Cocaine Use

Cocaine- is more powerful than amphetamines, short acting drug
Uncontrolled- taken orally, inhaled, snorted, injected through the vein (mainlining); freebase- when boiled with sodium bicarbonate called crack cocaine which is smoked and acts as fast as mainlining
Controlled-STOP

Increases- heart rate, blood pressure, can cause a fatal heart attack even in young healthy athletes; intestinal damage, constipation, nervousness, “cootie bugs” moving under the skin, nerve damage; violent behavior, seizures, sleeplessness, hallunications, paranoid delusions
Pregnancy- more likely to miscarry; if delivers fetus may be damaged
Baby- abnormal sleep patterns, poor coordination; delayed speech, walking, crawling; can be linked to nutritional deficiencies, poor prenatal care, abuse of drugs
Nervousness Reduction- users add alcohol or heroin as a depressant
Symptoms- sense of extreme alertness, great power, euphoria, hyperactivity, increased heart rate
Heavy Users- anxiety, hyper-sexual behavior, erratic, grandiose, paranoia
High- lasts about 30 minutes, user takes repeated doses,/li>

Long Term Use- suicidal, depressed, needs close supervision; entering drug treatment center is best
Drug Treatment Center- counseling, psychotherapy, antidepressants, lithium
Withdrawals- depression, fatigue, suicidal
Tested- urine, blood