Cocaine
History
Cocaine is a very addictive drug. It gives the user a lot of
energy and it usually makes them happy and overly confident. Using cocaine can
cause a number of severe side effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and
seizures. It goes by the street names coke, snow, flake, and blow (USA.gov).
Cocaine use can date back over 1000 years with the Amara
Indians of Peru. Medical problems with it, however, did not come around until
the late 1800’s. The reason there were no complications with the drug in South
America was because it was used in the form of a chewing leaf. In this form only
a small amount of cocaine will reach the brain and therefore will prevent
health issues. In Europe during the 1860’s there was a similar situation with
wine. The French government had regulations for wine and the amount of alcohol
and cocaine that was permitted to be in it. This kept the intake amount very
low. Because of this restriction, medical complications due to cocaine did not
arise until the 1880’s (Karch).
In 1884 cocaine use significantly increased because of
Sigmund Freud and Karl Koller. Freud published a paper, “On Coca,” discussing
his view on cocaine (heretical.com). This piece explained Freud’s belief that
cocaine could be used to treat many medical conditions. A few months later
Koller did tests to reveal that cocaine was a local anesthetic for eye surgery
(Karch). The amount of cocaine being produced sky rocketed but coca leaves lose
a lot of the content of cocaine when travelling. To fix this set back in
shipping a major cocaine producer discovered a way to make semi-refined
cocaine. After this, cocaine was much cheaper and easier to ship. The
manufacturing of syringes also contributed to the rise in cocaine use and abuse
(Karch).
In the 1980’s, America had a large outbreak of cocaine
production and abuse. It is possible that this was because ‘crack’ cocaine was
not as expensive at powdered cocaine but this has not been proven. Smoking ‘crack’
cocaine has a larger effect on the brain than using it in any other form.
Prices are still declining. To this day South America is producing the most
about of cocaine with South East Asia as the runner up (Karch).
My Thoughts
While researching cocaine I came across quite a few
surprises. It was interesting to learn that cocaine was used in wine but was
not considered dangerous. I was also surprised that Freud played a huge part in
the increased use of cocaine. The price is still declining which most likely means
that cocaine is becoming more and more available. At this rate the problem with
cocaine abuse and addiction will only get worse. My fear is that there will not
be any way to put a stop to it.
Government Influences
Government has had a strong influence on substance abuse from
the beginning. The French Government placed a restriction on the about allowed
in wine in the 1860’s. Today the U.S. government still plays a large role in
substance use and abuse. “Trafficking 500 grams of powder cocaine draws the
same 5-year sentence as trafficking in 5 grams of crack” (Van Wormer). There
are many laws against illegal drugs. Some are designed to prevent the incoming
of drugs while others raise consequences for drug users. Much effort has been
put in to stop these crimes but if substance abuse is going to be stopped it is
clear that more needs to be done.
Refrences
Van Wormer, Katherine & Davis, Diane. Addiction Treatment.
I did not know that it came from a leaf. I had always seen it as shown on television and in movies. The trafficking problem I feel comes up with every illegal drug. I also did not know the side affects were happiness and confidence. I had always thought it made you simply more relaxed. I found it interesting that cocaine was put in wine as well.
ReplyDeleteVery informative! Please double check your reference list - it appears that you cited a couple of sources in the body of your writing that are not listed under the references.
ReplyDelete