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The Story Of Cocaine Addiction

At one point in united States history, and not too long ago, Cocaine was the most used illegal substance. Primarily found on the streets, it lead to the most ER visits related to drugs. Although the numbers have waned a bit only due to the influx of prescription drugs, cocaine addiction is still out there. As history has proven, the only way to get off of this substance for good is a proper detox from cocaine treatment center. Originally created for medical purposes, cocaine has unfortunately lead to many addictions and deaths.

Synthesis

Cocaine was synthesized as a wonder drug in the late 1850’s to early 1860’s. Although the dangers of this drug were known, it was used primarily for anaesthetic purposes by experienced professionals. The dangers surrounding cocaine actually lead to the synthesis of safer drugs. Cocaine was initially synthesized from a coca leaf which turned it into a pure form of cocaine powder. In it’s advent it was used to treat and cure every illness and malady that was known to man at that time.

Non-Medical Use

Cocaine was actually sold over the counter until 1916. It could be found in tonics, patent medications, as well as toothache medication. There were also chocolate cocaine tablets sold during this time period. Cocaine was also combined with alcohol creating a cocaethylene. Doctors were able to come up with a number of different ailments that they believed could be cured by the healing properties of cocaine.

Medical Uses

Cocaine continued to be used by some doctors in the late 1800s. It was often used by field surgeons during the Civil War in America. In some underdeveloped countries, cocaine is still sometimes used as an anesthetic. Thankfully, modern science has allowed us to create prescription drugs that offer the medical benefits of cocaine without the possibility of addiction.

Coca-Cola

At one point Coca Cola contained cocaine. In 1886 it was introduced as a valuable brain-tonic and was said to cure nervous afflictions. It was advertised as a self-control drink. It became hugely popular and until 1903 contained 60mg of cocaine. Today it still contains extracts of coca-leaves. Sigmund Freud actually was an avid user of cocaine as a cure for certain maladies including depression and indigestion. He coerced Western pharmaceutical companies to develop it.

Development Of Crack

The crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s rocked many large cities around the country. The new drug, which was created by drug dealers as a way to maximize their profits, was created by cooking cocaine with baking soda and other ingredients to form a solid, rock substance. Unlike cocaine, which is snorted, crack is generally smoked by drug users. It gives people an incredibly intense high that lasts for only a few minutes. Many people became severely addicted to crack in the 1980s and it remains a popular drug of choice for millions of people to this day.

A cocaine drug addiction is a very serious health problem that affects many people in our country. Most of these individuals require a cocaine detox to rid their body from the harmful effects of cocaine. If you know someone that is struggling with a drug addiction, it is important that they seek medical intervention and counseling at an inpatient rehab facility. Without help, it is unlikely that an individual who is struggling with an addiction will be able to get sober.