Cocaine & Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that produces quick and temporary increase in energy. Chronic use of cocaine results in tolerance, meaning that the user must take higher and higher doses to experience the same effects. Cocaine can produce strong psychological and physical dependence, leading to compulsive patterns of use. The dependency to cocaine is said to be more powerful than any other psychoactive drug.
“Crack” cocaine is a smokable form of cocaine. It is made by adding baking soda to cocaine and allowing the mixture to dry. The solution is boiled, and a solid substance (“crack”) separates from the boiling mixture. Once dried, it is separated into rocks.
Slang
C, coke, snow, flake, nose candy, blow, big C, lady, snowbirds, and white.
How it works
Cocaine interferes with the reabsortion process of dopamine, a chemical messenger associated with pleasure and movement. Cocaine can be sniffed through the nose (hydrochloride), smoked (freebase) or even injected. It can also be absorbed through other mucous membranes like the mouth. Smoking allows for extremely high doses of the drug to reach the brain quickly and brings an intense and immediate high. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while the high from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes.
Side effects
- Feeling of euphoria
- High energy and alertness
- Talkativeness
- Rapid heart beat and breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability
- Nervousness or agitation
- Hangover-type feeling including feelings of depression, extreme tiredness, and congested nose
In large doses side effects include:
- Severe agitation
- Paranoia
- Erratic or violent behaviour
- Tremors, twitching and loss of coordination
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Chest pain or pressure
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Perspiration
- Muscle spasms
- Respiratory failure
- Convulsions
- Can result in death
Long term effects
Chronic users usually take high-doses because of their high level of tolerance to the drug. They often alternate cocaine binges with periods of abstinence. This may result in:
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Sleep disorders
- Suspiciousness/paranoia
- Hallucinations/delusions
- Eating disorders
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Impotence
- Nasal congestion
- Chapped nostrils
- Perforation of nasal septum
Long term cocaine use is also associated with cardiac arrhythmias, strokes, seizures and sudden death. Those who inject cocaine are also at major risk for contracting HIV and hepatitis.
Facts
- Symptoms of cocaine overdose include increase in body temperature, hallucinations and convulsions. Someone with these symptoms should go to the closest emergency room immediately.
- The effects of cocaine on a person are unpredictable. It is different for everyone.
- Street cocaine can contain many impurities that may result in fatal allergic reactions.
- Withdrawal symptoms can result, including exhaustion, extended and restless sleep, strong hunger, irritability and depression.
- Cocaine use during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. Babies may be born underweight.
(Source: Health Canada)
Laws
In Canada, cocaine is governed under by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, under Schedule I. Unlawful possession of the drug is a criminal offence. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export are also criminal offences.
Where to go for help
For more information on cocaine or crack cocaine, please talk to your family doctor or your school counsellor. You can also check out the Health Canada website or the links below.
Links
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Streetdrugs.org – Crack
Drugs.com – Cocaine
National Institute on Drug Abuse (US)
MEDLINEplus Health Information
National Anti-Drug Strategy