Coca leaf chewing as therapy for cocaine maintenance.

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Addiction Medicine
• Socioeconomics

Background:

• Coca leaf chewing is a traditional practice among Bolivian ethnic groups with no reported health issues.
• Coca leaf chewing historically facilitated social and economic adaptation, particularly during colonization.
• Cocaine base ('pasta') is a highly addictive substance causing severe socio-economic maladjustment and mental imbalance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of coca leaf chewing as a treatment for cocaine dependence.
• To assess the impact of coca leaf chewing on the mental condition and socio-economic adaptation of cocaine addicts.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective assessment of patients treated with 100-200 grams of coca leaf per week since 1984.
• Evaluation of mental condition and social/economic adaptation levels before and after treatment.
• Data collected on an ad hoc basis, with relapse rates not formally measured.

Main Results:

• Social adaptation improved significantly post-treatment, with 48.8% of patients achieving social adaptation compared to 28% pre-treatment.
• 26% of patients showed improvement in their level of adaptation.
• Four out of 50 patients reached 100% adaptation level.

Conclusions:

• Coca leaf chewing may serve as a viable treatment for cocaine dependence.
• The practice appears to positively influence mental well-being and socio-economic reintegration.
• Further controlled studies are needed to quantify relapse rates and treatment efficacy.