What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that ups your levels of alertness, attention, and energy. You may hear it called a stimulant. It’s made from the coca plant, which is native to South America. It’s illegal in the U.S. Other names for it include:
| Generic Name | Street Name |
| Cocaine | Coke, Snow, Rock, Blow, Crack |
What are The Effects of Cocaine?
Short-Term Effects
- Extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight
- Intense happiness
- Anger/irritability
- Paranoia
- Decreased appetite
Long-Term Effects
- Headaches
- Convulsions and seizures
- Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
- Mood problems
- Sexual trouble
- Lung damage
- HIV or hepatitis if you inject it
- Bowel decay if you swallow it
- Loss of smell, nosebleeds, runny nose, and trouble swallowing, if you snort it
Do You Know Someone Struggling with Drugs?
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.