Where does cocaine come from?
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coca bush. It is grown legally in Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru where domestic use is legal through chewing the leaves or making it into tea. To make cocaine, the cocaine is extracted and purified from crushed leaves.
What does cocaine do to the brain?
Cocaine rapidly crosses through the blood brain barrier and decreases re-uptake of dopamine in neuron synapses. This leads to a rush of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the primary "reward" neurotransmitter in the brain so it produces a strong "high" in the user.
What forms of cocaine are available on the streets?
Cocaine is available in a powder which is a salt or as a base which is known as "crack". Cocaine salt is highly soluble and can be injected into a vein or snorted intranasally. Cocaine base has a low melting point and can be vaporized and smoked.
Why is cocaine so addictive?
Cocaine that is smoked will penetrate into the brain in seconds. In addition, it has a short-half life and will quickly lose its effect in 15-20 minutes leading the user wanting more
Isn't cocaine the same as amphetamine?
Not exactly. They both are stimulants and increase dopamine. However, amphetamine is longer acting. Amphetamine also is also approved by FDA for treatment of psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. Cocaine is only approved as a local or topical anesthetic used in surgery.
How common is cocaine dependence?
An estimated 770,000 met the criteria for cocaine dependence in 1999.
How is cocaine used?
Cocaine can be used in a variety of ways. The salt powder can be snorted or injected IV. Sometimes is is mixed with heroine and injected IV in what is called a "speedball". In my practice, patients mostly commonly smoke cocaine as the base form in a pipe.
What are some of the health problems cocaine can cause?
Cocaine is stimulant and can harm the cardiovascular system especially in people with pre-existing heart problems. It can worsen high blood pressure, cause heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.
What is cocaine withdrawal like?
After bingeing on cocaine for several days, users often run out of money and can no longer afford to obtain more. After a few days of bingeing, their brain is depleted of neurochemicals such as dopamine and norepinepherine. This can lead to a crash in which the patient is extremely tired, sedated, irritable, and hungry. It can also lead to strong cravings for more cocaine
What are the treatments for cocaine dependence?
The FDA has not approved any medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, several are in development. In small studies, topiramate (Topamax) has been effective in reducing use. However, the mainstay of treatment are psychosocial treatments. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and 12 step programs.

Diminish addiction with cocaine rehabilitation to treat conditions associated with abusive cocaine intake.