Cocaine, alcohol mix in body to form even longer lasting, more lethal drug
Article Abstract:
Mixing cocaine and alcohol may result in a more addictive and lethal form of cocaine in users' bodies. The liver metabolizes cocaine into cocaethylene in the presence of alcohol. Cocaethylene produces the same feelings of euphoria and well-being as cocaine, but they are more intense and last longer. In animals, cocaethylene is more lethal than cocaine. Individuals who combine cocaine and alcohol have a higher risk of addiction to the combination of substances, more severe withdrawal symptoms and a greater risk of death from drugs than those who use cocaine alone. Cocaethylene remains in the body almost four times as long as cocaine, and can cause heart attacks or strokes in individuals hours after cocaine use. It can be detected in the body using several different methods. Because cocaethylene is only produced within the body, its presence in the hair may be used as evidence in legal proceedings that an individual has used cocaine.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Students challenged to make ethics part of their 'habit of thought'
Article Abstract:
Medical ethics is an important subject for students at the Creighton University School of Medicine. The Creighton University School of Medicine is a Jesuit university, but it accepts students from all religious backgrounds. The school has a large program in medical ethics that is taught by seven faculty members. Most medical schools teach medical ethics, but Creighton is one of the few that incorporates it into clinical instruction. Students are taught to incorporate medical ethics into their daily practice of medicine. Creighton teaches medical ethics from a secular perspective, but includes the viewpoint of the Roman Catholic Church on many issues. Abortion is one of the most controversial topics taught during medical ethics instruction. The Catholic Church forbids abortion, and St. Joseph, the teaching hospital for Creighton medical students, has a policy against abortion.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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