COCAINE CLIMBING LADDER OF ADDICTION

The number of Calgarians addicted to cocaine has risen drastically
during the last few years, says a spokesman with the Alberta and
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

"We have seen an increase over the last couple of years," said Karen
Hala, manager of AADAC's adult consulting and prevention services for
Calgary.

"Something we have seen is that cocaine and crack are now second to
alcohol.

"For a number of years, marijuana was the second drug of choice, in
terms of addiction, to alcohol."

One reason more people are turning to crack -- cocaine that's been
chemically changed so it can be smoked -- could be its cost, Hala said.

"I have been hearing from the street that crack is quite cheap," she
said.

Police say a gram of crack sells for about $100. And users who are
addicted to the drug aren't limited to a particular profile.

"Most have a Grade 12 education and are not necessarily street
people," Hala said.

"They are adults who have jobs that often put them in a position of
influence."

A cocaine addition takes users down a dangerous path of destruction,
Hala added.

"They give up on everything -- life, relationships, and jobs that are
usually the last to go," Hala said.

"They sell everything they own to feed their addiction and they do
(break and enters) and whatever else they can get their hands on."

As a result of the increase, AADAC is re-evaluating their cocaine
addiction program.