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Cocaine

{Coke, Charlie, Snow, Crack Rock}

Avoid alcohol

Using cocaine and alcohol at the same time leads to the formation of cocaethylene, which is very harmful to your heart and liver, and increases your risk of sudden death.

1

Test it

Cocaine is often cut with other substances which can be toxic or increase your risk of overdose. Test it.

2

Be hygienic

Avoid sharing anything you use to take cocaine. Try to use a clean surface as well. Use a clean straw instead of a rolled up bill to snort.

3

Cocaine, or ‘coke’, is the second most consumed recreational drug worldwide, second only to cannabis. It’s a stimulant drug extracted from the leaves of the coca south american plant, Erythroxylon coca (E. coca). Cocaine gives you a euphoric feeling and lots of energy but also highly addictive and can be dangerous for your body.

In many native South American tribes, coca leaves have traditionally been consumed to provide an energy boost or in response to sickness, and even used for ceremonies or religious reasons. It even started being used as an anaesthetic during surgery in the late 19th century.

Cocaine is most commonly snorted as a powder, but can also be injected, or smoked, in crack rock form. Duration and intensity of effects vary depending on how you take it, as well as the potential for abuse.

It’s often mixed with cornstarch, talcum powder or flour to increase profits for dealers. Cocaine is also sometimes mixed with other drugs such as amphetamine, levamisole or synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can have dire consequences.

References: Drugabuse.gov; Medline

Bibliography

Effects

Dose and onset

Interactions

Harm reduction

The Law

Common substitutes and adulterants

Risks

Dangerous conditions

More information