Cocaine

Cocaine, commonly called coke, is a powerfully addictive illegal stimulant that directly affects the brain. Adverse effects can be short or long-term. With prolonged use, cocaine may cause serious brain changes and medical conditions.

Slang terms include:

• Coke
• Crack
• White Girl
• Blow
• Snow
• Candy Cane
• Crystal
• Big C
• C-dust
• Bubble Gum
• Sip
• Pearl

How is cocaine used?
Crack is a powder form of cocaine that can be freebased, or smoked, while the water-soluble form of cocaine can be snorted or injected. Users sometimes mix cocaine and heroin or morphine for a dangerous  “speedball.” Others use it with alcohol for a combination upper/downer.

Signs of usage and effects of cocaine include:

• Euphoria
• Excitement
• Sociability
• Energy
• If snorted, nasal passages can be dried and user sniffs often
• Strokes
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia
• Low blood pressure
• Coma

Withdrawal from cocaine can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe headaches

Long-term effects:

• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia