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Cocaine And It Effcts On Tha Ass

The world is facing an epidemic of cocaine use by adolescents and young adults from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Epidemiologic data suggest that cocaine use is a serious public health problem because it is highly addictive and is

associated with a variety of neurological complications.
Cocaine, a natural alkaloid, is extracted from leaves of an Andean shrub, Erythroxylon coca. Coca leaves were used by

the native populations to alleviate the rigors of high altitude and to diminish fatigue. Although cocaine was extracted in

pure form from coca in 1860, Europeans became aware of its potential medical complications only after Sigmund Freud's

Über Coca was published in 1884. It was described by Freud as a wonder drug that could cure depressed mood and

alcohol dependence. It is used as an ophthalmic and spinal anesthetic.
An important factor in the most recent epidemic of cocaine use was the popularization in the late 1980s of the smoked

form, known as crack or rock. It was called crack supposedly because of the sound made by crystals of cocaine

popping when heated or rock because of its appearance.
Cocaine remains the primary nonalcoholic drug of abuse. It has been sold on the streets for many years as a

water-soluble hydrochloride (HCl) salt for nasal insufflation (snorting) or intravenous injection. It may be injected

subcutaneously or intramuscularly, but this route rarely is used because vasoconstriction slows absorption and the drug

thus is less likely to result in a "rush."
Cocaine can be smoked only when it is altered to form cocaine base . Smoking of the base results in an almost

instantaneous high due to rapid absorption through the large pulmonary surface area and swift penetration into the brain.

Smoking of cocaine base has increased in many cities throughout the world. Although the nasal route and smoking of the

base currently are in vogue, cocaine can be absorbed readily from any mucous...