COCAINE: THE BASICS
Cocaine is an extremely powerful and addictive stimulant. Cocaine is part of a broad general category of plant-based alkaloid drugs like caffeine, nicotine, and morphine. Coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca) in their raw form, have been chewed and ingested by native South Americans, for thousands of years. Coca leaves grow in Bolivia, Columbia, Java, and Peru. Powder and freebase cocaine and crack, are manufactured to produce a quicker onslaught of effects, making them more addictive. Coca leaves are manufactured into cocaine paste, at this stage contains 40 -80 percent cocaine sulphate, available in South America and in some areas of the U.S. called paste or bazooka. Powder cocaine is further refined to produce cocaine hydrochloride crystal, the primary ingredient in powder cocaine and crack cocaine (crack).
The purified chemical (cocaine hydrochloride) was extricated from the coca plant more than a century ago. The word ‘cocaine’ pertains to the drug in powder or crystal form, it is the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world.
THE FOLLOWING ARE STREET NAMES FOR COCAINE:
Aunt Nora Mojo
Bernice Nose Candy
Binge Paradise
Blow Rock
C Sneeze
Charlie Sniff
Coke Snow
Crack Toot
Dust White
Flake
In the early 1900s, purified cocaine was the primary ingredient in many tonics and potions manufactured to treat a plethora of illnesses and ailments, and more. Coca Cola was named in 1885 for two of its ‘pharmaceutical ingredients’; extract of coca leaves and Kola nuts. Prior to the breakthrough in the use of synthetic local anaesthetics cocaine was widely used by surgeons as a painkiller. Before the harmful and addictive nature of cocaine became widely apparent, this drug was hailed and promoted as a wonder drug, a cure-all, oftentimes present in alcoholic beverages. Sigmund Freud (May 6, 1856 - September 23, 1939) the Austrian neurologist and world-renowned founder of psychoanalysis was a regular user of cocaine and even touted it as a beneficial drug the sad truth is that Freud's life was nearly ruined by his cocaine addiction. William Halsted, M.D. (September 23, 1852 – September 7, 1922) believed by many to be the father of modern surgery was also addicted to the 'miracle drug' (cocaine).
Freud writing to his future wife, Martha, “If all goes well, I will write an essay on it and I expect it will win its place in therapeutics by the side of morphine and superior to it
... I take very small doses of it regularly against depression and against indigestion and with the most brilliant of success." (By Caleb Hellerman, July 22, 2011; cnn.com: Cocaine: The evolution of the once 'wonder' drug)
Later in life, Freud quit using cocaine, no doubt realizing its adverse effects upon his mind and body. Shockingly, in 1895, while under the influence of cocaine, he and a colleague performed surgery on Emma Eckstein (1865–1924) one of Freud’s most Paramount patients, for a brief period of time she was a psychoanalyst. The surgery went bad nearly killing her. This is an important cocaine-related event in Freud’s life that made him realize the truth about this drug.
Fredrick Allen chronicles a segment of the public’s attitude towards cocaine that was apparent during the early 1890s when Coca Cola’s producers were attempting to perfect their recipe.
“The first stirrings of a national debate had begun over the negative aspects of cocaine, and manufacturers were growing defensive over charges that use of their products might lead to ‘cocainism’ or the ‘cocaine habit’. The full-throated fury against cocaine was still a few years off, and Candler and Robinson were anxious to continue promoting the supposed benefits of the coca leaf, but there was no reason to risk putting more than a tiny bit of coca extract in their syrup. They cut the amount to a mere trace.” (By David Mikkelson from the Archive; snopes.com: Cocaine-Cola)
Commonly, drug dealers sell a concoction made up of cocaine hydrochloride and filler ingredients, and pass it off as pure cocaine. The filler ingredients look like cocaine and are much cheaper, including sugar, cornstarch talcum powder, procaine (a chemical used as a local anaesthetic), amphetamines, caffeine, local anaesthetics, inert white powders, and any other substance that can increase the weight of the ‘cocaine’.
Cocaine dealers also like to use ingredients with psychoactive and numbing effects thereby fooling the buyer- users. On rare occasions cocaine may contain dangerous or lethal poison, widely known as a 'death hit', and understandably so. Other less common ingredients that have been found in cocaine include quinine, thiamine (Vitamin B1), sodium carbonate (washing soda), Magnesium silicate (asbestos), Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), salicylamide (non-prescription pain reliever). Additives used to cut cocaine can include boric acid, laundry detergent, and laxatives. The buyer and user must be aware that many filler ingredients have their own side effects and clinical contraindications Cocaine is commonly sniffed causing the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal flesh, and can also be ingested or rubbed against the gums. Some users opt to inject cocaine into their bloodstream. Unfortunately, this method of cocaine use considerably increases the risk of overdose. Inhalation of cocaine in smoke or vapour form can also generate a quick high, at a lower risk of overdose than injection. Freebase cocaine is purer than the salt-based type of cocaine, as the bulk of additives are removed during the manufacturing process. Freebase cocaine is not water-soluble (Does not dissolve in water) and is especially addictive when smoked because the drug can reach the brain faster than by snorting or injections.
As in any case, of illicit drug purchases, buyer bewares! The potency of the used drug fluctuates; the ratio of fillers to the real thing may drastically change in one sale thereby significantly increasing the risk of accidental overdose. The chewing of untreated coca leaves create a sense of increased energy and well-being, curbed appetite, and does not appear to lead to powerful withdrawal or addiction symptoms.
Whatever the case, this is a very dangerous enterprise. No wonder cocaine is been proven to be one of the most dangerous drugs. It is common for the physical and mental addictions to occur soon after beginning to use cocaine, and the fight for sobriety is a very difficult daily struggle. Cocaine manufacture, sale, and use are a worldwide phenomenon, and it does not discriminate against any of its users, it is a danger to all. Cocaine is an extremely powerful naturally occurring stimulant that contains benzoylmethylecgonine.
“My friend was on drugs for four years, three of which were on hard drugs such as cocaine, LSD, morphine and many antidepressants and painkillers. Actually, anything he could get his hands on. He complained all the time of terrible pains in his body and he just got worse and worse {until} he finally went to see a doctor, who told him that there was nothing that could be done for him and that due to the deterioration of his body he would not live much longer. Within days—he was dead,” signed Dwayne. (drugfreeworld.org: The Truth about Cocaine: International Statistics)
THE FOLLOWING ARE POSSIBLE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF COCAINE USE:
Cocaine is mostly metabolized in the liver less than 1 percent of the parent drug (the original drug) is eliminated in the urine. The main metabolite is benzoylecgonine and is noticeable in the urine for up to 8 days subsequent to cocaine use.
THE FOLLOWING ARE POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COCAINE USE: