COCAINE
SLANG TERMS
- coke
- crack
- dust
- snow
- blow
- flakes
- bloke
- bernice
- dream
Cocaine is an addictive substance which comes from coca leaves or is made
synthetically. This drug acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system.
Cocaine appears as a white powder substance which is inhaled, injected,
freebased (smoked), or applied directly to the nasal membrane or gums.
Cocaine gives the user a tremendous "rush". These chemicals trick
the brain into feeling it has experienced pleasure.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
- increased heart rate and breathing
- increased blood pressure
- nausea
- weight loss
- tremors
- insomnia
- rapid breathing
- twitching
- fever
- pallor (paleness)
- impotence
- dilated pupils
- cold sweats
- fatigue
- constipation
- headaches
- blurred vision
- seizures
- nasal congestion
PERSONALITY EFFECTS
- lying
- stealing
- superior attitude
- less ambition
- argumentativeness/short temper
- job problems
- denial of responsibility
- depression
- confusion
- increased number of accidents
- hallucinations
- anxiety
- paranoia
- poor concentration
- loss of interest in sex
- flattened and dulled emotions
HEALTH PROBLEMS
- ulceration of the nasal membrane
- cardiac arrest
- respiratory arrest
- physiological seizures
- lung damage
The effects of cocaine occur within the first few minutes, peak in 15-20
minutes and disappear in about 1 hour. The immediate effects are what make
cocaine so addicting. The user is willing to endure the lows in order to
experience the highs.
Cocaine is highly addictive. Every use of the drug makes the addiction stronger.
This addiction can begin almost immediately following the first use. The
addiction to cocaine is very strong, therefore, withdrawal symptoms are
likely to occur when a person is not using the drug.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
- extreme irritability
- sluggishness
- nausea
- disorganized thinking
Although these symptoms may cause discomfort for a brief period of time,
the benefits for a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction
to cocaine.
These benefits include improved health and greater enjoyment of everyday
activities.
COCAINE AND PREGNANCY
- increased incidence of miscarriage
- increased incidence of premature labor
- fetal addiction/withdrawal after birth
- pre-natal strokes due to fluctuations in blood pressure
- kidney and respiratory ailments
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- in males, cocaine may attach to the sperm causing damage to the cells
of the fetus.
EXTENT OF USE
The 1993 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reports that 11.3% of those
surveyed (aged 12 and older) had used cocaine. Of these, .2% used cocaine
once a week or more. 2.2% used in the past year and .6% used in the past
month.
In 1992, there were approximately 119,843 emergency room episodes related
to cocaine use. Of these:
- 3.2% were between the ages of 6-17
- 24.8% were between the ages of 18-25
- 39.5% were between the ages of 26-34
- 26.71% were 35 and older
Among these emergency, cocaine-related incidents:
- 13.55% ofthe patients were white
- 56.25% of the patients were black
- 28.04% of the patients were hispanic
DEATHS RELATED TO COCAINE
Cocaine, or cocaine in combination with other drugs, was directly related
to 3,465 deaths.
Among these cocaine-related deaths:
- 49.61% were male
- 35.48% were female
If you suspect a problem with cocaine and/or other drug use, please
contact the National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline
at (800) 662-HELP(4357). They can supply you with:
- printed materials
- treatment services in your state
- referrals for treatment
- alcohol treatment services
- adolescent and family services in your state