Here is some helpful information on the structure of cocaine.
The Structure of Cocaine
Cocaine is a drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum Coca). Pure cocaine has a chemical formula: C17H21NO4. Cocaine can be inhaled, smoked, consumed orally, or administered using suppositories. Cocaine appears in several forms, but pure cocaine is a white and pearly powder. Cocaine can also exist as crack cocaine, a freebase form of cocaine containing baking soda and other impurities. Cocaine also appears in a liquid form as cocaine hydrochloride for medical use.
Street Names For Cocaine:
- Blow
- Barbs
- Coke
- Dream
- Snow
To make the structure of cocaine, coca leaves are processed by soaking them in lime water to release the alkaloids. Afterwards, a solvent such as diesel or kerosene is added to the mixture to recover the alkaloids, and then dried to make a paste. Chemicals such as sulfuric acid and ether are then added into the paste to increase purity and create cocaine hydrochloride. It takes 100 to 150 kilos of dry coca leaves to make a kilo of cocaine paste, and it’s a bit amazing that this process is still used by clandestine labs to make several tons a day.
Effects of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is a stimulant, the most powerful stimulant found in nature. In general, cocaine has an uncontrolled stimulating effect in the body. The effects of cocaine that come soon after administration are called a “high“. Snorting or injecting cocaine can produce a high sooner than other routes of administration. Common effects of cocaine include:
- Raised blood pressure
- Raised heart rate
- Spikes in brain activity
The main problem with the structure of cocaine is that it causes unpredictable constriction of blood vessels in the body, causing reduced or loss of supply of blood to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. Cocaine overdose can lead to organ damage or stroke. In addition, high amounts of cocaine can exert intense stimulation to brain cells that cause abnormally high spikes of electrical activity and result to life threatening seizures.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
