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What Is It? |
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Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. The powdered,
hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in
water and injected.
Crack is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make
the hydrochloride salt. This form of cocaine comes in a rock crystal
that can be heated and the vapors smoked. The term "crack"
refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated.
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Health Hazards |
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Cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that
interferes with the reabsorption process of dopamine, a chemical
messenger associated with pleasure and movement. The buildup of
dopamine causes continuous stimulation of "receiving"
neurons, which is associated with the euphoria commonly reported by
cocaine abusers. |
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Physical Effects Of Cocaine
Use Include: |
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Immediate Euphoric Effects Include |
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Hyperstimulation
- Reduced fatigue
- Mental clarity
Effects depend on route of administration. The faster the
absorption, the more intense the high and the shorter duration of
action. For example the high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes
while the high from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes.
Increased use can
reduce the period of time a user feels high and increases the risk of addiction |
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Short-Term Effects Can Include: |
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Other Complications
Associated With Cocaine Use Include: |
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Long Term Effects Include: |
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Loss of sense of smell
- Nosebleeds
- Problems with swallowing
- Malnutrition
- Hoarseness
- Chronically runny nose
- Ingesting cocaine can cause severe bowl gangrene due to
reduced blood flow
- Injecting cocaine increases risk for contracting HIV and other
bloodborne diseases
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Added Danger: Cocaethylene |
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When people mix cocaine and alcohol consumption, they are
compounding the danger each drug poses and unknowingly forming a
complex chemical experiment within their bodies. National Institute
on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded research have found that the human liver
combines cocaine and alcohol and manufactures a third substance
cocaethylene, that intensifies cocaine's euphoric effects, while
potentially increasing the risk of sudden death.
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Treatment |
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The widespread abuse of cocaine has stimulated extensive efforts
to develop treatment programs for this type of drug abuse.
One of NIDA's top research priorities is to find a medication to
block or greatly reduce the effects of cocaine, to be used as one
part of a comprehensive treatment program. NIDA-funded researchers
are also looking at medications that help alleviate the severe
craving that people in treatment for cocaine addiction often
experience. Several medications are currently being investigated for
their safe and efficacy in treating cocaine addiction.
In addition to treatment medications, behavioral interventions -
particularly cognitive behavioral therapy - can be effective in
decreasing drug use by patients in treatment for cocaine abuse.
Providing the optimal combination of treatment and services for each
individual is critical to successful outcomes.
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References: |
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Pa. Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and
Alcohol Programs |
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U. S. Department of Health and Human Services |
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National Institute on Drug Abuse |
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National Institute of Health |
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