Illegal Drugs - Teacher Booklet

26 effects of cocaine When snorted or injected, cocaine quickly produces an intense ‘rush’. This feeling or ‘high’ doesn’t last very long — usually around 30–45 minutes if snorted. Cocaine is produced from the leaves of the Erthroxylon coca plant , and comes in three main forms: • A paste which is often off-white or light brown • A powder which is often white or off-white • A white or off-white crystal rock known as crack cocaine In Australia, cocaine is most commonly in powder form which is often used by snorting. As with all powder drugs, it is often sold ‘cut’ (mixed) with other white powder substances which can sometimes be harmful in their own right. Cocaine is also known as coke, blow, charlie, C, dust, flake, nose candy, snow, white, crack, rock, and freebase. cocaine Effects of cocaine vary, but may include: what is it ? It started off only occasionally . But soon I was taking cocaine in the morning just to get through the day . My friends stopped talking to me . my girlfriend left me and I had to steal from my own family just to pay for drugs . —Francis, 17 immediate long term • Dilated (enlarged) pupils • Irregular heart beat • Reduced appetite • Increased energy and confidence • Feeling of euphoria (a ‘high’) • Nausea and vomiting • Anxiety and panic attacks • A ‘comedown’ or crash (see glossary) • Aggressive behaviour • Headaches and dizziness • Twitches and tremors • Insomnia • Paranoia (feeling extremely suspicious and frightened) • Hallucinations (e.g. seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) • Delusions (strong beliefs that do not reflect reality) • Psychosis (see glossary) • Overdose • Dependence (addiction) • Nasal and sinus problems including damage to the nasal septum • Depression • Heart damage • Lung problems • Kidney failure • Increased risk of strokes and seizures