Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that comes from natural plant products. It usually comes in one of two different forms: a white powder or an off-white, chunky material referred to as ‘crack’ or ‘rock’. In its powder form, it is most often snorted, or dissolved into water then injected directly into the body. Crack cocaine, on the other hand is usually smoked. It is the second most common illegal drug in the U.S.: approximately 14% of Americans try cocaine once during their lifetime, which means about 35 million Americans have once used cocaine. Around 6.5 million Americans have used cocaine within a year, which represents about 2.5% of the population.

Health Risks

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug and the addiction seems to grow more rapidly when it is ingested through smoking rather than snorting or injection. It poses many health risks to those who use it regularly. The effects usually differ, depending on the type of cocaine that is used. Crack cocaine can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain and bleeding of the lungs. Those who smoke crack regularly will often experience coughing and shortness of breath.

The drug directly effects the central nervous system and many of the physical effects will often result in drawbacks when the drug is not being used. During drug use, the blood vessels will constrict and heart rate and temperature will increase. Those who use cocaine will feel euphoric, mentally alert, hyperstimulated and will not fatigue. As a result, when not using the drug feelings of restlessness, irritability and anxiety will develop.

Cocaine has an increased risk when mixed with alcohol. These two elements will combine to create ‘cocaethylene’, a powerful drug which will increase the effects, but also increase the chance of sudden death.

Cost

Cocaine prices will vary depending on the ‘purity’. Purity refers to the product being free of foreign elements which are added to the mixture. The average price nationwide ranges from about $12,000 to $35,000 per kilogram.

Price is also a way for the authorities to estimate the amount of supply that is coming into the U.S. Cocaine prices have remained ‘low’ and fairly stable over the past decade which suggests that a steady supply of the drug is being imported into the U.S.

Import

Most cocaine enters the country through the Mexico-U.S. border. Organized crime groups in South America, particularly in Columbia control most of the cocaine supplies for the entire world. The United States is increasing its control on the boarder in an effort to eradicate cocaine; however, despite their efforts, the amount of cocaine that is being imported into the U.S. continues to rise.