2. History
Coca, which is derived from coca leaves, is where the drug
cocaine originated.
Coca leaves were first used by the ancient Incas. Later, Native
Peruvians chewed them in religious ceremonies.
In 1859, cocaine was isolated by German chemist, Albert Niemann.
In 1880, psychologist Sigmund Freud, promoted cocaine as a cure
to depression and sexual impotence.
In 1886, the drink coca cola is released and contained coca
leaves as one of its ingredients.
By 1912, over 5,000 deaths had occurred due to cocaine over a
one year time span.
In 1922, the drug is banned in the US.
3. How the Drug is Administered in the Body
Cocaine can be administered into the body two ways:
1. It is snorted through the nose and absorbed in the nasal tissue
2. It can be dissolved in water and then injected into the blood
stream via a shot.
Also, another form of cocaine, called crack cocaine, can be
smoked.
4. Street Names
Some examples of street names for cocaine include:
1. Binge
2. Blow
3. Coke
4. Dust
5. Flake
6. Nose Candy
7. Snow
5. Classifications
There are seven different drug categories:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
2. CNS Stimulants
3. Hallucinogens
4. Dissociative Anesthetics
5. Narcotic Analgesics
6. Inhalants
7. Cannabis
Cocaine falls under category 2, CNS Stimulants.
6. Chemicals Found in Cocaine
Chemicals found in cocaine include:
1. Benzoylmethyl ecgonine
2. Methylphenidate
3. Aminophylline
4. Arsenic
5. Strychnine
6. Benzocaine
7. Lidocaine
8. Fillers
7. Harmful effects of Cocaine
Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
Severe depression
Increased frequency of risky behavior
High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death
Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses
Anxiety and paranoia
Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
8. Short and Long Term Effects of Cocaine
1. Nervous System
As a powerful stimulant, cocaine increases the likelihood of many
fatal nervous system malfunctions, including stroke.
2. Cardiovascular System
Studies have found that even minimal use of cocaine constricts blood
flow to the brain. When blood vessels constrict, the result is an
increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also raise the body
temperature to dangerously high levels.
9. Short and Long Term Effects of Cocaine
3. Digestive System
The use of cocaine causes a severe decrease in appetite, causing
the digestive system to suffer as while.
4. Respiratory System
By snorting cocaine, excessive damage is done to the nasal cavity,
and basically destroys the sinuses in the user.
10. Possible Medical Uses
Back in the 1800s, cocaine was used by psychologist Sigmund
Freud in trying to cure depression and sexual impotence.
However, since the drug was banned in 1922, cocaine has not
been used for medical purposes.
The Brain on Cocaine
11. Mixing Cocaine with Alcohol and other Drugs
Cocaine is sometimes taken with other drugs, including alcohol.
Mixing drugs can cause a two drug habit and the likelihood of
overdose is greatly increased.
12. Quiz Question
What plant is the drug cocaine derived from?
