Cocaine Substance Abuse Case Summary

1. Is W. H. exhibiting signs consistent with a cocaine substance use disorder as described in the DSM-V?
a. If so, describe the symptoms she is exhibiting.
Yes, W.H is exhibiting signs consistent with cocaine abuse. She has been using greater amounts of cocaine over a longer time period than intended. She also has a persistent desire to decrease use since she sold her watch out of desperation to buy more crack. Once W.H started experiencing signs of withdrawal such as a crash she begins to starts spending more time acquiring cocaine.
b. Based on the case, determine if the disorder is mild, moderate or severe.
6) Using greater amounts or using over a longer time period than intended
7) Persistent desire or unable to decrease use
10) Consistent

This formulation of cocaine is so stable that it cannot be transformed into a vapor for inhalation, instead it is snorted or injected intravenously. Prior to 1985, cocaine hydrochloride was the major form of cocaine available. Free base is a form of cocaine that is smoked by users. It is converted into this form by being extracted into a volatile organic solvent such as ether, resulting in two separate layers of which the upper layer consists of dissolved cocaine. Crack cocaine was the popular form of cocaine that showed an uproar in the 1980’s when it was discovered that mixing cocaine with simple household chemicals like baking soda and water resulted in a solid lump of smokable crack. The difference between the base and the salt formulations of cocaine is seen in the onset and the intensity of effects. Orally consuming cocaine produces effects within 15 min, while intranasal use produces an effect within 3 to 5 minutes with a duration of action of 30 minutes. Intravenous route of cocaine, however will start having effects within 30 to 45 seconds after administration. Smoking the free base form of cocaine only takes only 7 to 10 seconds to produce an effect with a duration of actions of 15