COCAINE

Cocaine is a naturally occurring drug that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Users call it by a variety of names, including coke, C, snow, blow, toot, nose candy, flake and "The Lady." It is either "snorted" through the nose or injected into the vein. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which give a fleeting feeling of energy. It can make the user feel less hungry and more powerful, or self-confident. Later, the user feels depressed, edgy, and craving more as the drug wears off.

Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically changed so that it can be smoked. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. When crack is smoked, the drug rushes into the person's body and is in the brain in seconds. This causes a very intense high that lasts only a short while. Cocaine addiction can ruin physical and mental health. Use of these drugs negatively affects all aspects of an addict's life.

Cocaine use increases the risk of:

heart attack and rapid heart rates
seizures and stroke
AIDS, hepatitis, and infections of the skin, heart valves, and blood
dangerous or fatal temperature elevation and
premature birth or death of infants that are born to mothers who use cocaine

The signs and symptoms of using cocaine or other stimulants include:

agitation and irritability
rapid speech
difficulty concentrating and
nasal congestion or runny nose

If you or a loved one is using cocaine, get help. Consult with your healthcare provider or with the Employee Assistance Program where you work. Call Cocaine Anonymous at 800-347-8998. For more information, call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 800-NCA-CALL, or 800-622-2255.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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