Cocaine
             Is it just a mental addiction?
             As we approach the 21st century, cocaine abuse remains a major health problem in the United States. Most people today are aware of the dangers of cocaine addiction, but still more individuals are using cocaine frequently and in greater amounts. The physical addiction, often overlooked as an issue in a cocaine addicts attempt to stop the use of this drug, presents an equal amount of problems as does the mental addiction.
             "Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the South American coca plant, Erythroxylon coca. Its most important actions include stimulation of the central nervous system and its ability to produce local anesthesia. Cocaine hydrochloride is the scientific name for the powdery white form of cocaine that is used intranasally or intravenously" (Weiss 169).
             In discussing the effects of cocaine on the body, it is important to keep in mind that street preparations of cocaine have been adulterated with a variety of "cuts", all of which are designed to dilute the amount of pure cocaine being sold thus increase the profit to the seller. Because the product advertised as "cocaine" may contain as little as 10% pure drug, the potential physical problems resulting from street cocaine will depend in part on the specific cuts being used (Weiss 27).
            
             Cocaine can be taken into the body intranasally, intravenously, orally, by smoking, or through other mucous membranes including the vagina, gums, or urethra. Once inside the body, cocaine is taken up by a large number of body organs, including the liver, kidney, heart, and brain. Some of the drug also
             penetrates into fat tissue. The blood level of cocaine is highest approximately five minutes after smoking or taking the drug intravenously. Peak blood levels tend to occur 15 to 60 minutes after snorting (Weiss 27).
             "Cocaine is broken down quickly by the body into inactive by-products and for t...