Cocaine

As a stimulant drug, cocaine speeds up the body’s functions.

Definition: Cocaine is a stimulant drug which is made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is often mixed with a range of other substances (which can have harmful effects) to dilute it and make it go further.

Cocaine generally comes in a white, crystal-like powder form.

Cocaine with a lower purity is referred to as ‘freebase’.

Crack cocaine refers to crystals which range in colour from white to pink or yellow. Crack cocaine is less common in Australia.

Other nicknames for cocaine include: coke, cola, blow, dust, crack, freebase, nose candy, snow.

Effects:
The list of effects on this website are not definitive or exhaustive.

The effects of cocaine can include:

• faster heart rate
• acting out of character, doing things you might not normally do or may regret
• feeling energetic or alert
• feeling numb
• dilated pupils
• moving around quicker and more frequently than normal
• taking more risks than usual
• reduced appetite
• headaches
• restlessness
• change in sex drive
• aggressiveness
• nosebleeds or sinus problems from snorting
• complications from injecting
• dizziness
• psychosis
• dependence
• heart attack
• overdose
• death

Drug use can have a range of social consequences and can have impact not only on an individual, but also their relationships and their work or study. Drug use can cause financial issues, family problems and can also have legal consequences.

If you are concerned about your own or another person’s drug use we encourage you to seek professional help and assistance.

There are always risks associated with drug use. No use at all is the safest option.

Further information and support:

If you suspect an overdose call triple zero (000) immediately.

In an emergency or crisis situation always call triple zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance and follow instructions.