Cocaine

How is cocaine used?

Cocaine hydrochloride is most commonly snorted.⁴ It can also be injected and rubbed into the gums.² If cocaine is snorted, the effects can be felt in approximately 1-10 minutes and last for around 90 minutes.

Freebase and crack cocaine are usually smoked.^2,3

Indigenous people of South America have traditionally chewed the leaves of the coca bush for their stimulant and appetite suppressant effects.^1,2

Effects of cocaine

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Cocaine affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch).

You may experience:

• happiness and confidence
• talking more
• feeling energetic and alert
• anxiety
• paranoia
• irritability and agitation
• headaches
• dizziness
• feeling physically strong and mentally sharp
• reduced appetite
• dry mouth
• enlarged (dilated) pupils
• higher blood pressure and faster heartbeat and breathing
• higher body temperature
• increased sex drive
• insomnia
• unpredictable, violent or aggressive behaviour
• indifference to pain.⁴

Overdose

If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone else has any of these symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police):

• nausea and vomiting
• extreme anxiety
• chest pain
• panic
• extreme agitation and paranoia
• hallucinations
• tremors
• breathing irregularities
• kidney failure
• seizures
• stroke
• heart problems.^2,8

High doses and frequent heavy use can also cause ‘cocaine psychosis’, characterised by paranoia, hallucinations, unusual thoughts and out of character/behaviour.⁴ These symptoms usually disappear a few days or weeks after the person stops using cocaine.⁴

Injecting cocaine can increase the risk of:

• overdose
• tetanus
• infection
• vein damage.

Sharing needles increases the risk of:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS.

Coming down

In the days after cocaine use, you may feel:

• irritability and paranoia
• mood swings
• feeling uncomfortable
• exhaustion.⁴

Long-term effects

Regular use of cocaine may eventually cause:

• dependence
• lung conditions such as bronchitis
• anxiety, paranoia and psychosis
• sexual dysfunction
• kidney failure
• stroke
• seizures
• hypertension and irregular heartbeat
• heart disease and death.^{4, 5}

Snorting cocaine regularly can also cause:

• runny nose and nose bleeds
• nose infection
• damage to the tissue separating the nostrils (nasal septum)
• loss of sense of smell.⁴

Withdrawal

Giving up cocaine after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Please seek advice from a health professional.

Phases of withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms usually start around 6-12 hours after the last use.

Withdrawal usually happens in three phases:

• Crash – feelings of depression or anxiety, cocaine cravings, extreme tiredness (experienced in the first few days)
• Withdrawal – cocaine cravings, lack of energy, anxiety, agitation, disturbed sleep,and an inability to feel pleasure (can last for several weeks)
• Extinction – withdrawal symptoms can occur over several months, gradually subsiding).⁴

Mixing cocaine with other drugs

Mixing cocaine with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• Cocaine and psilocybin/LSD/cannabis: can intensify anxiety, paranoia, confusion, or thought loops.
• Cocaine and opioids/GHB/GBL: can increase the risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest.
• Cocaine and methamphetamine: can increase the risk of heart strain.
• Cocaine and ketamine: can impair thinking, coordination and increase blood pressure depending on amount taken.
• Cocaine and alcohol: can feel less intoxicated due to the stimulant effect of cocaine and lead to drinking more.
• Cocaine and MDMA: increases the risk of heart strain, heart attack and psychosis. Cocaine can also reduce desirable effects of MDMA.

Reducing harm

There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using cocaine:

• If snorting crush to a fine powder as crystals can cause cuts.
• To protect your nose, rinse with water before and after.
• To reduce the transmission of viruses like HIV or Hep C, avoid using money notes instead use your own straw or a disposable one.
• Regularly snorting cocaine can damage your nose, it’s a good idea to switch nostrils or have a break.
• Try to eat regularly even if you are not hungry. Eat fresh healthy food such as fruit and vegetables that are high in vitamins and nutrients.
• Try to rest and get sleep.
• Stay hydrated. People can become dehydrated when using cocaine, take small sips of water regularly.
• Regular use of cocaine can increase the risk of heart attack or other heart problems. Using less frequently and smaller amounts may reduce this risk. ^7,8

Getting help

If your use of cocaine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au