Violence linked to the cocaine trade continues to affect Latin America and the Caribbean and is expanding into Western Europe, Asia, and Africa as transnational organized crime groups compete globally. That\u2019s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion. But with proper treatment, you can begin to heal. Mexican cartels formerly operated as junior partners for the Colombian cartels.<\/p>\n

Cocaine<\/h2>\n

Coca paste (paco, basuco, oxi, pasta) is a crude extract of the coca leaf which contains 40% to 91% cocaine freebase along with companion coca alkaloids and varying quantities of benzoic acid, methanol, and kerosene. Historically, snuff spoons were used for cocaine in the 20th century, hence the names “cocaine spoon” and “coke spoon”. The cocaine typically is poured onto a flat, hard surface and divided into “bumps”, “lines”, or “rails”, and then insufflated.<\/p>\n

What Is Cocaine Cut With?<\/h2>\n

Combining cocaine with other drugs or substances can cause dangerous reactions. Research suggests that certain communities may be more prone to using drugs, including cocaine. Regularly snorting cocaine can lead to loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and an overall irritation of the nasal septum leading to a chronically inflamed, runny nose.19 Smoking crack cocaine damages the lungs and can worsen asthma.2, People who inject cocaine have puncture marks called tracks, most commonly in their forearms,7 and they are at risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. With regular use, tolerance may develop so that higher doses, more frequent use of cocaine, or both are needed to produce the same level of pleasure and relief from withdrawal experienced initially.11,24 At the same time, people can also develop sensitization, in which less cocaine is needed to produce anxiety, convulsions, or other toxic effects.3 Tolerance to cocaine reward and sensitization to cocaine toxicity can increase the risk of overdose. People combine these drugs because the stimulating effects of cocaine are offset by the sedating effects of an opioid; however, this can lead to taking a high dose of the opioid without initially realizing it. The two substances react to produce cocaethylene, which may increase the toxic effects of cocaine and alcohol on the heart.21 The combination of cocaine and opioids like heroin or fentanyl is also very dangerous.<\/p>\n

Who Controls the Cocaine Trade?<\/h2>\n

TCs can also provide support in other important areas\u2014improving legal, employment, and mental health outcomes.46,47 Researchers have developed a computerized form of CBT (CBT4CBT) that patients use in a private room of a clinic.43-45 This interactive multimedia program closely follows the key lessons and skill-development activities of in-person CBT in a series of modules. This therapy can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, thereby maximizing the benefits of both.38 But many behavioral treatments have proven to be effective in both residential and outpatient settings.<\/p>\n

Most of the world’s cocaine is produced in South America, particularly in the Andean region. This combination of affordability, accessibility, and toxicity makes cocaine paste particularly damaging to vulnerable populations in cocaine-producing regions. During its production, various toxic chemicals are used to extract coca alkaloids from the coca leaves. In countries where cocaine is illicitly produced, an intermediate product known as cocaine paste\u2014often referred to as “poor man’s cocaine”\u2014is frequently smoked in impoverished communities. The U.S. is the world’s largest consumer of cocaine, while South America, as a continent, ranks third in terms of consumer market size.<\/p>\n