Abstract
The aim of this article is to bring comprehensive information on cocaine - a very specific substance, which has a long-established and important history in human culture and yet he has in the past hundred years, the source of human misery and bankruptcy. The article is, with regard to its scope, divided into two chapters, which are connected and form a compact unit.
In the first part of the text describes the source of cocaine, it is a cultural nature, while the most common and best known, the coca bush (Erythroxylon coca), grown since ancient times (before Columbus) in South America. Cocaine, respectively.
Coca was originally used by local residents as the plant, which then became a regular part of community and an ideal way to promote complementary foods and difficult life in difficult natural conditions. This article was developed under the project "Preparation and development of full-time master's degree in addictology" OPPA CZ.2.17/3.1.00/31430.