Cocaine

Cocaine does two things; it speeds up your central nervous system, and it numbs whatever tissue it touches - like an anesthetic. The stimulation of the central nervous system leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Some users may feel alert, energetic, more sociable, confident, and in control. Others may feel withdrawn or anxious.

The main risks with 'coke' use are:

• Dehydration: Cocaine can dehydrate you and increase your body temperature. In a crowded, hot dance party this can increase your risk for dehydration or overheating.
• Dependence: Cocaine is a short-acting drug. This means the high is about 15 to 30 minutes for powder cocaine and 5 to 10 minutes for crack cocaine. Because of the intensity of the experience, and the discomfort that can accompany the 'crash' or come down, users may quickly crave more of the drug to return to the high.
• Nasal damage: Snorting coke can damage the lining and cartilage in your nose. This can also put you at an increased risk of HIV or Hepatitis transmission if your share bumpers, bills, or straws.

Drug Class: stimulant

Individual drugs: cocaine (powder), crack (crystals/"rocks")

Common Terms: blow, candy, Charlie, coke, rock, powder, Whitney

Standard Dose:

• cocaine is a fine, white to off white powder typically sold as ½ gram, 1 gram, or an "8 ball" (3.5 grams)
• crack is a condensed, more potent form and is sold as hard crystals or "rocks"
• cocaine is typically snorted in small lines, crack is typically smoked
• either drug can be injected

The Buzz:

• When snorted the effects come on gradually and peak after about 15-30 minutes.
• When smoked in the form of "crack," the effects come on immediately but wear off much more quickly.
• When injected, the effects are felt immediately and much more intensely.
• Cocaine is a stimulant drug like speed, but much shorter acting.
• It can lead to feelings of confidence, alertness, talkativeness and euphoria.
• It causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.

Overdose and other negative effects:

• Cocaine and crack are very short acting (the high does not last very long). This can lead to using too much too often.
• In high doses cocaine can lead to seizures, strokes, hear attacks or difficulty breathing (even in experienced users).
• After effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia.
• Repeated snorting can damage the nasal membranes.
• Many users can become compulsive in their use of cocaine which can lead to physical or psychological addiction.
• Difficulty obtaining or maintaining and erection.