For over a thousand years indigenous people from South America have chewed the leaves of the plant that cocaine is derived from. In 1855, the cocaine alkaloid was first isolated and by 1879 it was being used in the treatment of morphine addicts.  By the early 20th century it could be purchased in some neighborhood drug stores.  Today, cocaine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Over 35 million Americans have used cocaine at least once in their lives.  Approximately 2 million are regular users and it is one of the illicit drugs most frequently associated with fatalities.

The 2010 Monitoring the Future Study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), found that 1.6% of 8th graders, 2.2% of 10th graders, and 2.9% of 12th graders had abused cocaine in any form and 1.0% of 8th graders, 1.0% of 10th graders, and 1.4% of 12th graders had abused crack at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant.  It can be snorted, injected, or smoked.  Its popularity is due in part to the way it makes users feel euphoric and energetic.  Cocaine also increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Its common link to drug related fatalities is due to the risks of heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures.

'Cocaine has lead to the deaths of thousands of people across the country,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading industrial hygiene and environmental testing laboratory.  'Cocaine, one the most powerful central nervous stimulants found in nature, has taken its toll on many abusers and their families.  EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing services to identify this dangerous drug.' 

To learn more about cocaine or other illicit drug testing services, or to request testing supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.