Cocaine is an illicit drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. It can also be chemically synthesised.

Cocaine belongs to the ‘stimulant’ class of drugs, which also includes amphetamines (including methamphetamine) and ecstasy. These drugs speed up messages between the brain and the body, resulting in feelings of energy, alertness and confidence.

Common street names for cocaine include C, coke, crack, nose candy, snow, white lady, toot, Charlie, blow, white dust and stardust.

See FAQ Are there different forms of cocaine? for more information about the different types of cocaine.

Cocaine increases levels of dopamine in the brain. This can result in a sense of euphoria and wellbeing, and increased confidence, alertness, energy, and sexual arousal.

Cocaine is usually snorted, though it can also be swallowed, smoked or injected.

For more information about how particular types of cocaine are used, see FAQ Are there different forms of cocaine?

Cocaine is extracted from the leaf of the coca plant and can be processed to produce three different forms:

• Cocaine hydrochloride: a fine white powder which can be snorted, ingested (rubbed into the gums) or injected. Cocaine hydrochloride is destroyed at high temperatures and therefore cannot be smoked.
• Freebase: a white powder which has been processed to remove the hydrochloride. Freebase can be smoked.
• Crack: a crystalline form which ranges in colour from white to transparent with a yellow or pink tinge. Crack can be heated and the vapours inhaled.

Cocaine use stimulates the brain and central nervous system, and can result in a variety of effects. The effect that cocaine has on an individual depends on a number of factors. These include:

• how much cocaine is taken
• the method of use
• the form and purity of the cocaine
• the height and weight of the user
• the user’s current physical and mental health status
• the user’s previous experience with cocaine (i.e. new user vs frequent user)
• whether other substances (alcohol, tobacco, medications, or other illicit drugs) are used at the same time as cocaine.

Short term effects of cocaine use can include:

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

Long term effects of cocaine use can include:

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

Combined effects when taken with alcohol can include:

• When cocaine is taken with alcohol, the liver produces a new byproduct called cocaethylene. This byproduct increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to increased risk of stroke, arrhythmia and heart attack.

For more information about the effects of cocaine, see FAQ What are the physical and mental health risks of cocaine use?

If you are worried about your own or somebody else’s cocaine use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS). The Alcohol and Drug Information Centres are state and territory-based services that offer information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support. They offer services for individuals, their family and friends, general practitioners, other health professionals, and business and community groups.

To contact ADIS, ring the 24 hour hotline on 1800 250 015 and you will be automatically directed to the ADIS in the state or territory you are calling from.

Cocaine use is associated with a range of negative outcomes for the workplace, including accidents, injuries, absenteeism and low productivity.

Cocaine use can impair concentration, coordination and judgement and produce symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, exhilaration and intolerance to pain and fatigue.

Employees who use cocaine can present a potential danger at work, especially if the user is operating machinery or driving a vehicle.