nostrils, whereas the drug enters the system through the nasal tissue.
  • Oral – This is simply diluting the drug with liquid and drinking it or the powder can be swallowed by itself. Again, the leaves of the coca plant are still chewed by the indigenous people of South America.
  • Inhalation – This involves inhaling cocaine smoke or vapor. This method delivers rapid intense euphoria.
  • Injection – The mixture of the powder is diluted with water or liquid and injected directly into the bloodstream creating an intense, rapid high for the user.

Effects of Cocaine on the Mind

Cocaine has a profound effect on the mind as it is a stimulant to the central nervous system. The drug triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s chemical reward system, which greatly enhances everything for the user. Depending on the amount used and the longevity of usage, there are short and long term effects on the brain.

Short Term Effects

There are various short term effects on the mind and they are as follows:

  • Euphoria
  • Energy
  • Talkative
  • Mentally aware, especially to sight, sound and touch
  • Decrease in need for sleep and food
  • Constricts blood vessels
  • Dilates pupils
  • Increases body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure

Long Term Effects

Long term use has proven to have some serious health and psychological effects on the mind and the body. They are as follows:

  • The abuser loses complete control, he becomes powerless over cocaine and will do many things out of character to obtain it, in other words, he/she develops a cocaine addiction
  • The brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine is greatly diminished. This causes the user to feel less than most of the time and the only reward system that the brain recognizes is the use of more cocaine
  • Prolonged snorting leads to loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds and problems with swallowing
  • Ingested cocaine over extended periods of time can prompt severe bowel gangrene, because of the reduction of blood flow
  • Injection sites may cause permanent scarring of the skin and veins. Additionally, an allergic reaction can cause death in this instance
  • Smoking or injecting can result in an overdose, which is usually not fatal but, may cause chronic seizures, stroke and heart attack.
  • Dilates pupils
  • Chronic use by any method will generally cause an extreme drop in appetite resulting in unhealthy weight loss.

Treatment Solutions

There are various methods of treatment available for those in need of help with a cocaine addiction and some of the most proven and successful methods are listed here:

  • Holistic, non 12 step based programs – These have proved to have the highest success rates because of their concept and ability to handle the body without the use of substitute drugs and then handle the issues of the mind.
  • Traditional 12 step programs – These can be successful if the individual adamantly works their own program with the attendance of daily meetings, calling their sponsor on a daily basis and working through the 12 steps.
  • Psychological treatment – This can include hypnosis, acupuncture and repetitive counseling sessions with a psychiatrist.

Call today for more information on Narconon cocaine treatment centers at 800-468-6933.

References:

Drug Abuse Information

National Institute on Drug Abuse

White House Drug Policy

By Derry Hallmark