2. What is Cocaine? Cocaine is a strong, highly addictive Central Nervous System stimulant that interferes with the absorption of dopamine, the brain chemical related to pleasure. Pure cocaine is derived from the leaf of the Erthroxylon coca bush found in parts of South America. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, but can be administered for legitimate medical uses. There are two chemical forms, “salt” and “freebase”. “Salt”, the powdered form of cocaine, dissolves in water and can be taken intravenously or sniffed. “Freebase” refers to a compound that has not been neutralized by an acid to hydrochloric salt. This form is smokable.

3. Street Names for Cocaine Coke C Snow Flake Blow Girl

4. What is Crack? Crack is the street name given to cocaine that has been processed with ammonia, baking soda, and water, then heated to remove the hydrochloride, producing a form of cocaine that can be smoked. The term “Crack”, refers to the crackling sound that the mixture makes when being smoked. User’s experience a high in less than 10 seconds that lasts for less than 10 minutes.

5. Street Names for Crack Rock Freebase rocks Crack cocaine

6. Short Term Effects of Use Constricted peripheral blood vessels Dilated pupils Increased temperature Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Dry mouth Muscle twitches and spasms Extreme mental alertness Insomnia Reduced fatigue

7. Long-term effects of use Restlessness Irritability Difficulty breathing or respiratory failure Auditory hallucinations Nose bleeds Lost sense of smell Paranoia Risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex Infertility Sudden death

8. Withdrawal Symptoms A strong craving for the drug Tremors Changes in brain activity Eating disorders Sleep disturbances Depression Paranoia Suicidal thoughts

9. Did You Know? In the mid 1980’s, Crack Cocaine was very popular due to its immediate euphoric effect and its relative low cost. Due to the faster and shorter high, crack is more quickly addictive than the powder form of cocaine. Up to 75% of people who try cocaine will become addicted to it. Injecting cocaine can place the drug user at risk for transmitting and acquiring HIV/AIDS if needles are shared. In 2004, 34.2 million Americans aged 12 and older reported lifetime use of cocaine, and 7.8 million reported using crack.