If you would like to learn more about Garden State Treatment Center, the fastest way to get your questions answered is to give us a call! We have friendly representatives available to take your call 24 hours a day.
If you would like to learn more about Garden State Treatment Center, the fastest way to get your questions answered is to give us a call! We have friendly representatives available to take your call 24 hours a day.
Besides being legal, some drugs were even in our food products such as cocaine.
Home / Blog / Was Cocaine Once a Legal Prescription Drug?
Many drugs that currently are illegal and carry criminal penalties began as useful medicinal therapies, such as opiates, cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamines. They were legal and were often available over the counter at pharmacies or through licensed sellers.
Besides being legal, some drugs were even in our food products such as cocaine. The definition of cocaine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), states that cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.
For a long time, cocaine was a legally distributed drug and an active ingredient in several products. Sigmund Freud used to take it himself and give it to his close friends for depression and sexual impotence. The drug was first labeled as a pharmaceutical for those with low energy and as an energy-boosting supplement for athletes. By the turn of the 20th century, cocaine could be found in many products, including Coca-Cola and even margarine, and was regularly prescribed as a cure-all for ailments ranging from morphine addiction to asthma to tuberculosis and hay fever.
Cocaine Use Leads to Addiction and Abuse
Eventually, reports were popping up of cocaine addiction that sparked concern that the drug posed a serious threat to the health and safety of its users. Local and state lawmakers began to restrict cocaine use, and eventually, the federal government stepped in to try to stop the drug abuse, including cocaine, with the passage of the Harrison Act of 1914. The law banned non-medical uses of the drug. Although health care providers can use it for valid medical purposes, such as local anesthesia for some surgeries, recreational cocaine use is illegal and is no longer prescribed.
On the street, cocaine looks like a fine, white, crystal powder. Dealers often mix it with things like cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. They may also mix it with other drugs such as the stimulant amphetamine, or synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Adding synthetic opioids to cocaine is especially risky when people using cocaine don’t realize it contains this dangerous additive. Increasing numbers of overdose deaths among cocaine users might be related to this tampered cocaine.
How Cocaine is Used Now to Get High
Even though it is illegal, users still crave the euphoric stimulant high it creates. There are many ways that cocaine can be used. One popular method is by snorting cocaine powder through the nose. Another is by dissolving the cocaine into a liquid and injecting it intravenously. Combining cocaine with heroin, called a Speedball, is another way.
Another cheaper and most popular way of using cocaine is by smoking it. The powder form is processed and concentrated to form a rock crystal (known as a crack rock or rock cocaine). The rock is heated up to the point of releasing vapors, which are then inhaled into the lungs (known as freebasing).
Cocaine is very easy to overdose from. It is commonly used, simultaneously, with other drugs and/or alcohol, which are deadly combinations and can lead to accidental overdoses.
Treatment for Cocaine Abuse and Dependence
If you or a loved one think they may be addicted to cocaine and want help, Garden State Treatment Center can get you on the right track. Our customized and personalized drug addiction treatment programs are guided by individual treatment plans that tackle co-occurring disorders. These include disorders such as ADD/ ADHD, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Psychological or emotional distress often leads to self-medication and drug abuse and is a big contributing factor to chemical dependency. Treating drug addiction without tackling these underlying psychological problems is not effective, that’s why we have a dual diagnosis treatment program. Start living today!
FAQ
Can I get a legal prescription for cocaine?
No, Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that it has a high potential for abuse but also has some accepted medical uses. In very rare cases, cocaine can be used as a local anesthetic, particularly in some eye, nose, and throat surgeries. However, its use in medical settings is extremely limited and highly regulated.
In practice, it’s highly unlikely that an individual would be given a prescription for cocaine to take home or use outside of a highly controlled medical environment. There are alternative medications and anesthetics that are safer and more commonly used for medical purposes.
In other countries, laws and regulations regarding cocaine may vary, but it is generally heavily restricted due to its high potential for abuse and addiction.
Always follow the laws and regulations regarding controlled substances in your jurisdiction and consult a healthcare professional for information and advice regarding medications and treatments.
Why do young people use cocaine?
There are various reasons why some young people may use cocaine, although it’s important to note that individual motivations and circumstances can differ. Here are some factors that may contribute to young people using cocaine:
Peer Pressure and Social Influence: Young people may be influenced by their peers or social circles to experiment with drugs, including cocaine. The desire to fit in, be accepted, or impress others can play a significant role.
Curiosity and Sensation Seeking: Adolescence is a time of exploration and self-discovery. Some young people may be curious about the effects of cocaine or may seek intense sensations and thrills associated with drug use.
Perceived Positive Effects: Cocaine can produce euphoria, increased energy, confidence, and a temporary sense of invincibility. Some young people may be attracted to these effects as a way to escape negative emotions, boost self-esteem, or cope with stress.
Media and Cultural Influences: Media portrayals of drug use, including cocaine, can glamorize and normalize drug use, potentially influencing young people’s perceptions and behaviors.
Self-Medication and Coping Mechanisms: Some young people may turn to cocaine as a way to cope with underlying emotional or psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem. They may use drugs as a means of self-medication or temporary escape from their problems.
Accessibility and Exposure: Availability and easy access to drugs can contribute to their use among young people. This includes factors such as proximity to drug-selling areas, influence from family members or acquaintances involved in drug use, or exposure to drug culture.
It’s crucial to recognize that cocaine use carries significant risks, including addiction, physical and mental health problems, legal issues, and social consequences. Prevention efforts, education about the dangers of drug use, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering supportive environments can help reduce the likelihood of young people using cocaine and other substances.
Is cocaine used primarily by wealthy people?
Cocaine use is not limited to any specific socioeconomic group, and it can be found among people from various backgrounds and income levels. While there is a perception that cocaine use is more prevalent among wealthier individuals, it is important to note that drug use occurs across different social strata.
There are several factors that contribute to the perception of cocaine as a drug associated with wealthier individuals:
Cost: Cocaine is generally an expensive illicit drug compared to many others. The higher price tag can make it more accessible to those with disposable income.
Luxury Image: Cocaine has been associated with a luxurious lifestyle due to media portrayals, cultural references, and its historical use among certain social circles. This perception may contribute to the belief that it is predominantly used by wealthier individuals.
Social Circles and Settings: Some wealthy individuals may have social circles or environments where drug use, including cocaine, is more prevalent. These settings may include parties, clubs, or high-income neighborhoods.
However, it is important to recognize that cocaine use occurs across various socioeconomic groups. Cocaine use can also be found among individuals of lower income levels, although the frequency and patterns of use may differ. Factors such as availability, cultural influences, personal circumstances, and individual choices contribute to its use among people from diverse backgrounds.
It is crucial to approach drug use and addiction with empathy and understanding, regardless of a person’s socioeconomic status. Substance use disorders can impact individuals from all walks of life, and addressing the issue should focus on promoting prevention, education, and accessible treatment options for everyone.
