The Toxic Effects Of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine use has been traced back to 600 A.D. (4:275). The remnants of coca leaves have been found in tombs in Bolivia and Peru (4:275). It wasn't until the late 1880s, however, that cocaine became widely known throughout the rest of the world. Then, in 1884, Sigmund Freud bestowed widespread notoriety on drug with his famous essay on coca (2:297). The first American epidemic of cocaine use occurred in the late 19th century (2:296). At that time there were no laws restricting its consumption or sale (2:296). Cocaine was freely available to anyone who desired it (2:296). For consumers on a budget, the drug could be obtained in soda pop form (8:226). Soon, however, cocaine's negative effects became readily apparent. The drug can be extremely toxic to many organs and organ systems. In particular, the reproductive system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and other organ systems are all be adversely affected. Moreover, these effects very often ultimately result in death. Such facts led President William Taft to proclaim cocaine as Public Enemy No. 1 (2:296). Subsequently, Congress passed the Harrison Act which ti

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ase luteinizing hormone (2:301). Conversely, at high doses, it inhibits the hormone (2:301). The drug also affects prolactin; in cocaine addicts, serum prolactin levels are consistently elevated (2:301). Obviously, alteration of hormone levels is bound to have implications for sexual and reproductive behavior. While systemic administration of low doses of cocaine may enhance sexuality, this effect is gradually replaced by the impotence and sexual disinterest associated with chronic use (2:300). In addition, cocaine is capable of crossing the placental barrier (3:392). There is ample evidence that its use interferes with normal development of the fetus (3:392). Infants exposed to intrauterine cocaine exhibit a higher incidence of congenital malformations, i.e., skeletal cardiac, cardiac, and skull abnormalities (3:398). A high percentage of neonates born to cocaine addicted mothers have lower birth weight, smaller head circumference, and shorter total body length (3:403). Moreover, these babies show severe physiologic, psychological, and neurologic aberrations (2:302). Many have an abnormal electroencephalogram (3:404). Also commonly present are increased muscle tone, brisk tendon reflexes, irritability and tremor (2:
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Approximate Word count = 2168
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)

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