Cocaine
coke, blow, snow, flake, snowball, nose candy, etc.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that is put into the body in three common ways: smoking, sniffing, and/or injection. It gives users a feeling of extreme pleasure, but it lasts only a short amount of time. If cocaine is smoked (known as crack cocaine) the high is almost immediate but only lasts about 5 or 10 minutes; if it is snorted, the high may not occur as rapidly, but will most likely last longer, about 15-30 minutes.
Some Signs of a Cocaine User:
- Bloodshot eyes and/or frequent runny nose
- Nosebleeds
- Weight loss
- Dilated pupils
Some Risks of Using:
- Addiction
- Risk of paranoia and/or depression
- Headaches
- Decrease in strength of immune system
- Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness
- Decreased appetite
- Long term: cardiac arrest or damage to nasal septum
Cocaine is a very addictive substance and the high is only short-lived, so when the high ends, users continue to go back for more. They may experience a crash after their high has ended and this only helps to feed the addiction. The risks and side effects are very serious and often times using leads to serious addictions.
Sources:
Cocaine Facts (Blow) http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugs-cocaine.aspx#
Cocaine http://www.theantidrug.com/drug-information/commonly-abused-
drugs/cocaine.aspx
Signs of Cocaine Addiction http://www.addictionca.com/signs-of-cocaine-use.htm
Image from: http://www.thaimed.us/wp-content/uploads/cocaine-addiction.jpg