Crucifixion-style punishments are being meted out to cocaine addicts unable to pay their drug debts. A survey finds that the drug is more prevalent here than most other European countries.
Another week, another batch of headlines exposing the squalid facts about cocaine use in Ireland. Even the tough economic times have failed to put the brakes on the insatiable demand for it.
As the myth that the drug is safe continues to inform the mindset of its reckless users, a surge in the number of coke-related chest pain incidents are being picked up in hospitals from Cork to Carrickfergus.
Regular users can double their risk of stroke, and when combined with alcohol, as is typical in an Irish setting, it forms cocaethylene, a toxic chemical that puts a huge strain on the heart and increases the risk of sudden death by up to 25 times.
A condition called aortic dissection is also common among users, caused by blood being forced into the lining of big vessels which eventually creates a new channel for it to flow down. This rupture leads to crushing chest pains and can cause brain and kidney damage.
Frequent users also experience anxiety, paranoia, disturbed sleep, mood swings, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Source: The Irish Independent, 29/05/2010
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