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