PARENTS, KNOW THE FACTS! - COCAINE

COCAINE IS A HIGHLY ADDICTIVE STIMULANT SUBSTANCE DERIVED FROM THE LEAVES OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN COCA PLANT

Typically, the powder is combined with corn starch, talcum powder, and/or sugar, as well as with other substances such as procaine (a local anaesthetic) or amphetamines. Today, cocaine is a global enterprise. Misusers range in age, occupation, and economic status, including elementary pupils as young as eight years old.

Forms of cocaine: freebase cocaine, crack cocaine, hydrochloride (HCl) salt of cocaine.

PARAPHERNALIA

A vital component of comprehending adolescent substance misuse is an awareness of the paraphernalia (items used by children to conceal or misuse substances). The following are possible items:

Straw or tube, pipes, small mirrors, small spoons, short plastic straws, rolled-up paper tubes, razor blades, lighters.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF COCAINE

There is no safe level of drug use. The effects of any substance (including cocaine) vary from person to person. The following short-term effects may be experienced:

Hypersensitivity to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli; paranoia - an abnormal and irrational suspicion of others; extreme energy and happiness, irritability, mental alertness

Cocaine's effects begin nearly instantly and last between a few minutes to an hour. The duration and intensity of the effects are determined by the mode of application.

WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal symptoms can occur even if the misuser has not totally abstained from cocaine and still has a trace of the substance in their blood. These symptoms can include:

Slowed cognition, exhaustion, concentration difficulties, reduced activity or physical exhaustion following activity, incapacity to experience sexual arousal, anxiety or depression, restlessness, anhedonia or the inability to feel pleasure, suicidal ideation or behaviour, increased craving, dreams or nightmares that are vivid and unpleasant, appetite stimulation, chills, tremors, muscular pains, nerve discomfort

LONG TERM EFFECTS OF COCAINE

Certain long-term health effects of cocaine are dependent on the mode of administration. The following long-term effects may be experienced:

Hypertension, which can result in heart attacks, strokes, and death; destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed; permanent damage to the heart and brain's blood vessels; damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs; respiratory failure if smoked; infectious diseases and abscesses if injected; tooth decay that is severe; nutritional deficiency; weight loss; hallucinations of the auditory and tactile senses; disorientation, indifference, and a state of perplexed tiredness; sexual difficulties, reproductive dysfunction, and infertility (for both men and women); excessive irritability and mood swings; psychosis or delirium; increased likelihood of engaging in dangerous activity; tolerance and dependence (even after just one use); depression that is severe