Cocaine

Commonly known as blow, coke, snow, nose candy, toot and many other names, is a highly potent and addictive stimulant. It is produced from the leaves of the coca plant; most cocaine in the United States is smuggled in from South American countries. It can be snorted, injected, or (when in the form of crack cocaine) smoked. Cocaine comes in the form of a white powder. Crack cocaine looks like an off-white or white rock or chunk. Crack cocaine is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. The term "crack" comes from the crackling sound of the rock as it is burned. Cocaine is often "cut" with other substances that have similar physical appearances to artificially increase weight thus increasing the dealer's profits.

The immediate effect of cocaine is euphoria that includes hyper-stimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental clarity which only lasts about five to thirty minutes. Other effects that occur are decreased appetite, excessive activity, sleeplessness, irritability, nervousness, agitation, and argumentative behavior. As doses increase, cocaine can cause a loss of coordination, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, and seizures. Because cocaine is a stimulant that raises the heart rate, it can cause other effects related to high blood pressure including: disturbances in heart rhythm, increased respiratory rate, chest pains, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure. Regardless of frequency of use a user may have a heart attack or stroke which may lead to death. There is an added and increased danger when alcohol is used along with cocaine. Any drug that is injected comes with the risk of HIV infection/AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases that are spread when equipment is shared.

For more information on Cocaine visit these sites:

• Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Recovery Connection
• Street Drugs
• Partnership for a Drug Free America