Science, Tech, Math › Science Facts About Cocaine Share Flipboard Email Print Jeremy Horner / Getty Images Science Chemistry Medical Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated July 03, 2019 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. Where Does Cocaine Come From? Cocaine is derived from a paste from the coca plant, a species that grows in South America. Street Names for Cocaine BlowCNose CandyPowderNose PowderWhite PowderAspirinAuntBirdie PowderBolivian Marching PowderBouncing PowderCandy SugarDevil's DandruffFast White LadyFlakeFlaveFoolish PowderFriskie PowderJoy PowderMarching PowderParibaPowder DiamondsShakeShrileSnowballSoftStar-Spangled PowderSugar BoogersUptownWhite BoyWhite DragonYao