Cocaine has been a serious problem for decades, and unfortunately, it’s not going away anytime soon. In fact, over 22 million people worldwide engage in cocaine abuse every year.
What’s more alarming is that new, riskier forms of cocaine and ways to use it are coming.
And these are making cocaine use riskier than before.
So, let’s take a closer look at these new trends, the dangers involved, and what we can do to help people struggling with addiction.
First Off, the New Forms of Cocaine
Here are new forms of cocaine.
a. Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is made by mixing cocaine powder with baking soda and water, then heating and drying it. That process creates small rocks or crystals that people smoke.
Smoking crack gives a really intense, quick high. But the problem is, that high doesn’t last long, so people end up wanting more and more, which is how addiction starts.
Crack cocaine is also much cheaper than cocaine powder, so it’s easier for people to get their hands on it.
b. Freebase Cocaine
Freebase cocaine is another smokeable form of cocaine, but it’s made using a different process than crack. To make it, powdered cocaine is dissolved in water and then mixed with a strong base like ammonia. This creates a solid form of cocaine that can be smoked.
Freebase produces an intense and very fast high, but it’s even stronger. That means it’s much easier to overdose. It’s also dangerous to make, as the chemicals used are highly flammable and easily catch fire or explode, which poses a serious risk to anyone involved in the process.
c. Cocaine Vaping
Vaping, popularized by e-cigarettes, has found its way into cocaine use. Users heat cocaine until it vaporises, then inhale it using a vaping device.
This method is concerning because it delivers cocaine directly to the lungs — causing damage similar to smoking crack or freebase.
d. Synthetic Stimulants
Synthetic stimulants, including synthetic cathinones, sometimes called “bath salts,” are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of cocaine and other stimulants. They come in a variety of forms, including powders, crystals, and liquids, and can be snorted, smoked, or injected.
These drugs are often marketed as “legal highs” or “research chemicals.” But they’re extremely dangerous and have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and psychosis.
In a recent study, researchers found that synthetic cathinones are becoming popular among young adults. The study also highlighted the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with these drugs, as many users are unaware of their potential dangers.
e. Cocaine Paste
Cocaine paste is a rough form of cocaine that’s often made in South America. It’s also known by street names like “basuco” or “paco.”
To make it, people soak coca leaves in chemicals to extract the cocaine. The result is a paste that’s cheaper and stronger than regular powdered cocaine.
People usually smoke cocaine paste, and it’s known to be highly addictive and very harmful. It’s a big problem in some South American countries, where it’s become popular because it’s cheap and easy to get.
f. Coca Leaf Tea
Coca leaves are the natural source of cocaine, and they’ve been used for centuries in South America for traditional purposes. Now, you can find coca leaves being sold as tea or powder online and in some stores.
While these products don’t have as much cocaine as the refined stuff, they can still be habit-forming and cause problems. ‘Just because something is natural’ doesn’t mean it’s completely safe.
g. Cocaine-Laced Products
Cocaine is being mixed into all sorts of things you wouldn’t expect, like candy, chocolate, and even energy drinks. That is dangerous because people might not know they’re taking cocaine.
Kids who enjoy candies on Halloween might think they’re just eating a sweet treat without realising they’re overdosing on cocaine. Experts say it’s so bad it might even cause death.
h. Cocaine Base
Cocaine base is a form of cocaine that hasn’t been converted into its salt form. It’s extracted from the coca plant and appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Unlike powdered cocaine, cocaine base isn’t water-soluble and is typically smoked.
It gives a quick, intense high due to its rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the lungs. Actually, this form of cocaine is used to produce crack cocaine (which we’ve talked about earlier).
New Methods of Cocaine Use
The ways people are using it are shifting, which is raising concerns about increased risks and potential harm. Let’s take a look at some of the new methods of cocaine use.
Mixing Cocaine with Other Substances
One alarming trend is the practice of mixing cocaine with other substances, often alcohol or opioids. Instead of just using one drug on its own, people are creating dangerous combinations with unpredictable effects. This practice can quickly escalate into a serious problem.
Mixing cocaine with other substances can have severe cardiovascular effects, including chaotic heart rhythms, an accelerated heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. For example, when you mix cocaine and alcohol, your body creates a new substance called cocaethylene. This substance puts a lot of stress on your heart and increases the risk of overdosing.
It is like pouring gasoline on a fire—it makes things even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Another risky mix is cocaine with opioids like heroin or fentanyl. These drugs work differently on your body, and combining them can slow down or even stop your breathing, which can be deadly.
A study found that over 40% of cocaine-related deaths also involved alcohol. That just shows how risky this mix can be.
Intranasal Administration
The most common way to use cocaine is by snorting it, also known as insufflation. That means crushing the cocaine into a fine powder and inhaling it through the nose.
The drug gets absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues and blood vessels, giving users a quick high.
Snorting is less risky than other methods. But wait! Less risky doesn’t mean it’s not harmless. If you snort cocaine a lot, it damages the inside of your nose.
The tissue that separates your nostrils can get worn down, leading to nosebleeds, stuffy noses, and even holes in the tissue.
It can also increase your chances of getting respiratory infections and other health issues.
Injection
Some people inject cocaine to get an even faster and more intense high. They dissolve powdered cocaine in water or use crack cocaine. Injecting cocaine sends the drug straight into your bloodstream, but it also comes with the most serious risks. Injecting cocaine can significantly increase blood pressure, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death.
When you inject cocaine, it bypasses the body’s natural filters, so it’s much easier to overdose.
The risk is even higher if you’re mixing cocaine with other drugs.
Sharing needles or using unclean equipment can spread dangerous diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Injecting cocaine also damages your veins, leading to blood clots, infections, and other complications.
Plus, it’s highly addictive, and injecting it gets you hooked faster than other methods.
Plugging
Plugging, also known as “boofing” or “shelving,” involves inserting cocaine into the rectum. This method allows the drug to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rectal lining.
While it may sound unusual, it’s becoming more common as users seek alternative ways to experience the drug’s effects. However, this method carries its own set of risks, including damage to the rectal tissue, infection, and an increased risk of overdose due to the rapid absorption.
Risks and Consequences of New Cocaine Trends
et’s discuss the risks and consequences of new cocaine trends.
Increased Drug Addiction
Crack cocaine and freebase cocaine, due to their rapid onset and intense but short-lived highs, are notorious for their highly addictive nature. The intense rush of euphoria followed by a quick crash leaves users craving more, making it difficult to break the cycle of dependence.
A 2018 study found that individuals who smoke crack cocaine are more likely to develop cocaine dependence than those who snort it, which highlights the heightened risk associated with this form.
Severe Mental Health Effects
Cocaine use can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Chest pain is a common symptom of the severe health effects of cocaine use. While snorting leads to damage to the nasal passages and respiratory problems, smoking crack or free can severely harm your lungs and airways, which increases the risk of respiratory infections and chronic lung diseases.
Plus, injecting cocaine poses the most severe health risks, including an increased risk of overdose, collapsed veins, and bacterial infections.
Cocaine use can trigger or worsen mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, paranoia, and even psychosis. These psychological effects lead to isolation, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
Overdose
The rising popularity of mixing cocaine with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, has led to a surge in overdose deaths. Deaths occurring due to cocaine overdose highlight the severe risks and societal impact of regular cocaine use. That dangerous combination causes respiratory depression, heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications.
The increased potency of new forms like crack and freebase cocaine further amplifies the risk of overdose.
Social and Economic Impact
Cocaine addiction doesn’t just hurt the person using it; it hurts everyone around them too. It strains relationships with family and friends, which causes money problems, and makes it hard to keep a job.
Some people even turn to crime to support their drug habit. It causes significant problems for communities and our society as a whole, costing us billions in healthcare, lost work, and the strain it puts on the legal system.
Ways to Prevent Harm and Get Support for Cocaine Use
Stopping cocaine use altogether is always the best option, but we know that’s not easy for everyone. These strategies below can keep people safe and healthy, whether they’re ready to quit or not.
Education and Awareness
Let’s be honest, a lot of people don’t fully understand how dangerous cocaine can be. That’s why education is key. Disease control initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating the public about the risks associated with drug use.
We need to talk openly and honestly about the risks of all forms of cocaine use, including the newer ones like vaping and mixing. That means sharing information in schools, community centres, and online. The more people know, the better choices they can make.
Community Support
Community support is essential for the prevention and recovery of drug addiction. Meaning, creating safe and supportive environments where people feel comfortable seeking help for addiction.
It also means reducing the stigma around drug use and offering resources like counselling, housing, and job training to help people get back on their feet.
Early Intervention
Early intervention makes a big difference. If you’re concerned about someone’s cocaine use, talk to them openly and honestly. Encourage them to seek help and offer support in finding a treatment programme.
Early intervention can prevent addiction from taking hold and reduce the risk of serious health consequences.
Treatment Options
Cocaine addiction is a severe problem, but it’s treatable. There are many different approaches to treatment, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Here are a few common options:.
● Behavioural Therapies: These therapies, like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and contingency management, help people change their thoughts and behaviours related to drug use.
● Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This involves using medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit.
● Support Groups: Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a safe and supportive space for people in recovery to connect with others who understand their struggles.
Always talk to a doctor or therapist to discuss your treatment approach and develop a personalised plan.
Harm Reduction Approaches
Harm reduction doesn’t judge people for using cocaine. Instead, it focuses on keeping them safe and healthy while they’re using. However, it is important to note that cocaine is an illegal drug, and its use carries significant legal risks. This includes things like:
● Needle Exchange Programs: These provide clean needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, reducing the risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis.
● Safe Consumption Sites: These supervised spaces allow people to use drugs in a safe environment with medical professionals on hand in case of overdose.
● Drug Testing Kits: These kits can help people check the purity of their cocaine and identify any dangerous substances that might be mixed in.
Summary
New forms and methods of cocaine use are appearing — making it more accessible and more addictive than ever before. This isn’t just about individual risk; these changes have ripple effects on families & communities, causing harm and strain.
But by understanding these new trends and their risks, we can educate ourselves and others, support those struggling with addiction, and work towards effective prevention and intervention strategies.
