• feelings of euphoria
• increased libido
• lowered inhibitions

“G”. Fantasy, grievous bodily harm or GBH, liquid ecstasy, liquid E, liquid X, salty water, Georgia Home Boy, soap, scoop, cherry meth and blue nitro.

• High doses and frequent heavy use of cocaine can also cause “cocaine psychosis”.
• This is characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using cocaine.

Othe long-terms harms include:

• anxiety
• agitation
• panic
• paranoia
• unpredictable violent / aggressive behaviour
• dry mouth
• increased body temperature
• increased strength and energy
• indifference to pain and localised pain relief
• dilated pupils
• increased blood pressure and heart rate after initial slowing
• increased breathing rate
• reduced appetite

• Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug of abuse and an appreciable initial tolerance to the euphoric high may develop.
• They may also develop a tolerance to cocaine, which means they will need to use larger amounts to get the same effect.
• Dependence on cocaine can be psychological, physical or both. People who are dependent crave cocaine and find it very difficult to stop using it.
• People who are psychologically dependent on cocaine may feel an urge to use it when they are in specific situations.

• Cocaine blocks the uptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, thereby prolonging its effects.

• The faster the absorption the more intense and rapid the high, but the shorter the duration of action.
• Injecting cocaine produces an effect within 15-30 seconds.
• A hit of smoked crack produces an almost immediate intense experience and will typically produce effects lasting 5-15 minutes.
• Similarly, snorting cocaine produces effects almost immediately and the resulting high may last 15-30 minutes.
• The effects onset more slowly after oral ingestion (~1 hour).

• Cocaine hydrochloride is most commonly snorted.
• It can also be injected.
• It can be rubbed into the gums where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It can be added to a drink or food.
• Freebase and crack cocaine are usually smoked.

Onset

• The effects of cocaine can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how it is taken. When the immediate “rush” of the cocaine has worn off, the individual may experience a “crash”.