Cocaine/Crack

What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug extracted from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine in its pure form is a white powder.  Most users “snort” cocaine, but it can be injected or smoked from a form of cocaine called “Freebase”.

What is crack?
“Crack” is a crystal form of cocaine. When crack is vaporized and inhaled, very high doses of the drug pass into the small blood vessels of the lungs causing the same effect you would get from an intravenous injection.

What are the effects of cocaine?
The immediate effects of cocaine include; increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. Cocaine triggers pleasure sensations in the brain. The users will feel a sense of exhilaration and well-being and may feel more energetic or alert. When a person “snorts” cocaine the effects begin in a few minutes, peak in 15 to 20 minutes, and disappear within an hour. When injected or smoked, the effects occur faster and diminish sooner. Cocaine's immediate effects on the heart can be very serious. Cocaine can over tax the heart and may be fatal.

Can cocaine cause death?
In a sensitive person, even small amounts of cocaine could cause convulsions, heart and respiratory failure, and even death. This can occur even in healthy people. Overdoses of cocaine can be fatal.

What physical damage occurs from the use of cocaine?
Regular cocaine use can cause weight loss, chronic runny nose, and damage to the nose and sinuses. It can also cause lowered resistance to infections and disease, bronchitis and respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and seizures. These risks increase as the amount and frequency of the use increases.

What are the long-term psychological effects of cocaine?
Early problems of cocaine use include; increased irritability, short temper, and paranoia. Some users have trouble concentrating or remembering things, lose interest in sex, or have panic attacks. After using the drug for weeks or months users can develop chronic depression, hallucinations, and signs of psychosis.

Can people become dependent on cocaine?
Cocaine causes a strong craving for further use, and physical and psychological dependence occur quickly. Some users feel they need the drug to feel normal or to avoid the severe depression and fatigue that occurs when they stop using. Withdrawal symptoms occur when people stop using cocaine. These symptoms include; exhaustion, irritability, sleepiness, loss of energy, depression, and an intense craving for more cocaine.

How much does a cocaine habit cost?
A cocaine habit can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars weekly. The price of buying the drug is only part of the problem. The total cost of a cocaine habit includes damaged health, career, and personal life, and problems for the family and community.

What are the risks of cocaine use on an unborn child?
Women who use cocaine are at greater risk to miscarry or have spontaneous abortions. Babies of mothers who use cocaine while pregnant are often born premature or have low birth weight. They frequently suffer from tremors, and are less responsive than other newborns. Cocaine exposed babies also often show brain and nervous system problems. Women who are considering pregnancy, are pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use cocaine in any form.

Legal Information
Cocaine and Crack are controlled substances under Michigan and federal law. Use, possession, delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and manufacture of the drug are all illegal. Penalties include imprisonment and fines.
Penalties are increased if a person eighteen years or older distributes the drug to a person under eighteen, or distributes the drug near school property.