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