What is Cocaine?
Where does cocaine come from? Cocaine is derived from the coca plant. Extracted from the leaves, it is made into a powder called cocaine hydrochloride. Some cocaine hydrochloride is then processed with ammonia or baking soda and water to produce chips, chunks, or rocks (The Partnership, 2011).
While the natives of the Andes Mountains have been using the coca plant for medical and recreational purposes for at least 15 centuries, it was first synthesized into cocaine hydrochloride in 1859 in Germany. It spread throughout Europe and the United States, becoming an ingredient in numerous products including Coca-Cola (until 1903). In 1914 the U.S. federal government stepped in to regulate its use (CIA, 2011).
What does cocaine look like? Cocaine is distributed in a white crystalline powder or as “crack cocaine” in small light tan pieces. See pictures at right (The Partnership, 2011).
How is cocaine abused? Powdered cocaine users snort the powder or mix it with water and inject it. Crack cocaine users generally smoke the little pieces, inhaling the smoke (The Partnership, 2011).
What do cocaine users say about it? On the streets, cocaine is called by a variety of names including “Big C, Blow, Coke, Flake, Freebase, Lady, Nose Candy, Rock, Snow, Snowbirds, and White Crack.” Users say it gives them a quick rush of pleasure, a fast high. It will keep you amped up and let you be the “life of the party” (The Partnership, 2011).
Why is cocaine dangerous? Cocaine can cause strokes, seizures, and heart attacks. Many users eventually die of overdose. In some rare cases, sudden death can occur on the first use (The Partnership, 2011).
What is the prevalence of cocaine use in high schools? 1 in every 9 teens in the U.S. has used crack or cocaine in their lifetime. Teen use often happens in parties and other social gatherings (The Partnership, 2011).
How can I tell if someone is using cocaine? They will exhibit symptoms like nervous behavior, bloody noses, high energy followed by exhaustion, and restlessness (The Partnership, 2011).
What else do I need to know about cocaine? Cocaine is highly addictive and, over time, with tolerance to the drug, a user will need more and more to achieve the desired effect. With high doses or chronic use, a user can become highly paranoid and even aggressive (The Partnership, 2011).
For more information contact a Utah Drug Rehab center near you. Utah Drug Rehab centers are great at answering questions and helping those who might be struggling with any form of drug abuse.
References
CIA (2011). Appendix C: History of Cocaine. Retrieved February 4, 2011 from http://www.justice.gov/oig/special/9712/appc.htm.
The Partnership at Drugfree.org (2011). Drug Guide; Information for over 40 commonly-abused drugs. Retrieved January 30, 2011 from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide.
One Comment
Wendell / 13 May 2011 / 6:15 am