Cocaine (COC)

What is it?

Cocaine comes from the coca plant processed into powdered and crystal forms. This substance is highly addictive and produces an intense high or pleasurable state of mind when ingested in any form. Despite this high, the drawbacks are severe, resulting in serious health concerns that may even cause death. [1][2]

Common names include: 

  • Coke
  • Racehorse Charlie
  • Charlie
  • Crack 

 

What are the health risks or effects?

Short Term:

  • Alertness
  • Energy
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Convulsions
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Reduced appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Violent behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Irritability
  • Nervousness






Long Term:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Arrythmia
  • Seizures
  • Weight Loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Aggressive paranoid behavior
  • Destruction of nasal tissue
  • Dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep problems
  • Higher risk for HIV/AIDS
  • Respiratory complications[3]







How is it used?

Cocaine may be inhaled (snorted), smoked or injected into the bloodstream. In its powdered form, it can either be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. In the crystal form (crack), it is heated to release vapors that enter the lungs. The high that accompanies the use of the drug differs with the method of use. The feel-good effects are stronger but shorter with smoking and injecting of the drug since it enters the body faster. By snorting it, the high is longer but weaker in strength.[4]

 

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[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cocaine.html

[2] http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/cocaine-use-and-its-effects

[3] http://www.drugabuse.ca/cocaine

[4] http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine[4][3][2][3][3][3][3][4][4][4][4]