Abuse of coca and cocaine

The coca bush ([Erythroxylon coca]) is an evergreen shrub primarily grown in the mountainous western region of South America, where it has been used for centuries by Andean Indians, and since 1884 in western medicine, as a local anaesthetic, and to help combat hunger and overcome fatigue and exhaustion caused by the high altitude. Sigmund Freud used it in the belief that it was a cure-all before he recognized the threat of addiction. In the 1880's cocaine for inhalation was easily purchased at the corner drugstore in the US. It was also available in forms to be smoked. In the 1890's cocaine reached its peak per-capita consumption in America that probably never been equalled. As users became addicted, became involved in violent crime and became paranoid and as the drug became associated with prostitution and criminal gangs social concern grew. In 1906 the Food and Drug Act required any over-the-counter remedy containing cocaine list it as an ingredient. In 1914 the Federal Government enacted a law controlling the distribution of opiates and cocaine. The state of New York outlawed the use of cocaine for any reason including medical ones. Cocaine became the archetype of the dangerous drug. About 1970 the drug reappeared in the US.

So great are the addictive properties of cocaine that studies have shown that laboratory animals will time after time select cocaine over their favourite food, until they eventually die of an overdose or starve. In addition to addiction, cocaine's chief effects are as a stimulant for the nervous and circulatory systems. It can induce euphoric excitement and hallucinatory experience. Because it creates a feeling of great muscular strength and mental clarity, the user tends to overestimate the capabilities of the body. This sense of being "super-powerful", combined with the paranoid delusions and auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations that may be induced, can make the user capable of committing serious anti-social acts; stimulation is followed by depression, dependence being mental rather than physical; overdose may be fatal.

Blood vessels constrict when cocaine is used causing a quick rise in blood pressure sometimes causing an angina. The flow of oxygenated blood to the heart is reduced causing damage to heart cells, irregularity or increase in heartbeat and heart attacks. Those who have not previously had heart problems can develop them over time. Cocaine attacks the brain and nervous system causing constricted arteries, broken arteries, stokes, seizures, tremors delirium and psychosis. Blood supplies to the intestines are restricted. Cells in the liver are destroyed. The lungs accumulate fluid. When cocaine is snorted the cells in the lining of the nose are damaged and the sense of smell is lost. Cocaine also harms the immune system, and thus increases the risk of AIDS and some infectious diseases.

With long term use, men may experience difficulty in maintaining an erection or in ejaculating and women may find it difficult to reach orgasm. Cocaine use during pregnancy can cut off oxygen to the foetus, fatally or with complications as premature delivery or detachment of the placenta from the womb. New born babies may be under weight or suffer from withdrawal symptoms: tremors, mood swings and irritability.

Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The duration of cocaine's immediate euphoric effects, which include hyper-stimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental clarity, depends on the route of administration. The faster the absorption, the more intense the high. On the other hand, the faster the absorption, the shorter the duration of action. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while that from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes. Increased use can reduce the period of stimulation.