Gumming cocaine involves directly applying the powdered drug to the oral mucosa, typically the gums, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Cocaine is a local anesthetic that causes a numbing sensation, and the drug is absorbed through the highly vascularized tissue of the mouth. This method does cause a high, as the substance enters the systemic circulation and produces characteristic stimulant effects. The onset of the high is generally slower and the peak effect is less intense compared to other methods, but it still carries significant localized and systemic health risks.
How Cocaine is Absorbed Through the Gums
When cocaine powder is rubbed onto the gums, it is absorbed through the oral mucosa, the moist lining inside the mouth. This tissue is rich in blood vessels, allowing the cocaine to pass directly into the capillaries and enter the bloodstream. This process, known as buccal or sublingual absorption, allows the substance to bypass the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver.
Cocaine hydrochloride is absorbed primarily through passive diffusion across the lipid membranes. The un-ionized form of the drug is lipid-soluble and easily crosses cell membranes. The saliva’s pH allows sufficient cocaine to exist in this form for effective absorption. The extensive capillary network facilitates the transfer of cocaine molecules into the systemic circulation, providing a rapid path to the brain, though slower than intravenous injection or smoking.
Comparing Intensity to Other Administration Methods
The high achieved by gumming cocaine is generally less intense and has a slower onset than that produced by smoking or intravenous injection. Smoking or injecting the drug delivers the substance to the brain almost instantaneously, resulting in a rapid, intense rush. Gumming results in a more gradual absorption rate, meaning the peak plasma concentration is reached more slowly.
The bioavailability, the fraction of the drug that enters the circulation, is lower with gumming compared to injection or smoking. The drug is partially swallowed into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is broken down by enzymes, reducing the amount that reaches the brain. This slower absorption profile means the euphoric effects are typically milder.
Some individuals choose this method hoping to achieve a more sustained, less overwhelming effect, or sometimes as a way to test the purity of the drug. The intense numbing sensation is often associated with higher potency. The slower onset time does not eliminate the severe risks of cocaine use.
Immediate Damage to Oral Tissues
The direct application of cocaine to the gums causes immediate and significant localized damage, primarily due to the drug’s powerful vasoconstrictive properties. Cocaine acts as a potent vasoconstrictor, causing the blood vessels in the oral mucosa to narrow severely. This constriction drastically reduces blood flow to the affected area, leading to ischemia, or lack of oxygen supply.
Reduced blood flow to the gums and underlying bone can lead to gum recession, where the tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Long-term or repeated use can cause tissue necrosis, the death of soft tissue in the mouth, sometimes resulting in ulcerated lesions at the site of application. Furthermore, the acidic nature of cocaine hydrochloride can directly erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and severe dental decay.
The diminished circulation from vasoconstriction also impairs the body’s ability to heal and fight infection in the mouth. Chronic gumming can lead to severe periodontal disease and, in extreme cases, damage to the jawbone, resulting in osteonecrosis. Users may also experience dry mouth, which further exacerbates dental issues by reducing the protective flow of saliva.
Systemic Health Dangers and Overdose Risk
Gumming cocaine still results in the drug entering the bloodstream and carries all the associated systemic health dangers. Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that causes a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure, placing immense stress on the cardiovascular system. This effect raises the risk of severe events like a heart attack, even in young or seemingly healthy individuals.
The increased heart rate and blood pressure can precipitate a stroke or cause disturbances in the heart’s rhythm. Cocaine use can also lead to neurological complications, including seizures and headaches, as the drug affects brain chemistry and blood flow. An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed by the toxic effects of cocaine, leading to severe symptoms such as hyperthermia, uncontrollable seizures, and cardiac arrest.
The combination of increased myocardial oxygen demand and constricted coronary blood vessels dramatically increases the risk of myocardial infarction. Regardless of the route of administration, the systemic effects of cocaine present a serious and potentially fatal risk.