Cocaine is a drug that has been existent since the 1800’s. It is a powerfully addictive drug of abuse. Individuals who have tried cocaine have described the experience as a powerful high that gave them a feeling of supremacy. However, once someone starts taking cocaine, one cannot predict or control the extent to which he or she will continue to use the drug. The major ways of taking cocaine are sniffing or snorting, injecting, and smoking, and there are serious consequences for taking and abusing this drug. Darryl Strawberry was a famous major league baseball player who was known for his cocaine addiction.

The health risks of cocaine use will develop more rapidly if smoked rather than snorted. Smoking allows extremely high doses of cocaine to reach the brain very quickly and results in an intense and immediate high. The injecting drug user is also at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection/AIDS if needles or other injection equipment are shared. Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Some cocaine users report feelings of restlessness, ir

On December 11th, Strawberry was charged in California with failing to make child support payments and faces one count of willful failure to provide child support, two counts of violating a court order to provide child support and another order to provide spousal support. Then on June 24th of 96, Los Angeles Municipal Court Commissioner Joseph Biderman sets a July 5 trial date for Strawberry, accused by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Mark Goldman of failing to pay $300,000 to his ex-wife Lisa by a June 24 deadline. Darryl was out of the spotlight for a few years, until he was diagnosed with colon cancer on Oct 1, 1998. Then on Oct. 3, 1998 Strawberry Underwent surgery to have a 16-inch portion of his large intestine removed to get rid of a tumor almost 2 1/2 inches long that nearly obstructed his intestine. On the 9th, Doctors announce that Strawberry will have to undergo chemotherapy after it was found that the cancer had spread to a lymph node. He was released from the hospital on the 16th, and on the 23rd, he celebrated the Yankee’s world Championship. On Feb. 9, 1999 Darryl makes debut as spokesman for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, saying he is optimistic about his future. But sadly on April 14th, he was charged with possession of cocaine and soliciting a prostitute. According to police, Strawberry solicited an undercover officer for sex. Upon being searched, 0.3 grams of powder cocaine was found inside of his wallet. He was released on $6,000 bond. The MLB then placed him on administrative leave. He couldn’t play or work out with the Yankees at this time. Then on May 26th, Darryl was sentenced to 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service for his charges of cocaine possession and soliciting a prostitute. Darryl began the year 2000 by checking himself into rehab for the 3rd time in 10 years, but left after 3 months to help out the wife and fam

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