levamisole in cocaine

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ja702MY6bT1cGJQDKiDlkN1ctcvAD9AE1RGO0

Tried to post a link to the news story above but not sure if it will show up on the board. If it doesnt show up just google levamisole in cocaine and read the story.

As bad as it is that this is causing these infections and possible deaths what struck me most was that it seems that what they are adding is mimicking the effects of opiates on the brain. I have read many crack and or coke addicts who talk about how even tho the mental part of that addiction is brutal they are glad it isnt a physical addiction that actually rewires the brain. One addict also brought up the fact that they are glad to know they wont have the worry that RA of opiates have about what might happen if they are ever in a position where they NEED opiates such as surgery or what-not. I am not an addict so by no means am I suggesting that one addiction is worse than the other so please dont think that. I just think it is no coincidence that what is being added causes the opiate receptors to be triggered... I am dont doubt that whoever came up with this idea is counting on making this drug just that much more addictive... who knows, maybe they worry that these super addictive pills that are being prescribed for stubbed toes by some dr's are too much competition.  

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

The Cartels have highly competent and skilled chemists working for them. And they do not care one bit what you put in your body. And they do not care what the stuff does to you. There can be no doubt that the coke is being enginereed to be more addictive and even more harmful. There are no coincidences when dealing with these folks. This amounts to "narco warfare" on the users..........

[avisg]

wow yes its a vet medicine that can kill there is another reason not to use

Nearly a third of all cocaine seized in the United States is laced with a dangerous veterinary medicine — a livestock de-worming drug that might enhance cocaine's effects but has been blamed in at least three deaths and scores of serious illnesses.

The medication called levamisole has killed at least three people in the U.S. and Canada and sickened more than 100 others. It can be used in humans to treat colorectal cancer, but it severely weakens the body's immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to fatal infections.

Scientific studies suggest levamisole might give cocaine a more intense high, possibly by increasing levels of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters.

Drug Enforcement Administration documents reviewed by The Associated Press indicate that 30 percent of all U.S. cocaine seizures are tainted with the drug. And health officials told the AP that most physicians know virtually nothing about its risks.

"I would think it would be fair to say the vast majority of doctors in the United States have no idea this is going on," said Eric Lavonas, assistant director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, where as much as half of the cocaine is believed to contain levamisole. "You can't diagnose a disease you've never heard of."

Authorities believe cocaine manufacturers are adding the levamisole in Colombia, before the cocaine is smuggled into the U.S. and Canada to be sold as white powder or crack.

[ListentoLearn]

I am so thankful for taking a look at this community forum.  I was exclusive to the Addiction: Substance Abuse and decided to see what Addiction:Social was all about. Needless to say, I came across this post and I am so glad I did.  I am currently battling an addiction to cocaine and this information gives me even more incentive to get clean and free myself of this drug.  Thank you so much for posting this information.