Things to know about cocaine

Dose

Sudden death is rare but possible: it's more common with large doses, although low doses can be fatal if a user has a sensitivity to the drug.

The down side

After taking cocaine the ‘come down’ (or crash) symptoms include:

• feeling rough
• tiredness
• low mood
• agitation
• craving more of the drug.

Problem use

As the cocaine hit is short-lived and the body builds up a tolerance, users often can't help taking it repeatedly and in greater amounts, trying to get the same rush they enjoyed on their first hit.

Cocaine can be highly addictive for some people and cause long-term changes to the function of the nervous system and brain. Damage to pleasure receptors can stop users being able to feel truly happy.

Rubbing coke into the arse will numb it and cause irritation, making it easier to pick up or pass on infections.

Cocaine binges can lead to:

• restlessness
• paranoia
• anxiety
• panic attacks
• hallucinations.

Excessive use can damage the lining of the nose and septum, which is the fleshy bridge between nostrils.

The cost of spiralling cocaine use can bankrupt heavy users.

At risk

As the drug pushes up body temperature, makes the heart beat harder and raises blood pressure, it can be fatal if taken by people with high blood pressure or (sometimes undiagnosed) heart conditions.

In healthy individuals coke often causes irregular heart beat and chest pain. Cocaine users have a far higher rate of heart attack than non-users. It's also linked to seizures, stroke and sudden death.

Research appears to show that sharing straws and bank notes when snorting might possibly spread viruses that are carried in blood if tiny amounts of blood pass from the lining of one person's nose to another; these include hepatitis C. There's no evidence HIV is being spread this way.

Injecting cocaine carries risks of skin abscesses, blood poisoning, heart infections and, if sharing injecting equipment, HIV, hepatitis C and other infections.

Mixing

With anti-depressants

Coke taken when on some anti-depressants can cause Serotonin Syndrome, which is a potentially dangerous interaction. Find out more about Serotonin Syndrome on the page about Using drugs. Drug cocktails/Tips/alcohol and ecstacy

With alcohol

Taking alcohol and cocaine together increases the bad effects of both, and the risk of sudden death. It gives the illusion of feeling sober when over the limit. Both drugs combine in the liver to make cocaethylene, a toxin that damages the brain, liver and heart and is the reason for increased risk of death among those taking cocaine with alcohol.

With heroin

Injecting cocaine and heroin (a ‘speedball’) is the most dangerous drug-related thing someone can do.

With stimulants

Coke with other stimulants, such as speed, crystal and E, but also Viagra-type drugs, puts extra pressure on the heart and circulation, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

With HIV medications

As they're processed by the body in different ways there are no known dangerous interactions between cocaine and HIV medications.

The law

Cocaine is a Class A drug.

Penalties

The penalty for possession is up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The penalty for intending to supply, including giving to friends, is up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine

More information and support

For help and advice concerning drugs see the page of Useful info and support in the Power room on this website.

Cocaine Anonymous

For users of cocaine or crack
Telephone: 0800 612 0225 (10am to 10pm, seven days a week)
www.cauk.org.uk