Background

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant most commonly known by names such as Coke, Rock, Snow, Toot, or Blow. It is also referred to as Nose Candy, "C", Flake, Stardust, Peruvian Marching Powder, and The Devil's Dandruff.

In its native form, it is a leaf that is ritualistically chewed by users. In its more refined forms it is available as a white crystalline powder (cocaine hydrochloride), dried lumps or "rocks" made of cocaine and baking soda or ammonia (crack, rock, and freebase), or as a solution diluted in water. The powder is sniffed or snorted into the mucous membranes of the nose or applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, or rectum. In its liquid form, cocaine is injected into the bloodstream. In rock form, as in Crack or Freebase, cocaine is smoked with the vapors being absorbed through the lungs and mucous membranes of the nose.

Sometimes cocaine is mixed with other liquids, such as alcohol, and drunk. It is also mixed with heroin and snorted or injected, the combination being known as "dynamite", "speedball", or "whiz-bang". Cocaine is sometimes mixed with morphine and that combination is also known as "whiz-bang."

Crack and street forms of cocaine are Schedule I drugs. Pharmaceutical varieties of cocaine are Schedule II and can be used as a local anesthetic.

Effects

Cocaine's effects have a rapid onset. Injection or smoking is the quickest, with around 7-10 seconds until onset, and oral administration is the slowest, with up to 30 minutes onset. Users can experience an intense "rush". They also may become talkative or peaceful, or feel self-confident and in command. Their mood may swing from agitated to anxious to happy to depressed.

Physical effects can include

• dilated pupils

• tachycardia

• sweating

• tremors

• increased blood pressure, body temperature and respiration

• appetite suppression

Pychological effects can include

• euphoria
• alertness
• indifference to pain or fatigue
• restlessness
• excitement
• paranoia

Toxicity can be achieved depending on the quantity of cocaine used and the route of administration. The physical effects of toxicity can include:

• seizures
• nausea and vomiting
• cerebral hemorrhages
• shaking and muscle twitches
• cold sweat
• tachycardia
• cardiac arrest
• chest pains
• respiratory arrest

Psychological effects of toxicity can include:

• dizziness
• confusion
• psychosis
• hallucinations
• mood swings
• aggression
• panic attacks
• paranoia
• "cocaine bugs" -- the sensation of insects crawling under the skin

Long-term use can also destroy nasal tissue, impair sexual function, and lead to risk of needle-related infections such as AIDS, Hepatitis, and Endocarditis among those who inject the drug.

There is a risk of overdose, as well, which can bring about death by respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, seizures, or hemorrhage.

Cocaine also produces a strong psychological dependence. Its effect on the brain is such that it can produce strong cravings for the drug immediately upon decline of the effects.

WHEN TO GET HELP

• Do you use cocaine regularly?
• Do you freebase or inject cocaine?
• Do you use it in the morning or at regular intervals?
• Do you lie about how much cocaine you use?
• Are you spending more on cocaine than you can afford?
• Are you having problems at work or school or with family and friends?
• Do you try to "buy" friendship or companionship with cocaine?

Answering "yes" to just one question could mean that you have a problem with cocaine.

Fact: Cocaine may be the most addictive drug of all.

Other Resources

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Indiana Prevention Resource Center's