Cocaine is derived from the coca plant, which is native to South America. The indigenous population had always chewed its leaves, which are full of essential vitamins and proteins, but the pain relieving and mood lifting properties of the plant caught the attention of nineteenth century scientists who managed to isolate the cocaine from the plant.

Cocaine quickly became popular, and was credited as a 'miracle drug' for its positive benefits. It was soon prescribed for a whole range of ailments, from being sold over the counter as a cure for toothache to being used by psychiatrists for depression. It is also true that when coca-cola was launched in the late nineteenth century cocaine was one of the key ingredients of the drink.

But like many things which seem to good to be true, the dangers of cocaine eventually emerged. By the twentieth century people were starting to realise how incredibly addictive cocaine is. This realisation came too late as it was already in popular use as a recreational drug, and its popularity has steadily increased. After cannabis, it is now the second most popular illegal drug in America.

The pleasurable experience people get from cocaine is due to increased levels of the pleasure chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. The cocaine blocks the transporter proteins which normally remove dopamine and serotonin after their release. This means that the levels of the neurotransmitters rapidly start to rise and the person quickly begins to experience intense euphoria. Understandably, the body quickly becomes addicted to the feel good effect. It is this highly addictive nature which means dealers are able to command a very high price for the drug.

The results of cocaine addiction can be devastating. The risk of a heart failure in the hours following cocaine use increases by an amazing 24 fold, as it triggers a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It is difficult to give up, and prolonged use will eventually cause mental illness, paranoid delusions, and frightening hallucinations.