Cocaine

Origin

Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the Andean coca shrub and has powerful stimulant properties similar to those of amphetamine. It is produced mainly in the northern half of South America, especially Colombia and Venezuela, where cocaine profits are a major influence on the economy. It is moved in three forms: coca leaf, coca paste and cocaine. Coca Leaf: This appears as an elliptical leaf, greenish brown to red in colour, similar to large bay leaves in appearance, usually dried. It is odourless. Coca Paste: This appears as a white to off-white or creamy coloured putty-like substance. It has a strong chemical odour, rather like linseed oil. Cocaine: This appears as a fluffy white crystalline powder which glistens like snow, though occasionally transported as a colourless solution. It is odourless.

Administration

The substance can be inhaled, injected or rubbed into gums, genitals or the anus. Regular users with sufficient supplies (and wealth) might consume 1-2 grams a day. Injection carries with it the added risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C if needles etc. are shared.

Associated Equipment

Equipment consists of hypodermic syringes, needles, eye-droppers, snuff spoons, razor blades, mirrors, fancy phials or pill boxes, straws, etc. The 'sniffing' paraphernalia can be antique or expensive metal tubes encrusted with precious stones worn as ornaments. Less wealthy addicts use plastic spoons, straws, empty ball point pen refills, etc.

Degree of Addiction

	Psychological addiction:	strong
	Environmental addiction:	strong
	Physical addiction:	none to slight
	Body tolerance:	slight

Influence and Symptoms

Like an amphetamine, cocaine produces psychological arousal accompanied by exhilaration, decreased hunger, indifference to pain and fatigue and feelings of great strength and mental capacity. Users will exhibit pinpoint pupils and suffer from a highly excitable state and erratic behaviour. They will be talkative and may have an increased heart rate and respiration. Repeated doses over a short period of time can lead to an extreme state of agitation, anxiety, paranoia and perhaps hallucination. Continued use can also cause heart problems and chest pain. Heavy use can cause convulsions and can also damage the lungs.

When sniffed, the physical effects peak after about 15-30 minutes and then diminish. The after effects will include fatigue and depression. This means that the dose may have to be repeated every 20 minutes or so to maintain the effect. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety for another dosage and feelings of victimisation.

The physical signs of abuse include injection marks, abscesses on gums, etc., running nose, sniffing and streaming eyes.

Popular Myths
Fiction:	It is not physically addictive like heroin
Fact:	Although there are no physical withdrawal symptoms there is a very strong psychological addiction. The drug can also damage the membranes lining the nose and also the structure separating the nostrils
Fiction:	It does not do any real harm
Fact:	HIV has commonly been transmitted by contaminated needles or syringes. There is no known cure for HIV