Cocaine
Cocaine is one of the more expensive drugs available and is often perceived as the drug of choice for many people with high-profile careers like musicians, fashion models and celebrities. Many movies such as Scarface and Blow sensationalize the use and business of cocaine. It is highly addictive and can be found right here in Arkansas. Parents and teens should be aware of the damaging and sometimes life threatening effects of cocaine.

The damage:
Cocaine is responsible for more emergency visits in the United States than most illegal drugs and can cause significant damage to the internal organs. It can have negative effects on the brain, heart, blood vessels, and lungs. It can even cause sudden death. Cocaine is very bad for the heart. It increases blood pressure and heart rate while constricting arteries that supply blood to the heart. The result can be a heart attack, even in young people. Cocaine may also cause arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm that can result in instant death. It can lead to strokes because cocaine can cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict. Cocaine can cause seizures and lead to bizarre or violent behavior. Smoking crack cocaine can lead to permanent lung damage. When cocaine is snorted, it damages the nasal passages, sinuses, and when used regularly can cause nasal perforation. Cocaine cause ulcers, or even perforation of the stomach or intestines. Cocaine can also cause sudden kidney failure through a process known as rhabdomyolysis. These are just a few examples of how destructive and deadly cocaine can be.

Main forms of cocaine:
*Powdered cocaine is also known as coke or blow on the street and can dissolve in water. Users can snort (inhale through the nose) or inject powdered cocaine directly into the bloodstream.

*Crack cocaine is also known as rock or crack on the street. It is chemically manufactured by a process that develops it in a freebase form. When cocaine is altered to this form it can be smoked.

Warning signs that your teen might be using cocaine include:
anxiety
dilated pupils
irritability
elevated energy and activity levels
paranoia
exuberant, excited speech
restlessness