CocaineCocaine is a very powerful drug that affects the central nervous system of the body. As it causes the user to feel energetic and promotes a sense of well-being. It speeds up the impulses between the body and the brain. It is from the group of drugs known as stimulants. If consumed occasionally in small quantities, it does not cause any harm. But an excessive and/or prolonged use of this drug can cause some serious health problems.
Cocaine is available in various forms and one of the most common form of cocaine is hydrochloride. This is a white powder having a bitter, numbing taste. Also it can be found as alkaloid form for smoking or in the form of small crystals called as crack. Further processing on cocaine hydrochloride cocaine base is produced which is known as freebase. Freebase is a white powder, while crack is available in crystal form with different colors ranging from white or creamy color to transparent with a pink or yellow hue. Cocaine is frequently cut with other substances like sucrose, lactose, glucose and talcum powder, when it is in the powder form to increase volume and reduce purity. Cocaine is usually inhaled, sniffed or snorted through nose. It can also be injected or smoked in alkaloid form. People may rub it into their gums, from where it gets immersed into blood stream. Some people add it to their food and drinks. Freebase and crack are generally smoked.
Effects of cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant which increases the speed of central nervous system activity. The effects of cocaine can last between minutes or hours depending on how it is taken and the person taking it. Other immediate effects that can be experienced are enlarged pupils, anxiety, dry mouth, exhilaration, physiological arousal, increased body temperature and heart rates, feeling of wellbeing, paranoia, headache, high blood pressure and breathing rates, reduced appetite. Long-term effects for heavy cocaine users experience:
An overdose of cocaine can result in brain hemorrhage, heart attack, kidney failure, repeated convulsions and stroke. All these can lead to coma and death. However, a person who is addicted of cocaine can be cured in cocaine rehabilitation centers. The treatment can be given to patients as inpatients or outpatients. It is decided by the doctor. Street names for Cocaine Common street names of cocaine are C, coke, crack, okey dokey, nose candy, snow, blow, white lady, marching powder, toot, ceci, candi, Charlie, blow, white dust and stardust. Crack is sometimes referred to as rock or wash and freebase is also known as base. |
Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of coca bush and then processed to form cocaine hydrochloride, crack and freebase. The coca bush leaves have stimulant and appetite suppressant properties so many people use them in tea. Cocaine is used in various energy providing medicines, foods and drinks. Also it is used as a local anesthetic.