Cocaine abuse: an expanding healthcare problem for the 1990s
Paul, S.; York, D.
American Journal of Critical Care An Official Publication American Association of Critical-Care Nurses 1(1): 109-113
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1062-3264 PMID: 1307870 Document Number: 393337
Cocaine, the most addictive recreational drug available, has increased in popularity and widespread use in the past decade. Crack, a new form of cocaine that is smoked, is purer and more rapidly absorbed into the vascular system, greatly increasing the risk of overdose. Cocaine produces many physiologic effects on the body systems. This case report focuses on two cardiovascular responses related to cocaine use: cardiomyopathy and coronary vasospasm. Cocaine abusers may present with complaints of chest pain or other nonspecific symptoms that require diligent assessment skills to be recognized as cocaine-related. Therefore, it is essential that nurses be knowledgeable about the effects of cocaine and the symptoms of cocaine abuse.