Understanding Cocaine: History, Effects, and Dangers
Cocaine, derived from coca leaves, has a complex history dating back to the 1800s when it was used in medicine. Today, it is known for its stimulant properties and risky effects on the body, including heart and brain issues. The drug can be snorted, smoked, or injected, with varying durations of high. Understanding the origins, usage methods, and health risks associated with cocaine is vital in raising awareness about its dangers.
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Cocaine Mr. Barrett Health II
History of Cocaine? In the 1880 s, psychiatrist Sigmund Freud wrote and prescribed cocaine as a treatment for many ailments such as depression & addiction to alcohol and opiates.
What is it? Pure cocaine was first isolated from the leaves of the coca bush in 1860. Contained in small amounts in the leaves of erythroxylum (coca) bush Researchers soon discovered that cocaine numbs whatever tissue it touches. This lead to it s use as a local anesthetic.
Where does it come from? Coca leaves grow on the slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America. For at least 4,500 years, people in Peru & Bolivia have chewed the coca leaves to lessen hunger & fatigue. Most of the world s supply of coca is grown & refined into cocaine in Colombia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_b ZZt1zs60&feature=related
What does it look like? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vn Nl-cCYJA&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0H KSYEPwV8&feature=related
What Category of drug is it? Stimulant
How is it used? Snorted Smoked Injected
How long does it last? Faster the absorption, the shorter the high Snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes Smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes Injection 3 minutes Once the drug leaves the brain, users experience a coke crash that triggers depression, irritability & fatigue.
Here's what happens in the body: Heart - Cocaine is bad for the heart. Cocaine increases heart rate and blood pressure while constricting the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Brain - Cocaine can constrict blood vessels in the brain, causing strokes. This can happen even in young people without other risk factors for strokes. Cocaine causes seizures and can lead to bizarre or violent behavior.
What happens to the body cont d. Lungs and respiratory system. Snorting cocaine damages the nose and sinuses. Regular use can cause nasal perforation. Smoking crack cocaine irritates the lungs and, in some people, causes permanent lung damage. Sexual function. Although cocaine has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, it actually may make you less able to finish what you start. Chronic cocaine use can impair sexual function in men and women. In men, cocaine can cause delayed or impaired ejaculation.
Is cocaine addictive? Psychologically Not physiologically although withdrawal or coming down off drug is extremely difficult on the body http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAD B1JdkYp0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Pw CuynrhM&feature=related
Short-term effects Dilated pupils Increased body temperature, Blood pressure & heart rate Insomnia Loss of appetite Increased energy Reduced fatigue Mental clarity Talkativeness
Long-term effects Paranoia Depression Ulcers in the membranes of the nose Changes in the chemistry of the brain Dulled senses of taste & smell Weight loss, poor health & sexual dysfunction Loss of social & financial supports Holes in bony separation between nostrils in nose
Not-so Fun Facts About 14% of U.S. adults have tried cocaine. Young men aged 18 to 25 are the biggest cocaine users, with 8% using it in the previous 12 months. One in 40 adults has used it in the past year.
