Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:51
A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Cocaine: recent trends in Northern Ireland
1State Pathologist's Department, Institute of Forensic Medicine, The Queen's University of Belfast Belfast, BT12 6BS, United Kingdom. James.Lyness@statepathni.org.uk
The Ulster Medical Journal
|July 2, 2009
Summary
Cocaine-related deaths in Northern Ireland increased from 1999 to 2007. Autopsy reviews identified 18 such fatalities during this period, highlighting a concerning trend.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Cocaine use poses significant public health risks.
- Understanding mortality trends is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence of cocaine-related deaths in Northern Ireland.
- To identify trends in mortality over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- Review of autopsy reports.
- Analysis of death records where cocaine was a cause of death.
- Comparison with national and local drug statistics.
Main Results:
- 18 cocaine-related deaths were identified between 1999 and 2007.
- An increasing trend in these fatalities was observed during the study period.
- Findings were contextualized with national and local data.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine toxicity is a significant cause of mortality in Northern Ireland.
- The rising incidence warrants further investigation and public health action.
- Monitoring drug-related deaths is essential for effective harm reduction strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:29Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:30Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local anesthetics (LAs) are drugs that induce a temporary loss of sensation in a limited body area, preventing pain. Cocaine was the first local anesthetic discovered in the late 19th century. Cocaine is a benzoic acid ester obtained from the leaves of coca shrubs and was often used for its psychotropic effects. Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 by Albert Niemann. Sigmund Freud studied the physiological actions of cocaine. Carl Koller later introduced it into clinical practice in 1884 as a...
01:03Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Drug control governance involves the oversight and regulation of pharmaceuticals to ensure their safety and efficacy while preventing illegal drug use and trafficking. Regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union's European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a central role in this process. These agencies evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be marketed. They fund clinical trials and assess the benefits and risks associated with a...