Cocaine

History

• Refined from the leaves of the Coca Bush
• Andes Mts. in Columbia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru
• Natives would chew during rituals to promote Spirituality
• Albert Neiman refined it into Cocaine in 1859

History of Use

• Chewing
• Drinking
• Injecting 
• Snorting and Smoking

Chewing

• Affects brain in 3-5 minutes
• Average use is 12-15 gm/4x day
• 4 oz. provides all vitamins and minerals 

Drinking/Injesting

• 15-30 minutes for metabolites to reach brain
• Cocaine wines in the 1860's
• In 1903 cocaine was removed from Coca Cola
• Cures for hay fever, fatigue, depression, anxiety, etc.

Injecting

• IV: 30 seconds; SC & IM: delayed 3-5 min.
• Hypodermic needle invented in 1853
• 1 of 2 most popular methods.
• Produces the highest blood cocaine level

Snorting/Smoking

• 1 of 2 most popular methods
• Fastest and most 
• 5-8 seconds to feel effects

Medical Use

• Naturally occurring topical anistetic with powerful
• vasoconstriction.
• Causes dilation of the bronchi 

Physical and Mental Effects

Metabolism

• Cocaine in metabolized very quickly
• Faster than Amphetamines 
• Half life is 30-90 minutes
• Cocaine is detectable in urine for up to 36 hours

Central Nervous System

• Prevents reabsorption of neurotransmitters
• Norepinephrine; Epinephrine; Dopamine
• Increases concentration in the synapse intensifying effects
• Blocked 60-77% of the dopamine reuptake sites

Effects

• Sexual- enhances desire and delays ejaculation
• Anger- Associated with Increased anger and violence
• Cardiovascular system most affected by long term use
• Raises heart rate and restricts blood vessels

Tolerance

• Begins after the first use
• Neurotransmitters and receptorsites
• Become depleted

Withdrawal

• anhedonia, anergia, depression,
• loss of motivation, anxiety, 
• vivid/unpleasant dreams, insomnia,
• increased appetite

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