Cocaine is an extremely powerful stimulant that speeds up heartbeat, breathing and brain activity. Derived from the leaves of the coca plant grown in the mountains of South America, cocaine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. During the early stages of use, the drug produces a state of euphoria with feelings of energy, confidence and mental alertness. As use increases, negative effects intensify, including restlessness, agitation, irritability and paranoia. The highs are no longer intense and are coupled with increasing levels of depression, which results in stronger cravings for more of the drug to achieve the elusive high that the body is no longer able to produce.
Brand or Common Names:
Cocaine
Slang Terms:
Bump, Toot, "C," Coke, Flake, Snow, Candy, Crack
Medical Uses:
Most Medical Uses Are Obsolete Due to Safer Drugs Now Available
Duration of Effects:
1 to 2 hours
Possible Effects:
Increased Alertness, Excitation, Euphoria, Increased Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Loss of Appetite, Addiction, Death
Methods of Use:
Oral, Injected, Smoked, Snorted
Effects of Overdose:
Agitation, Increase in Body Temperature, Hallucinations, Convulsions, Memory Loss, Extreme Anorexia, Respiratory Failure, Stroke, Heart Attack, Death
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Apathy, Long Periods of Sleep, Irritability, Depression, Disorientation, Suicidal Ideation, Nasal Discharge, Runny Nose, Tremors