Cocaine Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from the leaf of the coca bush, which is cultivated at high altitudes in South America. It is the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world. Cocaine is a POWERFUL stimulant to the central nervous system, with mind altering and energy producing qualities similar to those of amphetamines. Widespread use of cocaine in the U.S. first occurred in the late 1800's. By the end of the century, cocaine was firmly in the mainstream of popular acceptance. Cocaine use began on the fringe of society with musicians, actors, and other entertainers. It spread throughout the so-called “Glamour Industries”- advertising, media, movies, finance, high-tech, and professional sports.

Signs and Symptoms of use and abuse At first a person using cocaine may be able to hide it. As the drug use continues obvious physical signs appear. 1. Unkempt appearance 2. Decreased appetite - weight loss 3. Chronic runny nose, bloody nose, nasal sores, upper resp. infect. 4. Headaches 5. Sleep problems - fatigue and insomnia 6. Decreased sexual drive 7. Problems @ home, school, work, relationships, finances 8. Depressed, irritable, angry, or violent behavior 9. Extreme paranoia - hear voices 10. Erratic and irrational ideas 11. Redness of skin from scratching tactile hallucinations 12. Dilated pupils, tremors, nausea 13. Talkativeness, fever, rapid heart rate.

BRAIN - Cocaine acts directly on the brain BRAIN - Cocaine acts directly on the brain. When we do something on enjoyable a signal in the brain stimulates nerve cells. That signal is transmitted by a substance called dopamine. Normally, once the dopamine completes its trip between cells, it is retrieved by the sending cell. Cocaine disrupts this process, allowing the constant flow of dopamine from the sending cells. This process produces a euphoric effect. Repeated use of cocaine depletes the stores of dopamine. This causes the crash that users feel.

HEART - Cocaine constricts the blood vessels making the heart overwork to move blood through the body. This stress on the heart may cause chest pain. When this occurs, the heart beats irregularly and may stop, causing a heart attack. BABIES - Use of cocaine only once during pregnancy can have devastating effects. During the early months of pregnancy, cocaine may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Later, the drug may cause premature labor. Sometimes the placenta to separate early, endangering the life of the mother and the child. 1. Cocaine babies have a stiffness - a sign of nerve damage. 2. They are irritable, experience difficulty feeding, hypersensitivity to light and sound - other signs of nerve damage. 3. Cocaine babies are unaware of their surroundings ,a behavior pattern suggesting neurological and psychological damage. The full impact of the damage may not be recognized until the child reaches school age.

CRACK Cocaine is put through a process that separates the active drug from its salt base. This form of cocaine is purer and more concentrated than regular cocaine. Inhaled through a pipe, crack hits last only a few minutes (8-10?) It delivers a high dose of the drug to the brain in less than 10 sec. Potency is 5-10 times stronger than snorting cocaine. Crack is cocaine intensified. The assault on the body, brain, and nervous system is quicker and more profound. Many users say they fell in love” with crack the first time they used it. The euphoric feeling is followed by an equally devastating low. This cycle of highs and lows contributes to and reinforces addiction.

LONG TERM EFFECTS of Cocaine and Crack Permanent damage to blood vessels of the heart, brain , and ears, high blood pressure leading to heart attacks and strokes Liver, kidney, and lung damage Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed Severe chest pains, Respiratory failure Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected Malnutrition, weight loss Severe tooth decay Auditory and tactile hallucinations Sexual Problems – reproductive damage and infertility in both men and women Delirium or psychosis Severe depression Tolerance and addiction even after just one use. Crack users seldom seek help. The person is unwilling or unable to stop using. Inpatient care takes 4-12weeks, depending on the physical and psychological complications.