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.