Cocaine in America.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a narcotic extracted from coca leaves; used as a surface anesthetic or taken for pleasure; can become powerfully addictive.  Cocaine is a stimulant drug which means it makes users feel more alert and energetic.

Who uses cocaine?

In 2002, an estimated 1.5 million Americans could be classified as dependent on or abusing cocaine in the past 12 months.  Adults 18 to 25 years old have a higher rate of current cocaine use than those in any other age group. Overall, men have a higher rate of current cocaine use than do women. Also, according to the 2002 NSDUH, estimated rates of current cocaine users were 2.0 percent for American Indians or Alaskan Natives, 1.6 percent for African-Americans,
0.8 percent for both Whites and Hispanics, 0.6 percent for Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, and 0.2 percent for Asians.

How is cocaine dangerous?

Cocaine causes the blood vessels to thicken and constrict, reducing the flow of oxygen to the heart. At the same time, cocaine causes the heart muscle to work harder, leading to heart attack or stroke, even in healthy people. Cocaine raises blood pressure, which can explode weakened blood vessels in the brain. A person can overdose on even a small amount of cocaine. Overdose can cause seizures and heart failure. It can cause breathing to become weak or stop altogether. There is no antidote to cocaine overdose.  Chronic use can also cause weight loss, malnutrition, poor health, sexual problems, infertility and loss of social and financial supports.

How does cocaine affect society?

Cocaine leads to more violence, just like many other drugs. It also affects people at work and cocaine users are more likely to have accidents and cost companies more money.