Cocaine

- Coke, Charlie, Blow, Crack, White -

Upper (stimulating substance) and local anaesthetic

White crystalline powder (cocaine hydrochloride)

::: Cocaine is usually snorted, but can also be injected.
Crack and freebase are chemically processed cocaine products which can be smoked.

Cocaine

Cocaine acts as a positive reinforcer. It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, resulting in a higher concentration of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Feelings of hunger, tiredness and capacity for pain are suppressed. The effect can be euphoric, mood brightening, anxiety reducing, sexually stimulating and can enhance concentration and productivity. However, the more frequently taken, the more the health problems increase.

Cocaine

Effects kick in after ca 2-3 mins (nasal) and last around 30-90 mins (much shorter with frequent consume).

Traceable for up to 3 days (in blood) and 3 weeks (in urine).

Cocaine

» Effects «

Side Effects: increase in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Cardiac arrhythmias, restlessness, chest pain, sleeplessness, increase in aggression, disorientation, delusions possible.

Particularly risky: cardiac problems and anomalies, high blood pressure, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, depression, anxiety & panic attacks, schizophrenia, diabetes, asthma, liver and kidney disease. Cocaine covers up the effects of other drugs (e.g. alcohol, MDMA) and increases the toxicity - the danger of poisoning is increased.

Cocaine

» Possible Complications/
POssible Consequences «

Possible complications: nose bleeds, cramping, anxiety, paranoia. A large overdose can lead to heart attack, stroke or organ failure.

Possible consequences / after effects: proneness to infections, depressed mood, sexual dysfunction, risk of developing a dependency. Damage to the heart and other organs. Significant damage to the septum with long term nasal use.

Cocaine

Safer Use

Inform yourself as much as possible about your supply & use drug checking if available.

The potency of cocaine can have huge variations. Work up slowly to the effective dose. Wait at least 30 mins before topping up your dose!

Cocaine

Safer Use

Set yourself a limit for every session. Take smaller lines each time – acute overdoses happen primarily from injecting, but can also happen from repeatedly taking lines.

Crush up the cocaine as small as possible and use a clean and disinfected surface and your own snorting pipe or one use paper (no bank notes!).

Avoid mixing with alcohol and other uppers, or substances that increase blood pressure!

Make sure you get enough water and minerals. If you do drink alcohol, keep it to a minimum.

Get enough sleep and take it easy, wait a while before your next session.

Cocaine

Safer Use

Get help, if you or someone else needs it! Staff and emergency services are there to help you!

No drug taking is risk-free.

SONAR stands for promoting health and minimising the risks associated with taking drugs.

CoCaine

Further Reading

>>> DrugScouts Kokain-Info (german)

>>> Infoblatt Kokain-Streckmittel von saferparty.ch (german)

>>> SnowControl - Online-Programm zur Kokain-Reduktion (confidential. anonymous. in german)

>>> Erowid Cocaine vault (engl.)