Cocaine is a highly addictive drug which acts as a stimulant. The powder can be snorted or alternatively mixed with water and injected. Crack cocaine has not been neutralized by an acid to turn it into the white hydrochloride salt. Crack cocaine comes in a rock crystal. When heated this will crack.

Cocaine is an illegal drug which acts as a CNS stimulant, this changes how the body reabsorbs dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical which is associated with movement and pleasure. A build up of dopamine increases the stimulation of the body which creates excitement.

The physical effects of cocaine include:
- Increased Temperature
- Increased Heart rate
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Constricted blood vessels
- Dilated Pupils
- Reduced Fatigue

The faster the absorption rate then the high will be even more intense, however if the absorption is faster then the high won’t last as long.

If cocaine is snorted then the high can last as long as 30 minutes, however if you smoke it then the high only typically lasts for around 10 minutes. If you use cocaine for a long time then your body can build up a resistance which can reduce the length of time you feel high for, and also make it more likely for you to become addicted. Addicts all say that they always try to take enough cocaine so that they can feel as high as their first experience with the drug.

Although the body can build up resistance to the highs, it can become more susceptible to the anesthetic and convulsant effects when taken for some time. This is probably the reason why some people have died taking small amounts of cocaine.

Other names of cocaine include:

- Coke
- Flake
- Blow
- Snow

Cocaine is a very addictive drug which normally makes the user feel on top of the world. A number of health complaints can be caused by taking cocaine, including heart attacks, seizures and strokes. If anyone takes large amounts of cocaine then they can experience strange behavior. In very rare situations taking cocaine can result in death.

Short Term Effects of Cocaine

The effects when taking cocaine can be come apparent immediately, and can disappear very quickly. If taken in small doses then it gives the person a high.

Long Term Effects of Cocaine

Once someone has tried taking cocaine they may still want to continue using the drug. Cocaine is highly addictive because it gives the body such a great high. The effects that they notice will normally decrease the longer that they take the drug for, this means that to get the same high they will have to take more and more cocaine. It can be very dangerous to take high doses of cocaine.

If you experience cocaine addiction then it is very important to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor or health care professional should be able to put you in touch with some cocaine rehab centers.