Cocaine is an extremely addictive stimulant drug derived from the South American coca plant, which is found in the Andes Mountains. Short term effects include a sense of euphoria, talkativeness and energy, in addition to a number of adverse side effects such as an increased blood pressure and heart rate. Cocaine is extremely addictive and will require the help of Los Angeles drug rehab to eliminate the use of the drug.
History of Cocaine
Natives in the Andes used the coca leaves for endurance and energy. They also enhanced the psychoactive effects by increasing the alkalinity inside the mouth by adding calcified lime to it. This increases the amount of cocaine extracted from the leaf and allows the drug to absorb into the blood that supplies the mouth. However, the modern history of cocaine, is a bit more interesting and includes:
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Coca leaves were used by Spanish conquistadors and the Incas as a form of currency
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The actual cocaine product was invented by Albert Niemann a graduate student in 1860
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A coca-based drink (Vin Mariani) was endorsed by Pope Leo XIII in 1863
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The peak of cocaine use occurred in 1982
International Use of Cocaine
Cocaine is the number one trafficked illegal drug in the entire world. In fact, the most recent statistics show that the international seizures of this drug have increased significantly, now totaling 756 metric tons, with the most in South America, followed closely by North America. Due to this widespread use, cocaine has been given a number of street names including:
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Snow
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Mojo
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Charlie
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Bernice
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Blow
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Flake
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Sneeze
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White
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Toot
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Paradise
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Aunt Nora
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Dust
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Coke
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Sniff
The Addictive Nature of Cocaine
Cocaine produces an almost immediate high, typically within a period of only 10 seconds. The quick effect is what made this drug so popular in the 1980s. Cocaine is also extremely addictive and one of the most rapidly addictive drugs in use today.
As a person uses cocaine and becomes addicted, even more of the drug is required each time to achieve the previous “high.” However, unlike a number of other drugs, even first time users can become addicted, due to the power of the drug.
It is important to remember, once a person begins using cocaine, the cravings can become unbearable. This is why calling a Los Angeles drug rehab center will be imperative.
When in need of Los Angeles drug rehab, contact Pax House for more information.
