Cocaine is a short-action, powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is the active ingredient of the coca plant and is available in several forms for different types of consumption. While all drugs are dangerous and involve a health risk to the user, the degrees of health risk for the use and abuse of cocaine vary according to the form of the drug, the way it enters the body, and even the personality of the individual.

Cocaine produces a quick-acting euphoria which peaks and then dissipates rapidly. The euphoria from cocaine resembles the effect produced by the direct stimulation of the “reward centers” of the brain. But what goes up must come down. With cocaine, the higher the high, the lower the low. This state is characterized by a “let-down” feeling, dullness and tenseness.

Cocaine can be absorbed through any mucous membrane or injected directly into the blood. Most cocaine users sniff it through the nose (a mucous membrane) and it reaches the brain in three minutes; if injected, 15 seconds; if smoked, seven seconds. The faster the drug gets to your brain, the more extreme the effects. Smoking cocaine is the riskiest way to use the drug.

“Smokeable” cocaine has become popular in the last several years and produces the most rapid and profound high of any form of cocaine. It seems that everything about this form of cocaine is concentrated and extreme. The short, intense high lasts only 1-2 minutes followed by a 5-20 minute period of less pleasurable hyperexcitability. This is followed by such an intense low that users will often continue using the drug until the supply runs out to ward off the inevitable depression which follows. The health hazards of using cocaine in this form are greatly increased. Cocaine smokers appear the most likely of all cocaine users to overdose. In the first quarter of 1984 only 1.9 percent of cocaine-related emergency room cases were for people who smoked the drug. In 1985 this number jumped to 10.1 percent and in 1986 to 14.5 percent. Nearly 3/4 of calls to the National Cocaine Hotline from people who smoke cocaine say that the experience has becme more important to them than food, sex, their jobs and their families.

While the immediate but short-lived experience with cocaine smoking may be quite pleasurable, it may also produce anxiety and confusion. In addition, lung damage, convulsions and overdose are more likely to occur when smoking cocaine.

It is important that users as well as those with them know the signs and symptoms of an overdose. A person should stop taking the drug and/or remove it from people showing the following symptoms: 1) Not in control, nor aware of their condition. They tremble a lot and say everything is fine, but they can’t stop moving. 2) Extremely nervous, irritable and belligerent. 3) Excessively cold or unnaturally pale. 4) Nauseated: throws up or tries to throw up. Seek medical aid immediately if the person: 1) passes out. 2) Has a seizure or convulsion. 3) Is disoriented: Not knowing who or where they are. 4) Is hallucinating, babbling incoherently, hysterical or jumping up and down uncontrollably. 5) Has a pulse rate of 140 beats a minute or more. Even when showing signs of overdose, the person may want to continue using cocaine, so it is important to remove the drug at first sign of overdose.

Like alcohol and other drugs, not everyone who uses cocaine will become dependent on it. Some use it only once out of curiousity, others use it only very occasionally. But because the biochemical mechanisms of cocaine dependence are not understood, no one can predict who among casual users will become dependent and who will not. Cocaine smoking is dangerous. Its potential for abuse and physical or psychological problems is significant.

For more information about cocaine or where to go if you think you may have a cocaine related problem, contact Health Enhancement Services 753-9755 or the Illinois Cocaine Hotline at 1-800-445-COKE.