Drug abuse in our country is a major problem. Not only does it affect the person taking the drugs, but also family and friends. When you are taking drugs, the way you see the whole world changes. You don’t care about anything or anyone. All you care about is your next fix.
Cocaine is a stimulant, the most powerful found in nature. It is most often seen as a white powder. In slang terms it is known as coke, snow or blow. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant found in the mountains of South America. It was used in medicines such as throat lozenges and tonics and other products like Coca Cola, but it was later removed after instances of addiction, convulsion and death occurred.
Crack is a smokable form of the cocaine base. It usually appears as off-white chips, rocks, or chunks. This form of cocaine allows pushers to sell small amounts at low prices. Crack abuse swept through the country in the 1980’s. The drug was cheap to buy, easy to smoke and its effects were very fast and intense. It is cheap enough to be available to poor and young users. Cocaine is usually snorted up the nose. Some users dissolve the powder in water and inject it into their veins.
Heroin use is generally devastating. Most users cannot concentrate, learn or have clear thoughts. They are rarely able to hold a job. They are unable to have personal relationships and many turn to crime to support their drug needs.