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Cocaine is a powerful central
nervous system stimulant. It is extracted from the leaves of the
coca bush which grows almost exclusively in the mountains of
Bolivia and Peru. Originally used as a local anesthetic and as
an ingredient in Coca Cola, it is now considered dangerous and
is an illegal drug to possess and use.
Cocaine: odourless, white
crystalline powder
Crack: small white/beige
rocks made from a solution of cocaine powder and baking soda
Cocaine powder can be snorted in
the dry state or injected when mixed with water. Crack is
smoked. Snorted cocaine causes intense euphoria within minutes;
the effect lasts for 30-40 minutes. Injected cocaine or smoked
crack causes effects in seconds; these generally last for 10 to
15 minutes.
Classed as a stimulant, the drug
affects the "feeling" part of the brain. It increases the amount
of brain chemicals which are responsible for producing feelings
of pleasure.
The effects include:
- feelings of euphoria,
confidence, and power
- dramatic increase in energy
and alertness; decrease of sleep
- increase in heart rate and
blood pressure
- decrease in appetite
- dilated pupils
- stuffy nose
- dry mouth
- overactivity and
talkativeness
- obsessive, repetitive
activities
- elevation of temperature,
pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
- weight loss
Cocaine is highly addictive - the
user can get "hooked" in days or weeks. The amount of the drug
needed will increase and eventually the user will take cocaine
not so much to get a "rush" as to prevent the overpowering
desire or "craving" for the drug.
Prolonged use may cause:
The most common symptoms are:
A major factor in return to using
cocaine is a condition called "anhedonia", a state in which a
person is incapable of experiencing pleasure in life. This can
last for over a year after use has stopped. Recovery from
cocaine addiction is achievable although it is a difficult and
long process, often requiring not only commitment to recovery
but outside help as well.
Drug Dependency Services, Central
Region, 1999
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