Nine Years of the Freebase Cocaine Epidemic in the Bahamas

Nine years after the beginning of the epidemic of freebase (crack) cocaine abuse in the Bahamas, this historical study was done to characterize the natural course of the epidemic and to estimate the effectiveness of control measures. The authors' data include the incidence of new cases at the only psychiatric hospital in the Bahamas and at the primary community psychiatric clinic in the nation. The Bahamian response included 1) demand reduction, 2) supply reduction, and 3) reduction of money laundering. The annual number of new cases of crack abuse presenting for treatment declined from 1987 to mid-1991 in both facilities, but in 1992 it began rising again in the inpatient setting only. The changes in recent years have been accompanied by an increase in violent crimes against persons, especially robberies. (American Journal on Addictions 1994; 3:14–24)     

Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the amygdala on intravenous cocaine self-administration under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement

Bilateral six-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions were placed in the amygdala of rats self-administering cocaine (1.5 mg/kg per injection i.v.) under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Post-lesion access to three doses of cocaine (1.5, 0.75 and 0.37 mg/kg per injection i.v.) revealed a lesion effect only at the highest dose. At this dose, the lesion caused a significant increase in breaking point. No change in the breaking point was produced at the lower two doses. The biochemical results show a significant reduction in dopamine and DOPAC levels within the amygdala and an increase in dopamine within the NACC. In contrast, noradrenaline and serotonin (5-HT) levels were unaffected by the lesion in any of the dissected areas. These results demonstrate that no specific effect on cocaine reinforcement was produced by 6-OHDA lesions of the amygdala. The possibility that the lesion may have attenuated the anxiogenic qualities of the high dose of cocaine is discussed.