Cocaine

Cocaine is not a commonly used drug in Australia, with only 4.4% of people having tried it and 0.4% of people being current users of the drug (1). It can, however, have strong effects that can highly alter a users ability to perform tasks, and it is highly addictive. It is most commonly used by people between the ages of 20-29.

Cocaine hydrochloride is derived from the leaves of the Coca bush. It is usually either a fine white/cream powder or in small rock like forms ("crack" cocaine). It is taken by sniffing or snorting, injecting and smoking.

Common names for Cocaine include Coke, C, Crack, rock, snow, blow and freebase.

The short term effects of taking Cocaine include:

A short high - usually 15-30 minutes if the cocaine is snorted, or 5-10 minutes after smoking the Cocaine.
Cocaine is a powerful Central Nervous System stimulant. It is rapidly absorbed and transmitted to the brain, causing an intense and immediate high typified by hyper-stimulation, reduced fatigue and mental clarity.
Some users report restlessness, irritability and anxiety.
Poor concentration and judgement.
Inhibition of normal feelings of tiredness.
Constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils and increased temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.

The long term effects of using Cocaine can be:

Paranoia, psychosis and hallucinations
Unpredictable and aggressive behaviour
Insomnia
Depression and anxiety upon withdrawal from taking the drug
Ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose and can damage the nasal septum and cause it to collapse.
Smoking can cause lung damage, coughing and chest pain, and injecting can cause damage to the veins, tetanus, abscesses and damage to the heart, lungs, liver and brain, and can potentially lead to contracting hepatitis and HIV.
Many cocaine/amphetamine users also use benzodiazepines in conjunction so as to get to sleep after drug use.
Usually a Cocaine user will take 12 hours to 3 days to test negative to a drug test after ceasing use.

Cocaine Chemical Structure