Cocaine is a natural stimulant drug found in the leaves of the coca plant, Erythroxylon coca. It has been used for centuries dating back as far as 500 A.D. where archeologists found coca leaves at Peruvian gravesites. In the past, the leaves from the coca plant were chewed for a variety of medicinal, religious, and work-related reasons. Many Indian tribes used the coca leaves for religious celebrations, especially the Incans who believed the leaves to be an herb provided by the god “Inti” who let the Incas endure their bad environmental conditions without suffering from fatigue and hunger. (Solomon 123) When the Spanish conquered and enslaved the Incas, they would let the Indians chew on the leaves because it gave them the energy to work longer and harder with less food and rest. The plant was also getting recognition as being able to treat all kinds of medical problems

When cocaine is used, it is rapidly absorbed into that person’s bloodstream. Changes like increased blood pressure and heart rate will occur 15-20 minutes after the cocaine has entered the blood. A person will also develop mood swings in these first twenty minutes. The drug usually lasts only an hour or so then the cardiovascular and emotional effects diminish, but the actual drug will remain in the body for another 4-6 hours. (Barter 53)

After prolonged use of cocaine more dramatic effects will occur. Cocaine is highly addictive and a person can develop a high tolerance. Major medical problems will begin to show also. People who have abused cocaine for long periods of time are prone to seizures, strokes, respiratory failure, and heart attacks. Abusers also experience paranoia, restlessness, irritability, hallucinations, and mood disturbances. “There are lots of physical symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, fever, and even falling into a comatose state.” (Barter 92) Not only does cocaine effect your physically and emotionally, it hurts you very badly financially. People who have addictions will do anything and sell anything to get that rush again. Sometimes families can get torn apart. Abusers usually end up losing their jobs. Even worse, they can lose their lives. Under the influence of cocaine someone c

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