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."

Fundamental Principles and Practice of Anaesthesia

Fundamental Principles and Practice of Anaesthesia

 

The four sections of this book correspond closely with the four-year training program set out by the American Board of Anesthesiology for candidates studying for the Diploma in Anesthesiology and with the new FRCA primary examination. The first three sections provide an integrated core text, exploring material that every trainee needs to know and understand, while the fourth section is a multi-author review of more specialized topics. Experts from around the world contribute their knowledge, and so the reader gains the best of current opinion and practice. High-quality illustrations provide concise information on key topics. Students of anesthesiology will find this text indispensable.

How Stimulant Drugs Affect The Body

A stimulant drug, otherwise known as an 'upper' is a commonly abused drug in the United States today. Known for its ability to increase alertness and energy, there are several negative effects the drugs also have on both the body and mind. Very few individuals truly understand the affects of stimulants on the body.
The most common and legal types of stimulants are that of caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine can be found in a large variety of sodas, coffees and energy drinks, while both nicotine and caffeine can be found in cigarettes. Small doses of caffeine can also be found in chocolate and/or cocoa beans.
Although chocolate and coffee have not been widely known to cause severe and life-threatening issues, the effects of energy drinks mixed with alcohol and/or cigarettes differ. The negative effects of cigarette smoking on the body is widely known, but what effects to caffeine have on the body that can be dangerous?
When large amounts of caffeine are ingested on a regular basis, a condition commonly known as caffeinism may occur. With caffeinism, an individual may regularly experience effects like that of muscle twitching, intense headaches/migraines, inability to sleep (insomnia), ulcers or irritability. Caffeine, like nicotine in cigarettes, are both known as 'gateway drugs'. These gateway drugs may lead individuals to experiment or abuse other intense and more dangerous drugs after short-term use.
The most intense and illegal versions of stimulant drugs may include, but are not limited to:
* Ecstasy (MDMA)
* Cocaine
* Amphetamines
All of these stimulant drugs may have slightly different effects determined by the individual, dosage, etc. Although some of the common side-effects amongst all of these stimulant drugs are:
* Increase in blood pressure
* Increase in heart rate
* Psychosocial deterioration
* Dependence and/or regular withdrawal symptoms
* Loss of appetite and/or anorexia
* Death due to abuse, overdose, and/or poor decision-making

Drugs classified as stimulants can cause an individual to become addicted over time. If you know of a close friend or family member, or if you personally are suffering from an addiction to a harmful stimulant drug - seek help. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers around the globe that house professionals trained in treating addiction as an illness.
With proper rehabilitation treatment, and often times the assistance of a higher spiritual power, one can rid themselves of a severe addiction. It's never too late to seek help, and turn your life, or the life of loved one, around for the betterment of health and overall life

The Numerous Detrimental Effects of Cocaine on the Body

The Numerous Detrimental Effects of Cocaine on the Body
 When it comes to drugs, few have more profound or deleterious effects on the body than cocaine. Of all the drugs that are currently illegal, cocaine is one of the most dangerous.

Background of Cocaine
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and is derived from the coca plant. Like many anti-depressants, cocaine has significant effects on serotonin reuptake and is considered an SSRI, which contributes greatly to its ability to provide feelings of euphoria. Although the drug may be legal in some rare medical procedures performed at hospitals, it is estimated that over six million Americans use cocaine illegally each year. The drug can be ingested through many ways, such as sniffing, snorting, injecting, or even smoking if made into solid form.
Cocaine's Effects on the Brain
One aspect of health that can be drastically affected by the ingestion of cocaine is the brain. Cocaine affects the brain by increasing activity in the central nervous system, causing many negative effects. When cocaine is consumed, blood vessels in the brain are forced to constrict significantly, making it disturbingly common for cocaine users to suffer from strokes. Although most people associate strokes with those who are old, even very young and healthy people who are not normally at risk for strokes can suffer from this disease due to cocaine consumption. Additionally, cocaine's effects on the brain can also cause dangerous seizures or even violent behavior.
Cocaine's Effects on the Heart

Along with the brain, the heart is another body part that suffers significantly due to the consumption of cocaine. When cocaine is consumed, heart rate and blood pressure are both decreased while the arteries that supply blood to the heart become constricted. If this continues, it is not uncommon for cocaine use to result in a heart attack. As with strokes, these heart attacks can even occur in young people who suffer no symptoms of heart disease. Additionally, cocaine usage can also affect the heart by resulting in arrhythmia.
Cocaine's Effects on the Respiratory System
Depending on how one ingests cocaine, the drug can also cause serious damage to the respiratory system. If cocaine is sniffed or snorted, the nose and sinuses can become severely damaged and cause serious nasal perforations. Conversely, those who choose to smoke the cocaine in solid form can help preserve the health of their nose and sinuses, but will instead endure permanent lung damage. Regardless of how cocaine is consumed, the effects on the respiratory system can be devastating.
Overall, cocaine is an incredibly harmful drug that can have extremely deleterious effects on the brain and the rest of the body. For those who value their health, avoiding the consumption of cocaine should be a top priority.

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.

Crack Cocaine Abuse - Why They Lie - What is Crack Delusion?

Crack abusers create turbulence and chaos into families with their crack abuse. Crack delusion upsets and can wreck countless family lives. How can one sort out the truth from the crack lies?
Crack Cocaine abusers are caught between three worlds: 1. Their own illusions or beliefs of what they want to see; 2. Delusions brought on by abusing crack; 3. Real or agreed upon life in society.
How are you going to discover which world they are operating in while they are abusing crack? This is a confusion I hope to help you clear up.
What Is Creativity:
At any one time, a person is creating their life. Through their dreams and desires of what they want to accomplish or their intents, people create their relationships, attitudes and beliefs. Creative individuals are wonderful to be with as they add to life's experience in positive ways. The way of the artist is manifesting in how much creativity people put into everyday activities.
What Is Delusion:
Delusion and illusion can be confused easily by a crack abuser as well as by non-drug users. Delusion is what others or other things put into your own world without your natural consent or natural power. More so, delusion is a reality not created by self and not seen or experienced by the majority of other people. Delusion is a fake experience.
Example of delusion: A crack abuser has just stolen a car to go out and deal some crack with their dealer. They are fearful and ill. They do some crack. Now they feel fine, like they can handle anything. That's delusion. In about 5 minutes to half an hour, they will crash and want more crack. Reality starts to interfere with their crack delusion. They smoke more crack. Again, they may feel like they can handle it and are confident. That's crack delusion. In another 10 minutes they are feeling totally depressed from the crack and now have to run from the law. So they smoke more crack.
Delusion can also be another disbelieving everything you've accomplished, even though your achievements are real. Their disbelief of you, is a delusion. If you permit it into your life, that delusion can ruin your capabilities to create.
What Is Reality:
Reality is what everyone agrees to be true. The best example of reality is the physical experience we have. We see trees, cars; feel the air in our face; smell the car fumes; feel the sun. That's reality, as everyone else with senses working, also knows these things to be real.
Now, what about a crack users' reality:
Don't expect the truth to come from a crack abuser all the time, BUT be assured to acknowledge the truth when it is spoken. A family member can expect all manner of 'stories' to come out of a crack cocaine user's mouth. Sorting out delusion from an abusers intelligent creativeness is challenging. However, calling out the truth from delusion is absolutely vital if you want to retain your grip on reality. Notice I said, your grip. Crack abusers create turbulence and chaos into families with their delusion.
Crack abusers willfully and knowingly are working hard to introduce as much delusion into their lives as possible. To achieve a sense of crack 'wellbeing', common reality has to be ignored. Sometimes crack abusers just can't or won't create their own illusions and work to make those real. They get lazy and do crack to pretend they already have their dreams, this is crack delusion. This is true of even top flight executives and professionals. They are falling short somewhere in their dreams.
Getting people off of crack and creating true dreams and building their own lives, not crack delusion is one way to finally stop the lying. Some believe sobriety is the only way of achieving the truth.

Cocaine Rehab-Making a Humanitarian Statement

Cocaine rehab has become a humanitarian statement according to Shared Responsibility. Shared Responsibility is a Colombia-led initiative for illicit-drug producing and consuming countries to work on shared solutions to the threat that cocaine production, trafficking and abuse poses to the world. By informing the public about the social and environmental effects of cocaine, it may give impetus to those who want to quit cocaine and to those who are thinking of trying it. While the majority of cocaine is shipped to the US, the European market is expanding. That is why Shared Responsibility has brought its message to Europe.
Cocaine rehab treatment services unfortunately, are poorly developed across Europe. While in the US where cocaine rehab treatment is easily available, the number of admissions to treatment has gone down. In 1994 treatment admissions for cocaine addiction was 297,408 when the population was 262 million, and in 2004, treatment admissions went down to 256,387 and the population expanded to 293 million. Between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005, the US Federal Government sentenced 10,838 for cocaine-related charges of which 97% involved trafficking.
Enhanced treatment programs and curbing cocaine trafficking are really helping. However, we can hope that informing the public about the people that are hurt throughout the process of cocaine production, trafficking and abuse and the consequences of the environmental devastation will also bring down cocaine use, especially now that information is more readily available with today's technology.
What kind of information would be able to dissuade someone from using cocaine? As we have heard in the past, the very personal complications are usually the first ones thrown at us. We usually hear about the people who use cocaine will talk a lot, become restless, have irritability, their heart rate and blood pressure increase, and they have delusions and antisocial behavior. They become nervous, fearful, and paranoid. Their central nervous system becomes depressed, and they experience nausea, fatigue, depression and insomnia. To some people this would be enough information to stay away. Another aspect would be the financial future of such an under taking. The problem with this is that people really don't think that they would throw their money away that should be spent on normal things until it's pointed out to them and by that time it's to late. Hey, what is $50 a day, or $100 a day, or $500 for the weekend. Six months later, they cannot even tally up what was spent. Chilling. The other part of the financial discussion that is never broached due to etiquette has to do with all of the cocaine/crack users and dealers that end up resorting to crime. Some of the common ones are assault and robbery, theft, home invasions, auto theft, domestic violence and prostitution. Now if you would have told any of these addicts prior to them ever getting high that if they ever tried cocaine even once, they would end up stealing, threatening or even hurting and killing somebody. Well they would have looked at you and said, "Are you mad! I would never ever do any thing criminal to someone else. That's just sick!" Ah, life before cocaine, it made sense.
Maybe you just have to catch the right person, with the right piece of info, at just the right time. If someone is repulsed by war for any reason then you could inform him or her that for each dollar of cocaine sold in the streets of the world, 10 to 15 cents end up in the hands of Columbia's armed groups to continue financing the war. Moreover, in the last 4 years 3,400 assassinations occurred in Columbia by terrorist groups financed by drug trafficking. If you know someone that is, environmentally concerned for the future of our planet you could say that in order to produce 2.2 pounds of cocaine you need to use 440 pounds of environmentally harmful chemicals. In addition, in the last three years 429,954 acres of forest have been burned and logged in order to grow coca. When your friend, who cares so much about the rights of children, thinks about going to try something new to unwind, you can explain how seven thousand children have been recruited by force by groups financed by trafficking. Moreover, that in Columbia accidents by land mines are taking place at a rate of four a day and that 65% of them are children, of course, the reason for the landmines is to protect the coca plants and the armed groups.
For those that need to have it served up large you can tell them that in Columbia, due to the criminal activity of the cocaine trade, two million people have been forced to leave their homes, these rural poor have fled to urban areas where the murder count in 2003 was 30,000. In addition, several Indian tribes are now close to extinction.

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.

Cocaine Effects - The Underbelly of the Glamor Drug

Cocaine is sometimes referred to as the caviar of street drugs due to the fact that it is very expensive. It has the rather unique position of being viewed as both glamorous and slummy, used by celebrities and wall street traders alike.
The drug has serious effects on the brain, the heart, and the emotions of the people who use it. It is a highly addictive substance, which can lead to serious consequences for the mind and body with regard to a person's long term health. Even those who only use it occasionally are risking killing themselves with an overdose.
What it Does
Responsible for more visits to the emergency room than any other illegal drug, cocaine hurts the heart, brain, blood vessels, and lungs.
Brain - The blood vessels to the brain are tightened, which can cause a stroke, even in young people who are not at risk of a stroke. It can also cause seizures and lead people to engage in violent or bizarre behaviors.
Gut - Ulcers or perforations can form in the stomach and intestines. This is caused by a constricting of the blood vessels providing oxygen to the gut.
Lungs - The nose and sinuses are harmed when cocaine is snorted. If it is used often, this can cause a hole to form between the nostrils. It almost always causes the lungs to become irritated, and it can cause lung damage that may be permanent.
Heart - The drug accelerates the heart, yet tightens the blood vessels leading into the heart. Even people without heart disease can suffer a heart attack as a result. It can also cause the heart to beat irregularly, which can also lead to instant death.
Kidneys - Sudden catastrophic kidney failure can occur when somebody uses cocaine. Those who already have high blood pressure will also reduce the lifetime of their kidneys.
Sex - The drug can make it more difficult to reach orgasm, despite its reputation for being combined with sex.
Withdrawal
When somebody is no longer able to use cocaine because they don't have the money for it or they have been cut off from it, this can lead to several withdrawal symptoms. The drug works by stimulating the pleasure center of the brain, the part of the brain which causes us to have cravings for sex, food, and virtually all other cravings.
When cocaine is no longer available, it can cause the addict to experience depression and anxiety, difficulty thinking, a lack of cravings or pleasurable feelings, and tiredness. The desire for more cocaine tends to increase before it starts to decrease. Physical symptoms include shaking, chills, aches, and pains.
Withdrawal rarely causes medical problems, but it can lead to thoughts of suicide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6318960

Cocaine Effects - How Cocaine Can Affect Your Body

Cocaine Effects to the Brain
Cocaine can be smoked, injected, and snorted. All three methods of using illicit drugs can cause fatal effects to the brain and the body. Cocaine is a stimulant. It affects the body's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that controls a person's movement and pleasure.
Other Cocaine Effects
Short term illicit drugs effects include an increase in blood pressure, body temperature, and a person's heart rate. In addition, someone high on illicit drugs will have constricted blood vessels and dilated pupils.
A illicit drugs user will often feel more mentally alert and not as tired as they would feel if they were not using illicit drugs. However, after repeated use of this drug, a person may experience seizures, irregular heart rhythms, and pain in the chest.
Fatal injuries from the use of illicit drugs include the following:
• Respiratory failure
• A heart attack
• Stroke


In addition to these fatal injuries and the other effects of cocaine, a person may often feel restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. In more serious cases a person will experience paranoid psychosis, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and muscle spasms.

The Combination of Alcohol and Cocaine
There is no doubt that cocaine is extremely addictive. However, the smoked version of cocaine, otherwise known as crack, is the most addictive drug on the illegal drug market. Crack and alcohol is often combined for a different kind of high. Unfortunately, the combination of crack cocaine and alcohol is the most frequent cause of death among cocaine users.
The Cocaine Crash
Around thirty minutes after using cocaine the high should go away. After the cocaine high goes away users will experience a crash. The crash often leaves the user with feelings of irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

Risks of Using Cocaine
There are many risks to using cocaine. However, the risks associated with cocaine depends on how the drug is taken For example, snorting cocaine can lead to injury to the membrane lining located in a person's nostrils. This comes from repeated agitation from snorting cocaine. Cocaine users who snort the drug may also experience nosebleeds and a chronic runny nose. In addition, those who snort cocaine may experience difficulty swallowing after using the drug on a regular basis. Loss of smell is also common among those who snort cocaine.
Ingesting cocaine through the mouth can lead to gangrene in the small bowel. This is because the blood flow to the intestines is reduced.
Injections of cocaine can pose the highest risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis among cocaine users. This is because those who use inject cocaine into the bloodstream often share needles with other cocaine users.