Cocaine- Drug Facts:

Cocaine comes from the Erythroxylone coca bush (Spanish = coca).  This plant grew specifically in Peru and Bolivia.  Some may be surprised to learn cocaine isn’t listed as a narcotic.  However, its illegal use results in the same penalties as opium, morphine, and heroin. Cocaine Benzoylmethylecgonine is a crystalline Tropane alkaloid. Cocaine is the oldest known psychoactive substance, dating back over 100 years. Cocaine is the most abused illegal drug in the United States.

Description & Overview:
- Cocaine is a colorless, white crystalline alkaloid
- Chemical Components = C₁₇H₂₁NO_4
- Hydrochloride Salt
- Drug is extracted from coca leaves

Methods of Use:
- Crack Cocaine
- Powered Cocaine
- Free Base

Medically Used as a Local Anesthetic For:
- Eyes
- Nose
- Throat

Used Illegally For:
- Euphoric Effects
- Excitability
- High Energy
- Stimulating Effects

Some Street Names for Cocaine:
- All-American Drug
- Aspirin
- Banano
- Barbs
- Base Head
- Birdie Powder
- Blizzard
- Blow Coke
- C-Joint
- Candy Sugar
- Champaign
- Cocoa Puff
- Dust
- Ivory Wave
- White Horse

How Cocaine Affects the Brain in a Normal Communication Process:
- Dopamine is Released by a Neuron into the Synapse
- Dopamine Then Binds to Dopamine Receptors on nearby Neurons
- Dopamine is Then Recycled Back into the Transmitting Neuron
- A Specialized Protein Called the Dopamine Transporter
- Cocaine Attaches to the Dopamine Transporter
- Once Attached, it Blocks the Normal Recycling Process
- Dopamine Buildup Occurs in the Synapse
- Affects the Central Nervous System
- A Pleasurable Effect Results

Short-Term Effects of Using Cocaine:
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Restlessness

Long-Term Effects of Using Cocaine:
- Addiction/Drug Dependency
-Auditory Hallucinations
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Binge Eating
- Emotional Instability
- Negative Effects on the Heart
- Negative Effects on the Brain
- Mood Disturbances
- Paranoia

Links:
www.nida.nih.gov

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/streetterms/ByType.asp?intTypeID=3

http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/Cocaine/effects.html