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Cocaine Fact Sheet
HEALTH RISK
Smoking cocaine produces bronchitis, blurred vision, and pulmonary dysfunction of circulation.
Cocaine in combination with alcohol is converted to cocaaethylene which has a longer duration in the brain and more toxic effects than either drug alone. The combination is the most common resulting in drug-related death.
Ingested cocaine can cause severe bowel gangrene, due to reduced blood flow
Cocaine is a potent vasoconstrictor, which narrows or constricts blood vessels
Repeated use of cocaine causes certain areas in the limbic system ( a group of structures of the brain concerned with emotion and motivation) are more susceptible to a type of seizure that resembles an epileptic fit.
Crack and cocaine are short acting, leading users to keep chasing the initial rush.
Cocaine effects areas of the brain that when stimulated, produce feelings of pleasure. The one neural system that seems most affected by cocaine originates in the ventral tegmental area. The nerve cells in this area extend to the region of the brain known as the nucleus assumbens, one of the brain's pleasure centers. Cocaine causes increased activity in this area of the brain perhaps explaining its addicting powers
Cocaine, when sniffed can cause damage to the division between the nostrils
Cocaine related deaths are often the result of cardiac arrest of seizures followed by respiratory arrest.
As cocaine abuse continues, tolerance often develops. This means a higher dose is required for the brain to register the same level of pleasure experienced during initial use
Miscellaneous
Cocaine is now the leading cash drugs 26-32 billion a year
In the year 2000, 1,501,000 Americans admitted using cocaine in the past month
Legalities
Cocaine is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and an unlimited fine
Cocaine can be detected in the urine for up to three days.
Supplying crack or cocaine is punishable by up to life imprisonment and unlimited fines
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