What are cocaine and crack?
Cocaine is a drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a white crystalline powder that can be snorted, smoked or injected. Crack is a purified form of cocaine that looks like small white chunks, or rocks. Cocaine and crack are powerfully addictive stimulants that can cause serious side effects.
Street names:
Big C, Blow, Bump, Coke, Nose Candy, Rock, Snow, Yayo
Did you know?
- Combining cocaine and alcohol increases the risk of seizure and congestive heart failure.
- Smoking crack cocaine can lead to extremely aggressive, paranoid behavior.
Dangerous because:
- Use can increase heart rate and high blood pressure, and can lead to heart attack, stroke, seizures and, in rare cases, sudden death.
- Snorting cocaine can lead to the loss of the sense of smell, burned nasal membranes, sores in the nose, and nosebleeds.
- Users may feel restless and irritable, and can experience increased anxiety and vivid nightmares. Long-term use can lead to paranoia and aggression.
Signs of use:
- Sniffing
- Nosebleeds
- Sneezing
- Nervousness, restlessness, and agitation
- High energy
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
