Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coco plant. Cocaine is either "snorted" through the nasal passages or injected intravenously. Users call it by a variety of names, including C, coke, blow, toot, nose candy, snow, flake and The Lady. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which tend to give an illusion of limitless power and energy that leaves the user feeling depressed, edgy and craving more. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically altered so that it can be smoked. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that these drugs dominate all aspects of an addicts life.Cocaine and crack use has been a contributing factor in a number of drownings, car crashes, falls, burns, and suicides.
Myth: Crack and Cocaine enhance sexual pleasure.
Physical Risks
Increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature
Heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure
Hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles
Brain Seizures
Reduction of the body's ability to resist and combat infection
Fact: Addicts often become unable to function sexually.
Psychological Risks
Violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior
Hallucinations and "coke bugs" - a sensation of imaginary insects crawling over your skin
Confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food and sex
"Cocaine psychosis" - losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies, and other activities
For Poisoning Emergencies Call 1-800-222-1222 V/TTY
