Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects
include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate,
respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a
stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous
membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can
cause AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Preparation of freebase,
which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or
injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and
physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without
the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly.
Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are
felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils,
increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of
appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures.
The use of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain's control
of the heart and respiration.
Type What is What does it How is
it called? look like? it used?
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Cocaine Coke White crystalline Inhaled
Snow powder, often through
Flake diluted with nasal
White other ingredients passages
Blow Injected
Nose Candy Smoked
Big C
Snowbirds
Lady
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Crack or Crack Light brown or Smoked
cocaine Freebase rocks beige pellets--or
Rock crystalline rocks
that resemble coagulated
soap; often packaged
in small vials
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