Pubdate: Mon, 14 May 2007
Source: Aurora, The (CN NF)
Copyright: 2007 The Aurora
Contact:  http://www.theaurora.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3219
Author: CPL. Keith MacKinnon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

THE DRUG DEAL

Cocaine, The Real Thing?

Of the drugs that originate from plants, cocaine is one of the most 
powerful, if not the leader.

It is one of many stimulant drugs, adversely affecting the central 
nervous system. Powder cocaine sells for about $100 a gram in larger 
centres, more in some smaller isolated communities.

As are all drugs to varying extents, its destructiveness is 
significant. Those who elect to snort the drug may eventually end up 
with the cartilage in their nose beginning to dissolve down onto 
their lip, causing holes between the nostrils. Eventual damage to the 
nasal membranes can cause bleeding after repeated use, leading the 
user to ingest the drug in other fashions as the snorting becomes too painful.

Cocaine comes from the coca bush, which grows in humid South American 
climates. Cocaine numbs whatever tissues it touches, which led to its 
original use as a local anesthetic.

Police officers have a laugh when television productions such as the 
old Miami Vice series showing Don Johnson rubbing suspected cocaine 
on his gums to check its quality. Police officers are trained totally 
to the contrary, using personal glove protection when handling any 
drugs. This is due to their potential to absorb directly through the 
skin into a person's bloodstream.

By the early 1900s the true dangers of this cure-all became known and 
the drug was restricted more heavily. As cocaine was quite expensive, 
in the 70s it was known more as a rich and glamorous person's drug.

However, in the 1980s cheaper crack cocaine came into existence and 
it became popular. Crack is simply powdered cocaine that has gone 
through a freebase process, turning it into a more concentrated solid 
form of the drug, which has to be smoked. Smoking cocaine can cause 
"crack lung", including severe chest pains, breathing problems etc., 
which can be fatal.

Cocaine is cut or mixed with substances that look like it to provide 
greater profit for drug traffickers and it is white or off-white in 
colour, as a crystalline powder. Crack is in chunks that look like 
crystals or rocks.

The cocaine trade is controlled by criminal networks, as almost all 
production comes from Columbia. Cocaine abuse is evident in the 
user's demeanor as it makes them more talkative, energetic, alert and 
euphoric. Hunger and the need for sleep are reduced.

For some, it can lead to feelings of more self-confidence and ease 
with others; however, other users can become nervous and agitated, 
unable to relax.High doses can cause panic attacks, paranoia, 
suspiciousness, jealousy, hallucinations, delusion and erratic, 
bizarre and violent behavior.

Tolerance can build up over time, causing the need to take more and 
more of the drug to get the same high. It is a fast and short acting 
drug, depending on the method of use, the high can be as short as 
five to 10 minutes when smoked or as long as 60-90 minutes when 
injected or snorted. It can cause heart attack, seizures or stroke, 
even in young people, and overdose can occur even from a small amount.

What resources are out there for those hooked on cocaine or any 
drugs? There are addictions counsellors who can give addicts the help 
they need to kick their addiction.

Referrals from doctors for treatment are also an option but like any 
drug, the person has to be willing to admit they have a problem. If 
you suspect you have a problem or know someone who does and are 
looking for answers you can access resources in most communities in 
Labrador, some of which are culturally specific.

We need to work together to allow those that need help to get their 
lives back. Make wise choices, say no to drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom