Portland observer., July 23, 1986, Page 5, Image 5

Cocaine, The Most Deadly and
Addictive Drug Today
by Jerry Garner
The recent deaths of University of
Maryland Basketball player Len Bias
and Cleveland Brown's defensive
back Don Rodgers, by cocaine in­
toxication has brought to focus the
growing number of cocaine abusers
in the United States
Indeed, cocaine has become the
most glamorous, seductive, de
structive and dangerous drug in the
1980's Last year. 563 deaths were
attributed to cocaine, according to
the National Institute on Drug Ab
use. There are several factors for
the increase in cocaine use in
America.
To begin with, the U S. Govern
ment has failed to stop the flow of
cocaine into the U S from other
countries such as Bolivia. Columbia,
and Peru. Secondly, the reduction
in cocaine prices two years ago has
resulted in a cocaine glut, making it
more available to individuals from
the lower social economic class to
purchase the illicit drug Especially
a form of cocaine called crack.
According to law enforcement
authorities, Crack first appeared in
New York inner city communities
three years ago
Crack is white
pellets of prepackaged cocaine in its
purest form The use of Crack has
reached epidemic proportions Not
only is Crack popular, it is also dan
gerous. It has been called the most
addictive drug known to humans.
For some individuals who use
Crack, it has become instantaneous
addiction, whereas if you snort co
caine. it can take tw o to five years
before addiction sets in.
Crack is smoked in a pipe (the
procedure is referred to as free
basing) When as individual free
bases", the cocaine is absorbed by
the small blood vessels in the lungs,
moves to the left side of the heart,
and then goes directly to the brain
in less than eight seconds
This
triggers a rush of adrenaline, at the
same time the cocaine blocks the
body’s normal ability to reabsorb
that adrenaline
The rush over
works the heart, and sometimes
short-circuits the sensative wiring of
the brain, confusing the signals be
ing sent to the heart
In some
cases, this could lead to cardiac
arrest.
According to the Multnomah
County Coroner's Office, four per
sons in Oregon have died this year
from cocaine related deaths Kow
ever, this figure may be misleading
In many drug related deaths there is
often more than one drug found in
the victims system
When this is
the case, the drug with the greatest
quantity is given as cause of death
Despite the dangers associated
with cocaine, the use of Crack is
gaining popularity from coast to
coast. Portland isn't excluded from
the wrath of this glamourous and
dangerous drug. Residents living in
the Albina, King, and Eliott neigh
borhoods have complained repeat
W aln u t Park L o ck & K ey
533 N E K ilh n g s w o rth
503-288-6338
edly over the years about drug traf
ficing in their communities The up
surge in Crack use has added to
their problems.
According to Lt. Chuck Karl,
head of the Portland Police Bureau
Narcotics Unit, there are more than
100 drug houses operating in North
east Portland Karl said the police
were running into more and more
drug houses that are dealing in
Crack Crack happens to be one of
the most dangerous drugs in society
now because of its potency and tre
mendous addictive qualities Many
who are users of Crack and other
illicit drugs are involved in prosti
tution. robbery, and burglary. "The
drug problem isn't |ust a Northeast
problem, it is a city wide situation,"
said Karl Lt. Karl and acting Chief
Tobin said they will use the resour
ces at their disposal to try to make
an impact on drug trafficing in the
City
In an attempt to deal with the
Crack problem in Portland, Con­
gressman Ron Wyden, D Oregon, is
proposing legislation that would in ­
crease penalties for possession of
' Crack
We've got to beef up
the penalties against the use of
cocaine. Right now, the penalties
are non existent for Crack dealers."
Wyden and Rep Dio Guardi, R
N Y., have introduced a bill in the
US
Congress that, if passed,
would place harsh penalties on c o ­
caine dealers in possession of 100
grams of cocaine or one gram of
Crack
II
Laubach T utor Training
z • •
W orkshop
On August 16 and 23. 1986, the
Laubach Tutor Training Workshop
will hold training sessions from 9 am
to 3 30 pm
This program, spon
sored by Oregon Literacy, Inc. is for
persons interested in learning to be
volunteer tutors to teach American
non reading adults to-read and write
using the Laubach method
Call Oregon Literacy. 232 9116,
for further information. Pre regis
tration is required arid there is a regi
stration fee
24 hr Em ergency Service
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People who suffer the loss of a
loved one need to work through
bereavement in their own ways
Yet grief is less .prolonged when a
person is able to mourn openly
What is crucial is that some kind of
action release the pain.
Here are some ways to hasten
the healing process:
• Talk w ith tru ste d friends
The company of others provides
so*ace as well as a means for
releasing emotions. Self imposed
isolation only makes matters worse
• Remain active
Work, espe
cially, has a therapeutic value.
Living up to responsibilities to
others will help you discover inner
strenght. If you must remain at
home, try to follow a schedule
do the laundry, shop for groceries
Physical activity can be very restor
ing to heart and soul.
• Help o ther. Doing something
for others, even while you are
hurting, will help you to respect
yourself
• Indulge yo urself
Do things
that make you feel good.
Take
a warm bath at bedtime, set the
table attractively, buy a bouquet of
flowers such small acts of self­
caring can be helpful at times of
duress.
• Find a group to jo in
After
the initial shock has begun to wear
off, look into group activities at your
community center, local college,
church or synagogue.
When ignored or denied, grief
can do harm in countless ways
Facing loss is the key to recovery.
For a free reprint of "H o w to
Live Through Loss," write to Re
print Editor, Reader s Digest, Box
25, Pleasantwille, N Y. 10570.
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Dear Parents,
Good health is more than just good luck. Taking preventive
action gives you more control over your child's health and
well-being. Check out the following questions. Does your
child need any of these services? If so, please call us for an
appointment.
A re your child's immunizations up to date?
When your child is ill, do you have a place to go for
treatment?
Has your child had a recent checkup with vision and
heanng tests?
Call 248-3535
and ask Sally for an appointment
A
We care about kids
Department of Human Services
Northeast Health Center
5329 NE Union
(Parking lot entrance on Garfield and Emerson)
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