Also known as coke, crack, blow, Charlie, C, pepsi, cola, Vitamin C, dust, flake, nose candy, white lady, toot, snow, white dust, white, crack, rock, freebase, okey doke, AKA
Cocaine is a stimulant drug. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. The different types are:
How it is used
Cocaine is usually snorted but can be rubbed into the gums, added to food and drinks, or injected. Freebase cocaine is smoked, and crack is smoked or injected.
Effects of cocaine
Effects depend on the person (age, weight, size, health and tolerance), as well as the strength, the amount used and if it is used with other drugs, including alcohol. When smoking or snorting (effects are felt within 2 to 3 minutes), gumming (1 to 2 hours), injecting (within 5 minutes). As it wears off, “comedown” effects can last 2 to 3 days.
Short-term effects, both desired and undesired, may include…
Long-term effects may include…
Effects from overdosing: irrational, agitated, aggressive, paranoia, nausea and vomiting, headache, heart pain, seizures, bleeding in the brain, kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, unconscious, death.
If a person is experiencing an overdose or is unresponsive call 000 for an ambulance. If unconscious, put them in the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR. Paramedics won’t involve police unless the person is a danger to themselves or others.
How long does cocaine stay in your system?
Depends on use and person. Generally, “high” effects last 15 to 30 minutes and then start to wear off. Lingering effects may be felt up to 4 hours. It can be detected in urine 2 to 3 days, blood and saliva up to 2 days and hair up to 3 months.
There is no safe way to use cocaine. There will always be a health risk. The only way to be safe is not to use. If you choose to use, the following will help reduce risk:
Before: take a friend and tell them what you plan on using, plan how to get home (to avoid driving under the influence), use new equipment. Injecting is not recommended, though if choosing to inject, get your own clean, sharp syringe and find a clean location.
During: go slow, start with a low dose then wait to see effects before having a bit more, know and keep to your limits. Safely dispose of syringes.
Avoid: using cocaine with other drugs, including alcohol, using too much, too often and needle or equipment sharing. While using don’t be alone, don’t drive or do risky activities or be responsible for the care of others.
It may be a problem if you agree with any of these statements:
It is illegal to use, possess, make or sell cocaine in Australia.
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