{"id":5616,"date":"2023-01-20T11:29:21","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T16:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lantanarecovery.com\/?page_id=5616"},"modified":"2023-02-17T04:52:46","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T09:52:46","slug":"cocaine","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lantanarecovery.com\/addiction\/drugs\/cocaine\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Cocaine? | Chemistry, Use Cases, Dosage & Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances in the world, and its use has had devastating effects on many people’s lives. It’s known for being a dangerous drug that brings nothing but trouble to those who try it, with potentially lethal consequences if not taken seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

But what exactly is cocaine and why is it so damaging? In this blog post, we’ll explore cocaine\u2019s origin, chemical makeup, different forms, and administration methods as well as looking at its effect on mental health and physical abilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By understanding more about this powerful drug we can gain valuable knowledge about how best to protect ourselves from potential harm or addiction. So let\u2019s begin by delving deeper into the history of cocaine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Chemical Composition\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

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Legal Status\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

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Identifiers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

C17H21NO4<\/span><\/td>\nControlled Schedule II drug<\/span><\/td>\nPubChem CID: 446220<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Cocaine High-Level Fact Sheet<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we jump into the side effects associated with the use of this stimulant, we will first discuss its chemical composition and whether its use is legal in the United States. <\/span> \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocaine Chemical Composition<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cocaine is a crystalline alkaloid that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. The chemical formula for cocaine is C17H21NO4. <\/span>Cocaine<\/span><\/a> is a potent central nervous system stimulant that affects the brain and body in various ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

The chemical structure of cocaine consists of a tropane ring with a phenethyl group attached to it, as well as a methyl-ethyl ketone group and a carboxyl group. The tropane ring is a nitrogen-containing ring that is characteristic of many alkaloids, and it is responsible for many of the pharmacological effects of cocaine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocaine is usually found in a hydrochloride salt form, which is a white, powdery substance that can be dissolved in water and injected, snorted, or smoked. It can also be processed into a freebase form, which is a more purified version of the drug that can be smoked or inhaled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocaine Legal Status\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Like most stimulants, cocaine comes with a much higher risk of dependency, which is why cocaine is illegal in the United States. It is listed as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it can only be prescribed by a medical professional for medicinal use.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, recently in 2022, the state of Oregon decriminalized the personal possession of cocaine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocaine Clinical Data<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that has been used for decades as both a recreational and medicinal substance. It works by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which gives users feelings of euphoria and alertness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That is why it is commonly sold on the streets for its stimulant effects under many trade names, such as neurocaine, goprelto, numbrino, coke, blow, and crack. Other street names for cocaine include caine, charlie, dust, powder, and white lady.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocaine usually falls into the following drug categories:<\/span><\/p>\n