Cocaine Facts and Description

Science

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Updated August 26, 2018

Cocaine is benzoylmethylecgonine, a crystalline alkaloid from the coca plant. It acts as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, and anesthetic. Crack cocaine is another form of cocaine, a derivative of cocaine hydrochloride. Here are some useful cocaine facts and answers to common questions:

What Does Cocaine Look Like?

Powdered cocaine is a fine white powder. Street cocaine is cut with other substances to increase profit, so its appearance may be slightly different, depending on the type of impurity.

How Is Powdered Cocaine Used?

Powdered cocaine is most commonly snorted through the nose, though it may be dissolved in water and injected. Snorted cocaine produces a high within 3-5 minutes after use. Injected cocaine produces an effect within 15-30 seconds. Crack cocaine usually is smoked.

Why Do People Use Cocaine?

Cocaine is used because it produces euphoria, is a stimulant, suppresses appetite, and can be used as a pain reliever. It is highly addictive and leads to tolerance sometimes after one use, so increasing doses of cocaine are needed to achieve a high.

What Are the Effects of Cocaine Use?

Users typically feel a 'rush' followed by a sense of alertness and well-being. Cocaine increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and increased movement. When the pleasant effects of cocaine wear off users may feel 'down' or depressed, more than before taking the drug.

Some users report being unable to duplicate the intensity of the first exposure with subsequent use. The stimulant effects of cocaine can lead users to feel anxious, restless, and irritable.

What Are the Risks of Using Cocaine?

Cocaine is highly addictive. Cocaine users are at risk for dangerously elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, risk of seizure, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Injecting cocaine can involve a risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne diseases.