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Unformatted text preview: The fine, white powder--also called snow, coke, or toot--can be tasted, but usually it is sniffed. It is readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal mucous membranes, but it acts as an irritant to constrict blood vessels and sometimes causes ulcerations in the nasal cavity. Cocaine is also injected in solution into veins or may be smoked in chemically treated forms known as free base and crack. Any method of ingestion produces compulsive use, and drug dependency may develop in a relatively short time. Users are attracted at first when small amounts of cocaine decrease their fatigue and increase their mental awareness. When taken in larger amounts, cocaine may also produce digestive disorders, weight loss, sleeplessness, irritability, depression, and hallucinations or paranoia. Cocaine abuse overstimulates the spinal cord, and convulsions may result, leading to respiratory failure and death. (See Drugs)...
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- Spring '11
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- cocaine, potent drug cocaine
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