Facts You Should Know about Cocaine - IDHS 4491

State of Illinois
Department of Human Services

Facts You Should Know About Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is in the form of a white crystalline powder.

Slang Terms:

Coke Snow

Flake 

Nose candy

Blow 

Big C

Snowbirds

Lady

White

Methods of Intake:

Snorted

Injected

THE HIGH:

Cocaine heightens alertness, inhibits appetite and the need for sleep, and provides intense feelings of pleasure. The high appears almost immediately after a single dose and disappears within a few minutes or hours. The duration of the high depends on the route of administration. The faster the absorption of the cocaine occurs, the more intense but shorter in duration the high will be.

THE LOW:

Cocaine can trigger a number of unpleasant, sometimes deadly effects. Prolonged cocaine snorting can result in ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose and can damage the nasal septum enough to cause it to collapse.

Side Effects:

Rapid speech

Bizarre behavior  

Tremors 

Muscle twitches

Paranoia 

Anxiety

Seizures 

Blurred Vision  

Headaches 

Insomnia

Heart attack 

Coma

Withdrawal Symptoms:

A cocaine high is short lived, and once the drug leaves the brain the user experiences a "coke crash."

Fatigue

Sleep & eating disorders

Depression

Irritability

Sources:

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY LOCATOR

If you would like to know what substance abuse treatment providers are in your community, contact one of the following helplines:

1-800-662-HELP

1-800-662-9832 (Espanol)

1-800-228-0427 (TTY)

OR, visit the following website: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/TreatmentLocator

If you have any questions about alcohol or other drugs, call:

Illinois Department of Human Services

Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

1-866-213-0548 (toll-free Voice)

1-866-843-7344 (toll-free TTY)

If you have questions about Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) programs or services please call or visit your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). We will answer your questions.  If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:

 1-800-843-6154

 1-866-324-5553 (TTY)

You may speak to a representative between:

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (except state holidays)

Visit our website at:  www.dhs.state.il.us


Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4491 (R-03-14) Drug Series - Cocaine  Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.  200 copies P.O.#14-1092