Albert Niemann was the first scientist to take active notice in the potency of the coca leaf back in the 1800s. He attempted to extract pure cocaine powder from coca leaves, thus establishing the turning point for the plant in Europe in 1860. American physicians learned of the pharmacological possibilities of coca and cocaine in the late 1870s and early 1880s. Articles in medical journals recommended cocaine as an all-purpose stimulant, a cure for depression, a specific for hay fever and asthma and other conditions. Nonetheless, the coca leaf has a long and varied history dating back thousands of years...

Cocaine addiction is one of society’s greatest problems today. Individuals addicted to cocaine will do almost anything to get the drug. It has penetrated all levels of our society infecting the rich, poor and everyone in between. Family members connected to individuals with a cocaine addiction live in chaos and confusion because they do not understand the underlying mechanics of cocaine addiction. Cocaine has tremendous addictive potential, in part because its “high” or euphoria typically lasts no more than an hour before the user craves to use it again, leading to periods of bingeing...

Addiction and drug overdoses have long plagued the high style and highly public lives of Hollywood. It’s hard to say if the fast paced, high style life lead to the abuse of drugs or if it’s the idea that as an actor or singer that one could be indispensable while using. Either way, it is not something new. Perhaps one may think that because those in Hollywood tend to have a wealth of money they are able to buy drugs more easily than others. Of course, no matter who you are, the effects and addictive qualities of this illegal drug are not immune from even the elite of Hollywood....

The history of cocaine was originally chronicled as being helpful in the area of medical and local anesthesia. It’s common knowledge that coca leaves were used as a cure-all anesthetic throughout history of the Incan Empire of Peru. The coca plant was originally found in South America, where natives would chew on the leaves as a mild stimulus similar to the effects of coffee. Characteristics of the plant involved providing many essential nutrients, proteins and vitamins, therefore making it quite possibly a survival need for many people then. It was primarily grown in the Andes where it is difficult...

Medical detoxification is a process in which individuals are safely and methodically withdrawn from addicting drugs. The term detoxification (rehabilitation) implies a clearing of toxins. The detoxification process is designed both to treat the acute physiological effects of stopping drug use and to remove residual toxins in the body left as a result of using the chemicals found in drugs and/or alcohol. For some individuals, when a drug dependency has occurred, they display predictable behaviors of withdrawal syndrome. These signs and symptoms are related to the detoxification (rehabilitation) process,...

Cocaine withdrawal generally occurs when there is abrupt discontinuation of the drug or a rapid decrease in the usage of it. When discontinued, the user will experience a “crash” along with other cocaine withdrawal symptoms: paranoia, depression, an intense craving for more cocaine, exhaustion, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and/or insomnia. REM sleep may also be affected for weeks after last use. Patients may have major concurrent psychiatric disorders and there may be severe discomfort and changes in the central nervous system as well. Cocaine Withdrawal’s Physical Effects Unlike...