Cocaine (hydrochloride) is a highly addictive drug which acts as a short lived central nervous system stimulant and local anaesthetic.

It’s extracted from the leaves of coca plants and is generally snorted. Crack cocaine is the smokeable form of the drug and comes as crystals known as rocks or stones. Crack and cocaine powder can be injected but this is very risky and is associated with many harms.

Mixing can be dangerous

Using alcohol and cocaine together can be dangerous, as they mix together in the body to produce a toxic chemical, called cocaethylene. This affects the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of overdose.

Dependency and harm

Longer term effects of using cocaine can include:

• dependency
• damage to the heart
• depression
• anxiety
• paranoia
• poor sleeping patterns
• impotence
• malnutrition due to suppressed appetite.

Longer term use can make it difficult to manage your mental health and can worsen existing mental health conditions. If someone is experiencing difficulties with their physical or mental health, it is important they try to reduce or stop use and seek help.

Sorting cocaine can damage the tissues in the nostrils, sometimes causing holes in the septum, the cartilage between your nostrils.   Smoking cocaine can cause damage to the lips, mouth and lungs.

Injecting cocaine can lead to needle-related injuries, infections and, in extreme cases, amputation of limbs.