Cocaine

Erythroxylon coca and erythroxylon novogranatense, typically yield enough cocaine to justify commercial cultivation. When the coca leaf is harvested it is put through a process that removes the active ingredient and forms a paste. To refine it further the coca paste is again put through various chemical processes to produce cocaine hydrochloride.

Freebase Cocaine: (ether or ammonia method) This process was first developed by drug dealers in the 1970's to test the purity of cocaine hydrochloride by removing the hydrochloride (acid salt). The crystallised form of cocaine left is now returned to an alkaloid state making it easier to smoke.

Crack Cocaine: (baking soda method). This involves a similar process to that of 'freebase' but uses bicarbonate of soda instead of ether or ammonia. The name 'crack' comes from the fact that the bicarbonate of soda is not as efficient as ether or ammonia at freeing the 'base' and residues of salt and bicarb are left causing it to crackle when smoked. This form of cocaine can be easily manufactured at home leading to its popularity and abundance.

Whatever method is used it is all freebase. The differences between these types of cocaine are similar to the differences between types of alcohol. They all have different tastes and strengths, but at the end of the day they all get you drunk.

Not everybody who tries crack or cocaine will become dependent, and many more people have tried the drugs than have actually become dependent. But for a few individuals, quitting cocaine or crack is unimaginable, even when everything is telling them to stop.

Cocaine predominately affects three chemicals in the brain, dopamine, serotonin and noradrenalin. These are the same chemicals released when we do things that give us a buzz – such as buying new clothes, funky gadgets or listening to good music – the same chemicals released when people gamble, eat food or play sport. Because of the reinforcing effects of dopamine and also endorphins – in the long-term, cocaine hijacks these chemical pathways offering immediate gratification – individuals will go back again and again for that euphoric hit, to relive that moment, which they never quite reach again.

Crack problems have not always been dealt with as efficiently as problems with heroin; partly because crack markets are difficult to handle and users difficult to engage in treatment. Check National crack plan »Conventional prescribed medication has not had much success in working with this client group. Other failures have been due to inappropriate prescribing such as methadone (there is no need to prescribe a physically addictive drug for problems with a non-physically addictive one). Crack and cocaine do not cause physical dependence. However, they can create a very strong psychological dependence. To date, most pharmacological interventions have focused on relapse prevention. A multitude of drugs have been tested that work on dopamine receptors and calcium channel blockers, as well as anti-depressants, reuptake inhibiters, epileptic drugs and opioid blockers. The list is extensive. Yet no one chemical has proved to be truly effective. Check Article On Modafinil »Check Contingency Management Report »

Crack and cocaine are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act and is categorised as a class 'A' drug. It is illegal to produce, supply and possess and can only be legally used for certain medical purposes such as a local anaesthetic for plastic surgery. It is also illegal to allow premises to be used for the dealing or production of crack or cocaine.

There is no safe way to take cocaine, their are dangers and complications according to the route used. Crack and cocaine can damage your health in many ways and in some instances these can be fatal. Some of these risks can be increased by the way that the drug is used and whether it is used in combination with other drugs. Check Cocaethylene briefing » Cocaine increases the heart rate through the release of adrenalin and at the same time releases a chemical called endothelin which reduces the size of blood vessels.

Crack and cocaine impair the immune system by damaging CD4 T Cells (they don't work as effectively as they should). This cell helps fight off infections throughout the body. Prolonged use can lead to a depletion in vitamins (particularly C and E) minerals and amino acids (the building blocks for neurotransmitters). Poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to a poor immune system. This should recover once the client has stopped using crack or cocaine. If alcohol is used in conjunction with cocaine then the stress upon the liver will become increased as a liver toxic substance called cocaethylene is produce. If users are Hep C positive then the stress exerted upon the liver could have more serious consequences.

Aidan Gray & Tony D'Agostino