COCAINE/COKE/CHARLIE

what is it?

Cocaine (Cocaine Hydrochloride) is produced by processing coca leaves with a variety of chemicals including petrol, ether and hydrochloric acid.

Coca leaves have a long history of use by Native South Americans to ward off fatigue and improve respiration at high altitudes. Cocaine has become a popular recreational drug in the Western world.

what does it look like?

Cocaine is a white crystalline powder. It is usually sold in small folded paper packets (ëwrapsí).

how is it used?

Cocaine is most commonly snorted. However, some users dissolve the drug in water and inject it. It is not popular to consume Cocaine orally, although it is well (but slowly) absorbed in this way.

Cocaine is occasionally smoked, but this is not very effective due to the drugís high melting point. ëCrackí cocaine, which is created by separating the Cocaine from the Hydrochloride (creating a base rather than a salt), is more commonly smoked.

what are the effects?

Cocaine is a stimulant. It increases the userís alertness, confidence and sense of well-being. Initially, sexual arousal may be heightened. Cocaine also increases the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Appetite is suppressed. Sweating will occur and the userís pupils will dilate.

Snorting cocaine produces pleasurable effects that peak after 5-10 minutes and last for about 39 minutes. Injecting causes a much more intense but shorter high.

what are the after-effects?

The intensity of coming down from cocaine depends on how much has been used and for how long.

It usually causes a degree of depression, ranging from slight to suicidal. After ëbingeingí, there is a period of exhaustion followed by excessive sleep and intense appetite.

In some cases this may be followed by a longer period in which the user finds little pleasure or interest in daily activities. This may last for some time, particularly following heavy use.

risks

For most users the risks of cocaine use are associated with the lifestyle it encourages. This involves becoming generally run-down through poor diet and lack of sleep.

Regular users will become more vulnerable to infection. They may also suffer from erratic mood swings. The nasal membranes may become damaged through snorting cocaine. Heavy use may lead to perforation of the nasal septum.

Cocaine should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of heart or circulation problems. Cocaine use can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks in the hour following use.

Deaths associated with cocaine use occur through respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse. Injectors and very heavy snorters are particularly at risk.

Cocaine and alcohol, when taken together, form a compound called Cocaethylene which is associated with an increased risk of liver damage and premature death.

mental health issues

Cocaine can induce psychosis in susceptible users. Symptoms can include paranoia and severe depression. The risk of psychosis increases with the intensity of cocaine use.

Cocaine should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of mental health problems.

cocaine and pregnancy

Cocaine use while pregnant has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, premature labour and low birth weight. The earlier in the pregnancy that users stop taking cocaine, the lower these risks are.

Some babies appear irritable at birth. This usually resolves itself without medical intervention. dependency For a small proportion of users, consumption of cocaine can become compulsive and out of control. The desire for repeated use once the initial effects wear off can lead to binges which may continue until all supplies of the drug and/or money are exhausted.

Patterns of problematic use can vary from periodic binges to daily use. As the amounts used increase, other aspects of the userís life become neglected and less pleasure is gained from using. Money may become an issue. The user may feel that daily tasks become difficult to complete without using cocaine.

Withdrawal is characterised by depression, lethargy and intense cravings for cocaine.

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis

Straws and other forms of snorting ëtubesí should not be shared by users as this may lead to blood borne viruses being transmitted.

Injectors who share equipment (needles, syringes, water, spoons, filters or other paraphernalia) run the same risk. Those injecting can protect themselves by using sterile equipment. Clean needles and syringes can be obtained from needle exchanges and some chemists.

Cocaine and other drugs

We have mentioned the effects of combining cocaine and alcohol.

Cocaine is commonly injected with heroin (ëspeedballingí) or used with Benzodiazepines (to aid the come-down). Both practices carry risks. Speedballing is particularly risky, increasing the likelihood of overdose.

what is the legal position?

Cocaine is a Class A drug. It is illegal to possess, supply or produce cocaine.

It is illegal for occupiers of premises, or anyone concerned in the management of premises, to allow those premises to be used for production or supply of cocaine.

Being unfit to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, including cocaine, is an offence, which is likely to lead to the loss of your driving licence. Getting your licence back and obtaining insurance after losing it are likely to be difficult.

Sentences, especially for supply (including giving or selling to friends), can be heavy. Possession of even a small quantity of cocaine can lead to a charge for intent to supply. Sentences for drug offences depend upon the quantities involved, previous convictions and other relevant circumstances. For further clarification of the current legal position please call our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.