Cocaine  :

•  Presentation : Obtained from the chemical transformation of coca bush leaves, cocaine takes the form of a white powder, similar to sugar, with a bitter flavour, causing the anaesthesia of the tongue when tasted. Some other derivatives, such as “pasta”, a yellowish paste obtained through the chemical transformation of coca leaves, or crack obtained from mixing cocaine and sodium bicarbonate or ether, cause a rapid addiction and serious brain damage. Cocaine is usually snorted, sometimes injected but not as often, in which case it is combined with other drugs such as heroin (speedball). Cocaine can also be rubbed onto mucous tissues (gums, rectum, vagina).

•  Effects : Cocaine delivers euphoric effects that are stronger than heroin, but not as strong as crack. After taking cocaine, during the “high”, the cocaine addict experiences euphoria and exacerbated confidence. The down depressant effects are not as strong with cocaine as with heroin or crack. Some of the effects caused by cocaine use include: intense vasodilatation (hot sweats), bronchodilatation, hyperthermia, insomnia, anorexia, asthenia, loss of sex drive, interrupted periods, psychiatric troubles, such as paranoia, depression syndromes. When snorted, cocaine can cause the inflammation and perforation of the nasal passage. Its use can also result in other pathologies that are not directly linked to the substance, especially when cocaine is injected. Cases of AIDS, hepatitis or other infectious pathologies can then be encountered.

•  La dependence : Cocaine can lead to a very strong physical addiction after 3 to 4 months of regular use.

•  Overdosing : The lethal dose can vary considerably from one individual to another. There is no known antidote for cocaine.

•  Therapeutical care : Withdrawal does not lead to major somatic problems. There is a risk of relapse, but mainly because of the psychological nature causing the drug addiction initially.