Summary
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be smoked, injected, rubbed into the gums, or snorted. Crack cocaine is a cheaper form of cocaine that is mixed with ammonia or baking soda and water and then heated. Cocaine has a direct effect on the nervous system, increasing the available amounts of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate, which leads to pleasurable sensations, changes in behavior, and development of addiction with continued use. Addiction does not necessarily develop after an individual's first exposure to cocaine or crack, but thanks to the powerful feelings of euphoria and stimulation, a large number of first-time users go on to continue their use, often to the point of addiction. Recently updated, Cocaine and Crack, Second Edition discusses the nature of cocaine and crack addiction, how it affects one's health, and how it can be treated.
About the Author(s)
Alan Hecht, D.C., is a practicing chiropractor in New York. He is also an adjunct professor at Farmingdale State College, C.W. Post campus of Long Island University, and Nassau Community College. He teaches courses in medical microbiology, anatomy and physiology, comparative anatomy, human physiology, human nutrition, embryology, graduate anatomy, and physiology for medical physics and general biology. In addition, he is the course coordinator for human nutrition and graduate anatomy and physiology for medical physics at Hofstra University, where he is an adjunct associate professor. Dr. Hecht received his B.S. in biology/premedical studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He received his M.S. in basic medical sciences from New York University School of Medicine. He also received his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from New York Chiropractic College in Brookville, New York.