Alcohol Vs Cocaine

Alcohol versus cocaine, these are two different substances by the physical appearance. Alcohol is normally only ingested the one way, where as cocaine can be taken by ingestion, inhalation, intranasal and intravenously. The effects however are quite similar.

The effects of alcohol are many, and each is very likely to take place. Alcohol effects judgment, motor coordination, reflexes, sensation, breathing and the way the heart functions. When a person is using alcohol they may experience a feeling of happiness, or they could be more talkative then normal. Their speech could be slurred and not amounting up to any sense. (http://www.tcada.state.tx.us/issues/danger.html). They could have confusion and disorientation, drowsiness, even convulsions and shock. (Desk Reference, 18-19). The effects of alcohol can also lead to hypo and hyperthermia and even death. (http://www.tcada.state.tx.us/issues/danger.html).

The effects of cocaine include talkativeness just as alcohol does. A person could experience excessive activity and nervousness; they could also experience increases in heart rate, body temperature and tremors. (Desk Reference, 20-21). There are some similar effects to these drugs, but there are also some completely different aspects to it. Such as, alcohol could cause Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff syndrome. As for cocaine, it can lead to the risk of AIDS. This is one way that they are different; however there are more ways that the two are alike then different. (Desk Reference, 18-19).

Alcohol is administered orally in liquid form. There are different types of beverages that have different levels of intensity. Example, one type of beverage is beer and a more intense beverage is vodka. Cocaine is administered usually intranasal, (snorted through the nose). This is what causes the membrane in the nose to break down and cause problems, such as major nose bleeds and could cause disfigurations of the nose. Cocaine can also be taken orally but that is not often the case. Another way that it can be administered is intravenously, this is done by mixing the substance with water then injecting it with a needle. Cocaine can also be inhaled, however that changes the substance to crack. This way is faster and lasts longer, and is also quite a bit cheaper.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme in the liver, an abnormality that can be detected in people who drink heavily. Another abnormality is the increase in the size of the red blood cells; this can be detected by a test called mean cell volume. With abstinence from alcohol GGT returns back to a normal state within four to eight weeks. The MCV however will return back to normal within three months. (Alcohol and Drug Problems, 208). To test for use of cocaine, the urine is tested of the potential user. The substance can be detected for three to seven days.(Alcohol and Drug Problems, 218). This is a much shorter time then alcohol, and would almost be pointless to use as a recovery tool, if a counselor only see's a client once a week.

The short-term consequences of misuse of alcohol are: initial relaxation, loss of inhibitions, slurred speech, and disorientation. As well as impaired coordination, staggering, slowed reactions, attitude changes and poor judgment. As well as increased risk, talking and blackouts. (Desk Reference, 19). Alcohol affects almost every organ in the body; however some organs are affected more then others. (Desk Reference, 5). The long-term consequences of misuse of alcohol are: higher tolerance, suppression of sex hormone production, gastritis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and heart decease. As well as brain damage, nerve damage, Wernicke syndrome, Korsakoff syndrome and to unborn children it can cause Fetal Alcohol syndrome. (Desk Reference, 19). Alcohol also increases the likelihood of risk for injury or death from fire and suicide, drunk driving, poor judgment and irrational thoughts. (Desk Reference, 5).

The short-term consequences of misuse of cocaine are: feelings of exhilaration, energy, increased mental alertness, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, body temperature, increased blood pressure and metabolism. As well as erratic and violent behavior, tremors, hallucinations and chest pain. (Desk Reference, 21). The long-term consequences of misuse of cocaine are: headaches, reduced appetite, weight loss, malnourishment nausea, abnormal pain, prone to violence, kidney damage, liver damage and tissue damage. As well as nose damage, respiratory failure, rapid or irregular heart beat and chest pain. More long term consequences are psychosis, heart failure strokes, seizures, risk of AIDS, and new born's will experience withdraw

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