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FACTS ABOUT COCAINE

1. Coca leaves-- the source of cocaine-- produce mild stimulation when chewed, but when purified, are much more potent and can be both addictive and dangerous.

2. Cocaine is sold as a street drug in the U.S and is often adulterated. It can be snorted, smoked or used intravenously (IV).

3. It is a short acting drug with an effect of a little over an hour but as the users become more tolerant or addicted they may use it every 10 to 30 minutes.

4. The first time cocaine is used, it gives a person the highest high they have ever felt. After that, users keep trying to get that high again. “Chasing the high” is a term used to describe the attempts to get that same feeling again.

5. It increases the blood pressure and pulse greatly depending on the dose. This may cause heart attacks, strokes and seizures (convulsions).

6. Excessive stimulation of the brain may cause anger, anxiety, psychosis (inability to know reality). This may result in crimes such as murder and domestic violence.

7. Cocaine causes depression of appetite with malnutrition and severe weight loss.

8. I.V use from contaminated needles or drug may cause AIDS, abscesses, hepatitis B or C and infections within the heart.

9. When a pregnant woman uses cocaine, it may result in a malnourished baby with low birth weight.

10. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, depression, craving and intense hunger.

11. Depression can be life threatening. It may result in suicide. Paranoia is also common with prolonged use.