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Cocaine
Name: Cocaine
Street name: Coke, C, Big C, Crack
Appearance: Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca bush. The leaf extract is processed to produce three different forms of cocaine. Firstly, cocaine hydrochloride, a fine white powder. Secondly, freebase, a white powder that is purer with less impurity than cocaine hydrochloride. Thirdly, crack, crystals ranging in colour from white or cream to transparent with a pink or yellow hue.
Medical Use: Cocaine was once used as an anesthetic agent. Nowadays, other safer synthetic compounds have replaced cocaine as anesthetics.
Category: Cocaine is a strong stimulant drug.
Method of use: User primarily administer cocaine by inhalation. Cocaine can also be heated and smoked. It has the street name ‘crack’ because it makes a cracking or popping sound when heated.
Effects of Cocaine
Effects of cocaine vary from person to person depending on factors such as dosage, the way it is used, characteristics of the user, mood, previous experience with the drug and the setting.
Short-Term Effects
- A decrease in appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Talking more;
- Sleeplessness;
- Irritability and agitation;
- Narrowing of the blood vessels;
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Long-Term Effects
- Damaged nasal mucous membrane;
- A decrease in appetite and weight;
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety and mood swings;
- Depression;
- High blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases;
- Damaged respiratory system;
- A decrease in sex drive;
- Hallucinations or delusions;
- Addiction and psychological dependence.
For detailed information, please refer to the following websites:
Narcotics Division, Security Bureau: Anti-drug Information and Resources
Narcotics Division, Security Bureau: Anti-drug Resources for Teachers and Social Workers
https://www.nd.gov.hk
Hong Kong Police Force: Types of Drugs
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