Cutting Cocaine

Pure cocaine is damaging enough to the human body. But cocaine on the street is most often “cut” with other substances, either to enhance the drug’s effects or to pad the pockets of those producing and dealing the drug. A new trend shows that a drug called levamisole has become a popular addition to the U.S. cocaine supply.

Levamisole Facts

Just what is levamisole? It’s a drug that’s approved to treat cancer and used to de-worm animals, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) claims that approximately 69 percent of cocaine seized on its way into the U.S. contains the substance, according to Drug Enforcement Agency figures.

The CDC’s Dec. 18, 2010 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) focused on the devastating effects levamisole can have, including a potentially fatal immune system disorder called agranulocytosis. The report shows that 21 cases – one leading to death – were linked to the use of cocaine in a 20-month period.

“Cocaine achieves its psychoactive effects by increasing dopamine concentrations in the euphoric centers of the brain, and animal studies have found that levamisole also increases dopamine levels in these regions,” according to a paper produced by the Annals of Internal Medicine and cited by the Wall Street Journal. “We speculate that levamisole may potentiate the euphoric effects of cocaine by further increasing brain dopamine levels.”

Cocaine Addiction Treatment at The Canyon

If you or a family member is in need of cocaine rehab, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.