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.