Cocaine is well known for its ability to trigger drastic changes in the normal cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) health of its users. However, people who use/abuse the drug can also develop a range of problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which extends from the esophagus to the rectum. Some of these problems occur relatively frequently, but only produce relatively minor health complications. Other cocaine-related gastrointestinal problems occur relatively rarely, but can produce severe or even life-threatening health complications. These advanced complications occur when cocaine use leads to loss of normal blood flow to various parts of the GI tract.

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Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is a stimulant medication widely used to treat people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and also used to treat the sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Cocaine is the common name for an addictive, stimulating illegal drug made from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Despite their differing uses and legal status, methylphenidate and cocaine are chemically similar and produce the same basic effects inside the brain. Although proper methylphenidate use does not trigger addiction to the drug, some medical researchers believe that people who use methylphenidate in childhood have higher risks for developing cocaine addictions in adulthood.

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The recent decriminalization of marijuana in Washington state and Colorado has drawn attention to the power of the young voter. Young voters are deeply concerned with personal freedoms. It may be important, however, to spend some time educating younger voters about the inherent dangers of some freedoms – recreational drug use being one of them. Contrary to what many young people may imagine, using some drugs even just occasionally for recreational purposes can pose an immediate threat to the health and life of a person.

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The United States as a nation is the largest single consumer of illicit drugs in the world. In addition to consuming the largest number of illicit substances overall, the U.S. is also either the largest or one of the largest consumers of each of the principle varieties of illicit drugs.

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Going through withdrawal from a drug or other substance is always unpleasant. It can range from mildly uncomfortable to so painful and potentially dangerous, that it should not be attempted without the supervision of a doctor or other professional. The physical symptoms of withdrawal frequently include sweating, tremors, nausea, muscle tension, racing heart or palpitations, and chest tightness. Less common but more severe symptoms may include grand mal seizures, delirium tremens, heart attacks, hallucinations, or strokes.

Withdrawal also involves negative emotional symptoms that can lead to a relapse or to other serious consequences if patients are not under care. These symptoms can include anxiety and depression, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, an inability to concentrate, and a feeling of social isolation.

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A group of biochemists in Germany have discovered some mysterious things about the coca plant and how its chemical makeup produces cocaine. Cocaine is chemically related to a bunch of anesthetics and other stimulants that are used each day legally. Understanding just how cocaine is made within the plant itself may just lead to some new types of anesthesia and anesthetic drugs but without the addictive traits.

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Cocaine has long been a dangerous, addictive and illegal drug that can produce devastating consequences for its users. The high that comes from cocaine happens when it stimulates the brains neural centers after crossing the blood-brain barrier.

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While Chantix has had mixed reviews when it comes to quitting smoking, two studies show that the not-so-popular drug may help kick drug and drinking habits. Varenicline, or Chantix, has been shown to be the most effective product on the market as far as smoking cessation, according to a recent article, but not without consequences.

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