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Abstemiuos Outpatient Clinic, Inc. |
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Cocaine / Crack |
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Coke, Snow, Blow, Powder, Nose Candy, Cola Other forms: Crack is a more pure form of cocaine, which is smoked and is commonly referred to as " Rock or Base." Cocaine is found in the leaves of the coca plant, which grows primarily in South America and Central America. The leaves are processed and produce a coca paste; the paste is in turn processed to form a white hydrochloride powder. It is consumed by sniffing or by intravenous injection. A crystallized form of cocaine base ( crack ) is inhaled by " smoking " the ignited vapors in small glass pipes. Most users consume cocaine every few days, on weekends or at parties. Some persons are habituated, in that they like to use the drug on a regular schedule, such as once a day or once every other day. A few persons become so dependent that they smoke cocaine every two to four hours; cocaine users on a binge may take it every few minutes. The immediate effect is a " rush" or " flash" or intense euphoria lasting thirteen to thirty minutes, with lesser euphoria for up to four hours. Unless users are tolerant to cocaine, their pupils dilate, their speech is rapid, and excitation occurs. With crack, the euphoria is more intense, often briefer, and usually followed by severe craving and depression. Complications with chronic use may produce severe impairments, including rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and respiratory ailments; nasal ulcers and / or perforation of the nasal septum; paranoia; mental confusion and forgetfulness; severe depression and lack of energy between doses; addiction; loss of interest and motivation in work; and distorted sense of time ( the user is frequently late or forgets appointments). Alcohol and other drugs multiply the impairment caused by cocaine, particularly in teenagers. The social problems are devastating. The person may lose the desire to work, experience marital problems, lose friends and family, resort to illegal activities to support the habit, switch to heroin or alcohol abuse, have accidents, or become involved in arguments and fights. Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs known. In laboratory studies an addicted rat's craving for cocaine overrides all other natural functions including the desire for food, water, and sex; the rat will seek cocaine until it is exhausted and death occurs. |
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