Cocaine, Death Squads, and the War on Terror: U.S. Imperialism and Class Struggle in Colombia

 

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2011
Since the late 1990s, the United States has funneled billions of dollars in aid to Colombia, ostensibly to combat the illicit drug trade and State Department-designated terrorist groups. The result has been a spiral of violence that continues to take lives and destabilize Colombian society. This book asks an obvious question: are the official reasons given for the wars on drugs and terror in Colombia plausible, or are there other, deeper factors at work? Scholars Villar and Cottle suggest that the answers lie in a close examination of the cocaine trade, particularly its class dimensions. Their analysis reveals that this trade has fueled extensive economic growth and led to the development of a "narco-state" under the control of a "narco-bourgeoisie" which is not interested in eradicating cocaine but in gaining a monopoly over its production. The principal target of this effort is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who challenge that monopoly as well as the very existence of the Colombian state. Meanwhile, U.S. business interests likewise gain from the cocaine trade and seek to maintain a dominant, imperialist relationship with their most important client state in Latin America. Suffering the brutal consequences, as always, are the peasants and workers of Colombia. This revelatory book punctures the official propaganda and shows the class war underpinning the politics of the Colombian cocaine trade.


Cocaine, Death Squads, and the War on Terror: U.S. Imperialism and Class Struggle in Colombia (Paperback) I just had the pleasure of reading an important new book entitled, Cocaine, Death Squads and the War on Terror (U.S. Imperialism and Class Struggle in Colombia). This book, which was ten years in the making, is written by Oliver Villar & Drew Cottle and published by Monthly Review. The premise of the book is that, despite the U.S. claims that it is engaged in a war against drugs in Colombia, it is in fact engaged in an anti-insurgency war against the left-wing FARC guerillas - a war which does not seek to eradicate coca growing and cocaine production in Colombia at all. Rather, the U.S. war effort (which has cost U.S. taxpayers over $7 billion since 2000) is designed to ensure that the allies of the U.S. in Colombia -- that is, the Colombian state, paramilitaries and wealthy elite who are favorable to U.S. business interests and to the U.S.'s desire for exploitation of Colombia's vast resources -- are themselves able to monopolize the drug trade so critical to their survival.

And, the cost to human life as the result of this U.S. policy is staggering. The book, citing Colombian investigative journalist Azalea Robles, claims that 250,000 Colombian civilians have been "disappeared" in the last two decades in Colombia, dwarfing the "disappearances" carried out (also with U.S. support by the way) by the fascist juntas of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in the 1970's. According to Robles, these numbers have been "systematically reduced" (that is, hidden) by mass graves, like the one discovered in Meta in 2009, and even crematory ovens. The murder and "disappearance" of such vast numbers of people is part and parcel of the U.S.'s policy -- used most famously by the U.S. in Vietnam, El Salvador and Guatemala - to "drain the sea [the civilian population] to kill the fish [the insurgents]" which represent a continued impediment to the U.S.'s designs of super-exploitation of Colombia's vast natural resources. And, the U.S. view is that, if this policy also forces us to collaborate and even protect forces which are deeply involved in the drug trade, then that is acceptable as well.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to carry out such a duplicitous policy in the interest of a "war on drugs and a war on terror." As the book properly concludes, this war is, in fact, "a war for drugs and of terror."

Effects of A Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that can cause short term and long term adverse, even irreversible effects on the body. The powerfully addictive stimulant affects the entire body, from the brain, the heart, lungs, and the entire central nervous system. Whether it's snorted in powder form or smoked in the form of crack cocaine, the effects can be felt almost immediately. Short term effects for cocaine use include:
 1) Increased Energy
2) Decreased Appetite
3) Increased Body Temperature
4) Increased Heart Rate
5) Increased Blood Pressure
6) Dilated Pupils
7) Alertness


While the majority of short term effects don't seem all that bad (who wouldn't want more energy and mental clarity, especially with a job that requires long hours) but, due to the nature of the drug, these short term effects only last as long as the high itself - they wear off quickly, making the user want to continue using again and again which can lead to addiction.
Long-term effects of cocaine use can be felt by both those who use periodically and recreationally. Because the drug interferes with the way dopamine is absorbed by the brain, those who use the drug will have increasing urges to use again. Continual use can result in the following long term effects:
1) Paranoia and Mental Disturbances
2) Anxiety
3) Mood Swings
4) Restlessness
5) Irritability
6) Hallucinations
Both short term and long term use of Cocaine has consequential effects on the body too, including:
1) Irregular Heartbeat and even Heart Attack
2) Chest Pain
3) Respiratory Ailments and Failure
4) Strokes
5) Seizures
6) Headaches
7) Abdominal Pain from Decreased Blood Flow to the Digestive Track
8) Digestive Ailments
9) Nausea
10) Increased Blood Pressure
11) Gangrene
12) Malnourishment due to Decreased Appetite
As you can see, the short term and long term effects of Cocaine addiction and abuse can cause permanent, irreversible, and deadly consequences on the body, making it imperative that those suffering from cocaine addictions get help immediately. The Effects of Cocaine Addiction Withdrawal can be even more severe than the addiction itself, which means medical supervision may be necessary to ensure you or your loved one can detox safely. Enrolling in a Cocaine Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Program could mean the difference between having a life worth living and feeling powerless to a drug, or even worse - life or death.

Drug Treatment Medications

Drug Treatment Medications
The use of medications as part of your drug abuse treatment is often used as complementary medicine. The aim behind intake medication is to help the patient cope with withdrawal symptoms and other entailing conditions expected to arise during treatment process. Some of the medications prescribed by medical professionals are intended for specific types of substance abuse. You can currently find medications that will treat drug abuse for the following substances: alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, nicotine, and morphine. When the properties from these medications enter your body, it restores normal brain function while preventing relapse and eliminating cravings for these addictive substances.

What Causes Male Impotence And What You Can Do About It?

Men of all races face the curse of impotence, more so in today's context than ever before. Male impotence is tied deeply with our self-esteem and psychological well being. This makes it a key part of the overall good functioning of men.
Most men are forced to face a challenge of their fitness as males at least once in their lives. It is very hard for men suffering from erectile dysfunctions(or ED) to admit their problems and seek professional help. An estimated 150 million men worldwide suffer from this problem called impotence but what's worse is less than 10% of these men seek treatment.
But what causes impotence in men?

The three major causes of male impotence are :
1. physical
2. psychological
3. lifestyle
The physical causes of impotence in men are often related to damages to nerve impulses in the brain, spine and penis, among other things. Diseases like diabetes and kidney failure can also cause male impotence although they are by no means exhaustive. Consult your doctor if you think your problem is physical related.
The psychological factors affecting male impotence often include financial worries, work pressures, fear of aging, or relationship problems. You can usually treat these with proper counselling and guidance.
While the physical and psychological factors are responsible for most cases of impotence, few people know that ED can be caused or worsened by certain lifestyle choices as well. In this respect, it is important to know that there are instances when making certain positive changes in lifestyles can help a man overcome impotence.
The biggest lifestyle-related causes of impotence are :

1. smoking
2. excessive consumption of alcohol
3. drug abuse (especially cocaine, heroine, marijuana and steroids)
4. extreme obesity and a sedentary lifestyle

It is no coincidence that a decrease in the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs can improve your sexual performances. In addition, regular exercising and diets are another great way of improving the sex life of overweight men. This will also boost their confidence by stimulating the production of testosterone.
What can you do to treat your impotence problem or improve your sexual prowess?
Besides avoiding the above lifestyle hazards, you can also take herbal supplements to treat your ED problems. These herbal solutions are different from prescription drugs in that they are more of a long term solution rather than a quick fix one.
While ED drugs like Viagra give you instant results, they do come with a hefty price tag and serious negative side effects. And they are just short term, temporary solutions.
On the other hand, herbal pills help nourish your sexual system, raises your testosterone levels and improve blood flow to your penis tissues for a more sustainable long term effect. Just don't expect the instant results you get from prescription ED drugs.

Drug Treatment Programs and Solutions

Drug abuse is one of the leading problems affecting society today and despite the campaign against it, there is still a great deal of individuals affected by it. Taking a look at drug treatment programs available, and providing support for recovery are therefore some of the big steps you can take to reverse its effect on your life, or that of an affected loved one.

Principles Behind Drug Abuse Treatment
When health experts treat drug addicts, they understand that this condition does not just affect them physically. It targets their brain such that the patient's behavioral patterns and function are altered. Thus, the sooner one is able to find treatment, the earlier you can stop any brain structure damage that might take place with persistent use of abusive drugs. Upon embarking on a drug treatment, patients and family members must realize that a single treatment approach is often not enough. You need to match treatments and enroll them into drug intervention programs that will regain one's productive function in the society, workplace, or home. In some cases, the drug abuse problem is not the only thing being treated with patients. They have multiple needs that has to be addressed as well, thus a holistic approach treatment might be necessary. Another crucial factor aside from choosing the right type of treatment is time. Learning about how all of these factors affect the patient is important in the success of the drug abuse treatment procedure.

Drug Rehab
Drug addiction is no joke. Thus, patients are often required to enter into drug rehab for full monitoring and assessment of the patient's response to the treatment being given. This is an important first step to also avoid the possibility of going back to using these addictive substances. During rehab, the patient undergoes extensive therapy wherein the patient can make good use of the therapist's expertise in finding resourceful information to help in their treatment. In addition, peer support is provided as part of the drug rehabilitation such that you can share experiences with others who have gone through the struggles of drug addiction as you have. Throughout your entire stay at the rehabilitation center, medical professionals will be closely monitoring your progress and to safely assess how you are coping with the treatment given.

Drug Detox
Drug detox refers to that initial stage of drug addiction treatment wherein your body is internally cleansed any drug residues. This would normally cover between 3 to 14 days but it greatly varies with the type of drug used and how one's body reacts to the presence of these substances. Thus, it varies whether the drug detox is done in a hospital setting wherein one can have medical supervision or right at your own home.
Behavioral Treatments
Behavioral treatment approach for drug abuse patients are far more structured. The aim with this type of treatment is to alter or modify behavior patterns in patients and restore normal function, which is done on either outpatient or inpatient basis. The most basic of this type of treatment is the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The objective of this therapy is to help the patient recognize situations that will invoke them to return to their abusive behavioral patterns. Next is the Multidimensional Family Therapy, which enters not only the patient, but also their families into the therapy treatment for a more efficient treatment approach. Motivational Interviewing is also done to encourage patients who are willing to fully let go of their drug addiction problems.

Drug Treatment Medications
The use of medications as part of your drug abuse treatment is often used as complementary medicine. The aim behind intake medication is to help the patient cope with withdrawal symptoms and other entailing conditions expected to arise during treatment process. Some of the medications prescribed by medical professionals are intended for specific types of substance abuse. You can currently find medications that will treat drug abuse for the following substances: alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, nicotine, and morphine. When the properties from these medications enter your body, it restores normal brain function while preventing relapse and eliminating cravings for these addictive substances.

Vaccines To Stop Cocaine Addiction Being Tested

Once you are hooked on drugs, it will take a time to recover. Withdrawal symptoms and a sense of euphoria will always be at hand for those who have been victims of drug addiction and wanting to change.
But with the introduction of a cocaine vaccine, all the pains and burdens of a recovering patient will soon be over. Recently, a couple, who were both doctors, presented their innovative cocaine vaccine, which is believed to be the first in the market that will ease the treatments for drug addicts.
Baylor College of Medicine researchers Dr. Tom Kosten, a psychiatry professor and his wife Therese, a psychologist and neuroscientist in Houston joined forces in creating a remedy for cocaine addiction. Dr. Kosten said with their discovery people who have the eagerness to stop taking cocaine will be helped by the new vaccine.
As the vaccine is injected to the patients, the victims will no longer feel the special "highness" and the satisfaction that they used to experience should they be tempted to take again prohibited drugs. Most will surely refrain from taking in cocaine as they will be losing interest in what they used to take.
Based on initial clinical studies, the vaccine attacks the immune system. This results in the inability of the body system to recognize the cocaine taken in, whether cocaine or other variants, responsible in stimulating brain activity and generating a sense of highness among drug addicts.
The vaccine, according to the researchers, inactivates the molecules of cocaine and prevents them from getting into the brain. As this happens the drug-taker will not experience euphoria or a special feeling of highness.
Dr. David Eagleman, a neuroscientist of the same hospital, said this is a great discovery since most scientists for the past decades were analyzing how to block the pathways of the drugs like cocaine going to the brain. But with the new vaccine, it is a solution to that long problem.
The vaccine has already been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for trial, which will be tested in spring. If this will work, this will be helpful in rehabilitating the conditions of the drug patients. But critics are saying this may not work in some patients.

Alcohol Is the Socially Prevalent Addiction

Alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to overcome. Not physically, and not even mentally, but because it is the most prevalent. It is the drink of choice for celebrations. After a day at the office gathering around the water cooler, people often spend time socializing in a watering hole. Fifty-two percent of people over the age of 18 are regular drinkers in the USA. The occasional drink is not a problem for the majority of people who indulge. There are lots of alcoholics to be found among those social drinkers. According to recent statistics nearly 17.6 million Americans abuse alcohol on a regular basis or are alcoholics. One of the ways to handle alcoholism or alcohol abuse is with a biophysical alcohol detox.
How to Identify Alcoholism
There are four distinguishing traits to help identify that a person is an alcoholic. Strong cravings for alcohol are present in the individual. They do not have control over how much they drink, and will not do so of their own accord. It will take the intervention of another person, illness, or blacking out. Physical dependence is evident by the presence of withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, nausea, or sweating when the person suspends drinking for a period of time. Tolerance, a person needs to drink more and more for the alcohol to have any effect.
There are many physical and mental dangers from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. The risk of certain cancers is increased. Permanent damage is caused to the brain and liver, as well as, other organs. It can cause birth defects to the fetus if a mother drinks during pregnancy. As a result of alcohol abuse suicides, homicides, death from car crashes and injuries all increase. However, there is a cure for alcoholism. It just will take the right kind of rehab.
Successful Rehabs
If you or someone you love is an alcoholic it is best to skip the faith-based programs. Success is achieved by only 5-10% of the people who attend them. They believe that alcoholism isn't curable. This is misinformation. They do not provide any tools to stay away from alcohol because of this belief.
The desired results are achieved in holistic alcohol rehab programs. Seventy to eighty percent is their success rate. A comprehensive treatment of the addiction provides the individual with tools they can use outside of rehab to stay on the wagon.
Each person gets an individualized addiction management plan that addresses both the mental and physical sides of the alcohol abuse, or in severe cases alcoholism. After the rehab is done the recovery is complete. Fear of relapse is not a problem. Individuals can go to social gatherings where drinks are being served.