Cocaine is not a new word that you have heard of only now (through reading this). This substance has been around the world for decades – maybe even century-old now – getting people high and sending them good vibrations. Cocaine is an addictive substance that is not legally allowed to be sold but definitely used by many people.
So, what is cocaine really?
Cocaine, commonly known as a crack on the streets, is an extremely powerful and addictive substance. It can either be snorted, dissolved in water then drank or injected into the body. Funny thing though, this powerful drug has been compared to caviar being the high society style of being high, be wary of cocaine psychosis. It has been called the caviar of street drugs due to its high-profile status as the drug of choice by many celebrities, fashion models, and most people belonging to high society. But despite the sensationalized status this drug has achieved, it should not be taken lightly. The effects of this drug can go from normal to the extreme – extreme being psychological disorders that have already damaged the brain and a person’s sense of reality and humanity.
The glamorous status of cocaine
Because cocaine is the drug of choice by many high-profile people, it has reached its glamorous status as well. But the fact that the side effects can be devastating makes it a not-so-glamorous drug after all. It can damage the heart, the brain, and other parts of the nervous system. It can leave lifelong threatening consequences which can involve physical to psychological damages. Even those who use this occasionally are at great risk of facing sudden death. This drug is indeed a powerful one even with small doses inhaled, drank, or injected.
Where does it come from?
Cocaine comes from the coca bush. The leaves are extracted and purified to produce the substance. It usually grows in the Andes region of South Africa but can also be seen in many other parts of the world where the soil is perfect for planting the said plant. There are different chemical processes that the extracts have to undergo to produce the two most common forms of cocaine: powdered and cracked. Powdered is common to the streets as “coke” or sometimes also called as “blow.” This is the variety that you inhale or inject into your body. The cracked on the other hand is the one being smoked.
Negative effect on the body and mind
It is common news that the drug can have adverse effects on the body. It can affect the heart which can produce heart attack even at a young age. It can affect the brain which can produce strokes even at a young age. Worse, it can lead to mental and psychological disorders that can lead to paranoia, schizophrenia, or psychosis. It can affect the lungs causing irritation to the sinus from snorting or inhaling and permanently damaging the lungs. It can affect the stomach and the digestive system which can produce ulcers and perforation of some parts of the intestine. The adverse effects can go on and on. These are just some that you can experience.
Cocaine is a drug that can have extreme and severely damaging side effects. The increasing number of users especially the youth population is very alarming. Fortunately, there are many organizations and actions we can partake in to increase awareness about the drug and potentially decrease the number of users.
