Cocaine Information

COCAINE
C, Charlie, coke, Percy, snow, toot, white

What is it?
A white powder made from the leaves of the South American coca plant. The leaves are ground into a paste and chemically treated in laboratories.

How is it taken?
Mostly snorted, but sometimes rubbed on the gums or smoked.

Legal status
A Class A drug; maximum penalty for possession is seven years in prison, for dealing, life in prison and an unlimited fine – or both

Effects
• Confidence and excitement
• Alertness and mental clarity
• Increased sexual arousal
• Tendency to talk a lot of nonsense to anyone who’ll listen
• Increased heart rate
• Suppressed appetite
• Twitchiness and agitation
• Chewing of teeth and grinding of jaw – known as ‘gurning’

Risks
• Long term damage to the nervous system
• Damage to the nose through snorting
• Can lead to depression and panic attacks
• Convulsions
• Breathing difficulties
• Coma and death

Cocaine was once a key ingredient in cola drinks before its health risks were realised and it became illegal.

Cocaine and Alcohol can be a deadly combination