Use of coca leaf in southern Peru: adaptation or addiction

Use of coca leaves among the Quechua Indians of the Peruvian altiplano is considered from the biological and social perspectives. Biologically, coca use seems to reduce the loss of body heat in the cold and to enhance working ability to a small degree. It may also have nutritional value. Socially, c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin on narcotics 1977-01, Vol.29 (1), p.63
Main Authors: Hanna, J M, Hornick, C A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Physiological
Adult
Coca
Cocaine
Female
Humans
Indians, South American
Male
Peru
Plants, Medicinal
Substance-Related Disorders
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Summary:Use of coca leaves among the Quechua Indians of the Peruvian altiplano is considered from the biological and social perspectives. Biologically, coca use seems to reduce the loss of body heat in the cold and to enhance working ability to a small degree. It may also have nutritional value. Socially, coca is well integrated into the economic and social systems, providing functions in both spheres. The equation of coca use with cocaine addiction is also considered and a simple equivalence is rejected.
ISSN:0007-523X